2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class SUV suspension

Setting the center air vents ........... 134
Setting the side air vents ............... 135
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIRMATIC package
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ... 186
Function/notes ............................. 186
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 72
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 72
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 72
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
AMG
Adaptive sport suspension sys-
tem ................................................ 189
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 241
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Approach/departure angle .............. 171
Ashtray ............................................... 305
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 237
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 236
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ........ 323
Hiding a service message .............. 323
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 323
Service message ............................ 323
Special service requirements ......... 323
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 72
Function ........................................... 72
Switching off the alarm .................... 72
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 237
Display message ............................ 261
Function/notes ............................. 205
Audio 20
Switching on/off ........................... 288
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 234Audio system
see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 256
see Lights
Automatic car wash (care) ............... 324
Automati
c engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 143
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 142
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 112
Automatic transmission
Accelerator pedal position ............. 149
Changing gear ............................... 149
DIRECT SELECT lever ..................... 146
Display message ............................ 270
Drive program ................................ 149
Drive program display .................... 148
Driving tips .................................... 149
DYNAMIC SELECT controller ......... 145
Emergency running mode .............. 153
Engaging drive position .................. 148
Engaging neutral ............................ 147
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 147
Engaging reverse gear ................... 147
Engaging the park position ............ 146
Kickdown ....................................... 149
Manual shifting .............................. 150
Oil temperature (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 241
Overview ........................................ 146
Problem (malfunction) ................... 153
Pulling away ................................... 141
Starting the engine ........................ 140
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 150
Trailer towing ................................. 149
Transmission position display ........ 148
Transmission positions .................. 148
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 153
AUX jacks
CD/DVD drive ............................... 293
Index5

DistancePilot DISTRONIC
Activatin g...................................... .176
Activation conditions ..................... 176
Cruise control lever ....................... 175
Display Message ............................ 266
Displays in the instrument cluster .. 179
Driving tips ....................................1 80
Function/notes .............................1 74
Important safety notes .................. 174
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 178
Stopping ........................................ 177
Switching off .................................. 178
Warning lamp ................................. 285
Distance recorder
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 285
Distance warning function
Function/notes ................................ 65
Warning lamp ................................. 285
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 239
Automatic locking (switch) ...............8 1
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ...................................... .74
Control panel .................................. .40
Display message ............................ 272
Emergency locking ........................... 81
Emergency unlocking ....................... 81
Important safety notes .................... 80
Opening (from inside) ...................... 80
Overview .......................................... 80
Power closing .................................. 81
Drinking and driving ......................... 163
Drive program
Automatic transmission ................. 149
Off-Road program (vehicles with-
out Off-Road Engineering pack-
age) ............................................... 217
Off-road programs (vehicles with
Off-Road Engineering package) ...... 218
SETUP (on-board comp uter) .......... 241
D

rive programs
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 148
Driver's door
see Doors Driving
Important safety notes .................. 137
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service ................. 324
Driving Assistance PLUS package ... 210
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle ............ 171
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving safety system
Active Brake Assist .......................... 64
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 63
Active Brake Assist with cross-
traffic function ................................. 69
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 69
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 65
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 64
Distance warning function ............... 65
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution) ............................................. 69
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 66
Important safety information ........... 63
Overview .......................................... 63
STEER CONTROL ............................. 72
Driving system
AIRMATIC package ........................ 186
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 174
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with
Steering Pilot ................................. 180
Parking assist PARKTRONIC .......... 190
Parking Pilot .................................. 193
Driving systems
360°camera .................................. 201
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 210
Active Curve System ...................... 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 213
ADS ............................................... 186
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 189
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 205
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 207
Cruise control ................................ 172
Display message ............................ 261
Driving Assistance Plus package ... 210
Index9

SocketsCenter console .............................. 306
General notes ................................ 306
Luggage compartment ...................3 07
Rear compartment ......................... 306
Sound
Switching on/off ........................... 288
Special seat belt retractor .................. 57
Specialist workshop ............................ 29
Speed, controlling
see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 233
In the Instrument cluster ................. 34
Segments ...................................... 229
Selecting the display unit ...............2 38
Standing lamps
Display message ............................ 256
Switching on/off ........................... 113
Start/Stop button
Starting the engine ........................ 140
Start/stop function
see ECO start/stop function
Starting (engine) ................................ 139
STEER CONTROL .................................. 72
Steering
Display message ............................ 272
Steering Pilot
Activating/deactivating ................. 237
Display message ............................ 267
Steering wheel
Adjusting (electrically) ................... 106
Adjusting (manually) ...................... 105
Button overview ............................... 35
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 230
Cleaning ......................................... 329
Important safety notes .................. 105
Steering wheel heating .................. 106
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 110
Steering wheel heating
Problem (malfunction) ................... 106
Switching on/off ........................... 106
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 150
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 241
Stowage areas ................................... 294 Stowage compartments
Armrest (under) ............................. 295
Center console .............................. 296
Center console (rear) ..................... 296
Cup holders ................................... 302
Eyeglasses compartment ............... 296
Glove box ....................................... 295
Important safety information ......... 294
Stowage net ................................... 296
Stowage ne t
....................................... 296
Summe

r tires
In winter ........................................ 348
Sun visor ............................................ 304
Suspension setting
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 189
Suspension settings
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 241
SUV
(Sport Utility Vehicle) ....................... 28
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 133
Switching on media mode
Via the device list .......................... 292
T
Tachometer ........................................ 229
Tailgate
Display message ............................ 271
Emergency unlocking ....................... 85
Important safety notes .................... 81
Limiting the opening angle ............... 85
Opening dimensions ...................... 384
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 84
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 83
Opening/closing (from outside) ....... 82
Power closing .................................. 81
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 34
Technical data
Capacities ...................................... 378
Information .................................... 376
Tires/wheels ................................. 371
20Index

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Vehicles with a gasoline
engine:
The engine is not running
smoothly and is misfir-
ing.There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic converter
and damage it.
XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
The coolant temperature
gage shows a value
above 248 ‡ (120 †).The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine is no
longer being cooled sufficiently.
XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to
cool down.
XCheck the coolant level (Ypage 322). Observe the warning notes
as you do so and add coolant if necessary.
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to change
the drive program. Depending on the drive pro-
gram selected the following vehicle character-
istics will change:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
Rthe transmission
Rthe suspension
Rthe steering
Rthe availability of the ECO start/stop function
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-
Key or the Start/Stop button, the Comfortdrive
program is activated. For further information
about starting the engine, see (
Ypage 139).
XAll vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): turn DYNAMIC SELECT controller :as many times as necessary until the desired
drive program is selected.
The selected drive program appears in the
multifunction display. After five seconds the
display goes out.
In addition, the current drive program settings
are displayed in the multimedia system dis-
play.
Drive programs available (all vehicles
except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):
IndividualIndividual settings
SportSporty driving characteris-
tics
ComfortComfortable and economi-
cal driving characteristics
SlipperyOptimal driving characteris-
tics on slippery or snow-
covered roads
Off-roadOptimal driving characteris-
tics for easily negotiable off-
road terrain
Offroad Plus
(vehicles with
Off-Road Engi-
neering pack-
age)Optimal driving characteris-
tics for rough terrain
DYNAMIC SELECT controller145
Driving and parking
Z

Comfort drive program
TheComfort drive program has the following
characteristics:
Rcomfort-oriented engine and transmission
settings.
Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
Rthe vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the accel-
erator pedal is depressed fully.
Rthe automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being driven
at lower engine speeds and the wheels being
less likely to spin.
Sport drive program
The Sport drive program has the following char-
acteristics:
Rsporty engine and transmission settings.
Rthe automatic transmission shifting up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points.
Rthe suspension exhibits sporty damping (vehi-
cles with AIRMATIC).
Drive program Sport Plus (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles)
The Sport Plus drive program has the following
characteristics:
Rthe vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics.
Rthe vehicle pulling away in first gear.
Rthe automatic transmission shifting up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points.
Rthe suspension exhibits particularly firm
springing and damping settings (vehicles with AIRMATIC).
Rthe ECO start/stop function is deactivated, it
can, however, be activated again using the
ECO button (
Ypage 143).
Individual drive program
In the Individual drive program, the following
properties of the drive program can be selected:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
Rthe transmission
Rthe suspension
Rall vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):
the steering
Rall vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):
availability of the ECO start/stop function
To select the gears in the Individualdrive pro-
gram permanently using the steering wheel pad-
dle shifters, select the permanent manual gear-
shift program.
Information about configuring the Individual
drive program with the multimedia system can
be found in the Digital Operator's Manual.
Manual gear shifting
General notes
You can change gear yourself using the steering
wheel paddle shifters. The transmission must be
in position D.
Depending on which steering wheel paddle
shifter is pulled, the automatic transmission
immediately shifts into the next gear down or
up, if permitted.
To use manual shifting, you have two options:
Rtemporary setting
Rpermanent setting
If you activate manual gearshifting, the multi-
function display will show the current gear
instead of transmission position D.
If manual gearshifting is deactivated, the gears
will be selected automatically.
150Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

When the HOLD function is activated, the trans-
mission is shifted automatically to positionPif:
Rthe driver's door is open and the driver's seat
belt is unfastened.
Rthe engine is switched off, unless it is auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/stop
function.
The electric parking brake secures the vehicle
automatically if the HOLD function is activated
when the vehicle is stationary and:
Ra system malfunction occurs.
Rthe power supply is not sufficient.
On steep uphill or downhill inclines or if there is
a malfunction, the transmission may also be
automatically shifted into position P.
AIRMATIC package
General notes
AIRMATIC is an air suspension system with var-
iable damping for improved driving comfort.
Level control ensures the best possible suspen-
sion and constant ground clearance, even with a
laden vehicle. When you drive fast, the vehicle is
lowered automatically to improve driving safety
and to reduce fuel consumption. There is also
the option to manually adjust the vehicle level.
AIRMATIC consists of:
Rlevel settings
Rlevel control and
RADS or ADS PLUS (Adaptive Damping Sys-
tem)
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): your vehicle may also be equipped with
the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM (
Ypage 187).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: your vehicle is equip-
ped with the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
(
Ypage 187).
Observe the notes on driving with a trailer
(
Ypage 222).
The vehicle level can be set using the DYNAMIC
SELECT controller (
Ypage 145) or the level but-
ton (Ypage 188). The setting always corre-
sponds to the last selected function.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle or
in the immediate vicinity of the wheel arches
when the vehicle is being lowered.
If you unlock the vehicle or open a door, the
vehicle begins to compensate for load discrep-
ancies while still parked. However, for signifi-
cant level changes, such as after the vehicle has
been stationary for a long period, the engine
must be on. For safety reasons, the vehicle is
only lowered when the doors are closed. Low-
ering is interrupted if a door is opened, and it
continues once the door has been closed.
ADS and ADS PLUS (Adaptive Damping
System)
General notes
The Adaptive Damping System automatically
controls the calibration of the dampers. The
damping characteristics adapt to the current
operating and driving situation.
The damping is tuned individually to each wheel
and depends on:
Ryour driving style, e.g. sporty
Rthe road surface conditions
Rthe drive program selected
Rthe vehicle level setting
Selecting Comfort mode
186Driving systems
Driving and parking

In theComfort drive program, the driving char-
acteristics of your vehicle are more comforta-
ble. Therefore, select this mode if you favor a
more comfortable driving style. Also select the
Comfort drive program when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of high-
way.
XSelect the Comfortdrive program using
DYNAMIC SELECT controller :.
The vehicle is adjusted to normal level.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): in theComfort drive program, the vehicle
is:
Rlowered by 0.6 in (15 mm) if you drive at
speeds above 78 mph (125 km/h)
Rraised again if you drive at speeds below
50 mph (80 km/h)
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: in theComfort drive
program, the vehicle is:
Rlowered by 0.4 in (10 mm) if you drive at
speeds above 112 mph (180 km/h)
Rraised again if you drive at speeds below
87 mph (140 km/h)
Selecting Sport mode
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
the Sport drive program ensures even better
contact with the road. Select this drive program
when employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on
winding country roads.
DSR is not available in the Sportdrive program.
For further information on DSR, see
(
Ypage 216).
XSelect the Sportdrive program using
DYNAMIC SELECT controller :.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): the vehicle is lowered by 0.6 in (15 mm)
compared to the normal level. Mercedes-AMG vehicles:
the vehicle
remains at the normal level.
Selecting Sport Plus tuning (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles)
The very firm setting of the suspension setting in
the Sport Plus drive program ensures the best
possible contact with the road. Select this drive
program when employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country roads or primarily when
driving on race circuits.
DSR is not available in the Sport Plusdrive pro-
gram. For further information on DSR, see
(
Ypage 216).
XSelect the Sport Plus drive program using
DYNAMIC SELECT controller :.
The vehicle is lowered by 0.4 in (10 mm) com-
pared to the normal level.
ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
The ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM uses active stabil-
izers to optimize both driving comfort and vehi-
cle dynamics. Depending on the drive program
selected (
Ypage 149), the ACTIVE CURVE SYS-
TEM also changes the setting.
If you have selected the Comfortdrive program:
Rrolling movement is reduced in the event of
changing surface undulations
Rthe roll angle when cornering is reduced
Rthe driving is dynamic
If you have selected the Sportdrive program:
Rthe roll angle is reduced significantly
Rthe driving is even more dynamic
Driving systems187
Driving and parking
Z

Vehicles with a trailer coupled:below a speed
of 19 mph (30 km/h), you can choose between
the normal and raised vehicle level.
Setting the raised vehicle level
XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ;is not lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ;flashes while the vehicle is
being raised, and lights up continuously as
soon as the vehicle reaches the desired level.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): the vehicle is raised by 2.4 in (60 mm)
compared to the normal level.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the vehicle is
raised by 2 in (50 mm) compared to the nor-
mal level.
The Vehicle Rising
message appears in the
multifunction display.
The message remains until the raised level is
reached.
If you press the %ora button on the
multifunction steering wheel, the message will
disappear.
The raised level setting is canceled if you:
Rdrive at speeds above 37 mph (60 km/h) (all
vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Rdrive at speeds above 43 mph (70 km/h)
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Rdrive at speeds between 40 mph (64 km/h)
and 43 mph (70 km/h) for approximately 20
seconds (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Rdrive at speeds above 19 mph (30 km/h) with a trailer
The raised vehicle level remains saved when you
are not driving within these speed ranges.
Setting the normal vehicle level
!Make sure that there is enough ground
clearance when the vehicle is being lowered.
It could otherwise hit the ground, damaging
the underbody.
XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ;is lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ;flashes while the vehicle is
being lowered, and goes out as soon as the
desired vehicle level is reached.
Vehicles with no trailer coupled: the vehi-
cle is adjusted to the height of the selected
drive program (
Ypage 145).
Vehicles with a trailer coupled: the vehicle
is adjusted to normal level regardless of the
drive p
rogram selected (Ypage 145). The
vehicle remains at the normal level, even if the drive program is changed.
During the adjustment, the Lowering
mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
If you press the %ora button on the
multifunction steering wheel, the message will
disappear.
AMG adaptive sport suspension sys-
tem
General notes
The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
The damping is tuned individually to each wheel
and depends on:
Ryour driving style, e.g. sporty
Rthe road surface condition, e.g. bumps
Ryour individual selection of Sport, Sport + or
Comfort
The suspension setting can be adjusted using
the corresponding button in the center console
or the DYNAMIC SELECT controller
(
Ypage 145).
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-
Key or the Start/Stop button, Comfort mode is
activated. For further information about starting
the engine, see (
Ypage 139).
Driving systems189
Driving and parking
Z