2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class SUV Owner's Manual

IAdjusts the climate mode settings (Ypage 130)
JSwitches air-recirculation mode on/off (Ypage 133)
KSets climate control to automatic (Ypage 130)
Rear control panel
LIncreases the airflow (Ypage 131)
MSets the temperature (Ypage 131)
NSets rear-compartment climate control to automatic (Ypage 130)
ODirects the airflow through the rear air vents (Ypage 131)
PSwitches the seat heating on the right-hand side on/off (Ypage 103)
QDirects the airflow through the footwell vents (Ypage 131)
RSwitches the rear climate control on/off (Ypage 129)
SReduces the airflow (Ypage 131)
TSwitches the seat heating on the left-hand side on/off (Ypage 103)
Control panel for 3-zone automatic climate control with additional rear-com-
partment climate control
USA only
Front control panel
:Sets the temperature, left (Ypage 131)
;Defrosts the windshield (Ypage 132)
=Switches the maximum cooling MAX COOL on or off (Ypage 132)
?Switches cooling with air dehumidification on/off (Ypage 130)
Switches the residual heat on or off (
Ypage 133)
ASwitches the rear window defroster on/off (Ypage 133)
BSets the temperature, right (Ypage 131)
CSwitches the ZONE function on/off (Ypage 132)
DSwitches the rear climate control on/off (Ypage 129)
ESets the air distribution (Ypage 131)
FIncreases the airflow (Ypage 131)
Overview of climate control systems127
Climate control

GReduces theairflow (Ypage 131)
Switches off climat econtrol
HDisplay
IAdjusts th eclimat emod esetting s (Ypage 130)
JSwitches air-recirculation mod eon/off (Ypage 133)
KSets climat econtrol to automatic (Ypage 130)
Rea rcontrol panel
LIncrease sth eairflow (Ypage 131)
MSets thetemperature (Ypage 131)
NSets rear-compartmen tclimat econtrol to automatic (Ypage 130)
ODirects theairflow throug hth erear air vents (Ypage 131)
PDirects theairflow throug hth efootwell vents (Ypage 131)
QSwitches therear climat econtrol on/off (Ypage 129)
RReduces theairflow (Ypage 131)
Canadaonly
Front control panel
:Sets th etemperature, lef t (Ypage 131)
;Defroststh ewindshield (Ypage 132)
=Switches th eZON Efunction on/off (Ypage 132)
?Switches coolingwit hair dehumidification on/off (Ypage 130)
Switches th eresidual heat on or off (
Ypage 133)
ASwitches therear window defroste ron/off (Ypage 133)
BSets thetemperature, right (Ypage 131)
CSwitches therear climat econtrol on/off
DActivates/deactivates climat econtrol (Ypage 129)
ESets theair distribution (Ypage 131)
FIncreasesth eairflow (Ypage 131)
GReduces th eairflow (Ypage 131)
HDisplay
IAdjusts th eclimat emod esetting s (Ypage 130)
JSwitches air-recirculation mod eon/off (Ypage 133)
128Overview of climate control systems
Climate control

KSets climate control to automatic (Ypage 130)
Rear control panel
LIncreases the airflow (Ypage 131)
MSets the temperature (Ypage 131)
NSets rear-compartment climate control to automatic (Ypage 130)
ODirects the airflow through the rear air vents (Ypage 131)
PDirects the airflow through the footwell vents (Ypage 131)
QSwitches the rear climate control on/off (Ypage 129)
RReduces the airflow (Ypage 131)
Optimum use of automatic climate
control
Optimum use of the automatic climate
control
The following contains notes and recommenda-
tions on optimum use of the dual-zone or 3-zone
automatic climate control.
RYou can switch on climate control by using the
à and¿ orà andÁ buttons.
The indicator lamps in the Ãand
¿ buttons or the ÃandÁ buttons
light up.
RVehicles with 3-zone climate control: in
automatic mode, you can also use the
ñ button to set a climate mode (FOCUS/
MEDIUM/DIFFUSE). The MEDIUM level is
recommended.
RSet the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
ROnly use the "Windshield defrosting" function
briefly until the windshield is clear again.
ROnly use air-recirculation mode briefly, e.g. if
there are unpleasant outside odors or when in
a tunnel. The windows could otherwise fog up,
since no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle in
air-recirculation mode.
RVehicles with 3-zone climate control: use
the ZONE function to adopt the temperature
settings on the driver's side for the front-
passenger side and the rear compartment as
well. The indicator lamp above the ábut-
ton goes out.
RVehicles with 3-zone climate control: use
the "residual heat" function if you want to heat
or ventilate the vehicle interior when the igni-
tion is switched off. The residual heat function can only be activated or deactivated with the
ignition switched off.
RIf you change the settings of the climate con-
trol system, the climate status display
appears for approximately three seconds at
the bottom of the screen in the multimedia
system display. You will see the current set-
tings of the various climate control functions.
During automatic engine switch-off, the climate
control system only operates at a reduced capa-
city. If you require the full climate control output,
you can switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button (
Ypage 143).
Operating the climate control sys-
tems
Activating/deactivating climate con-
trol
General notes
When the climate control is switched off, the air
supply and air circulation are also switched off.
The windows could fog up. Therefore, switch off
climate control only briefly
Activate climate control primarily using the
à button (
Ypage 130).
In the rear compartment, you can also switch
climate control on and off using the Ãand
^ buttons.
Operating the climate control systems129
Climate control

Activating/deactivating
XTurn theSmartKey to position 2in th eignition
loc k (Ypage 138).
XTo switch on: press theà button.
The indicator lamp in th eà buttonlights
up. Airflo wand air distribution are set to auto -
matic mode.
XTo deactivate: press the^ button.
The indicator lamp in th e^ buttonlights
up.
Switching cooling with air dehumidi-
ficati onon/off
Activating/deactivating
XTo activate: press the¿ orÁ button.
The indicator lamp in th e¿ orÁ button
lights up.
XTo deactivate: press the¿ orÁ but-
ton.
The indicator lamp in th e¿ orÁ button
goe sout .The "Cooling wit hair dehumidifica-
tion "function has adelaye dswitch-off fea-
ture.
Problems with the "Cooling with air dehumidification" function
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
The indicator lamp in the
¿ orÁ button
flashes three times or
remain soff .The "Cool-
ing wit hair dehumidifi-
cation "function canno t
be switched on .Cooling withair dehumidification has been deactivated due to amal-
function .
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
Setting climate controlto automatic
Gene ral notes
In automatic mode, th eset temperature is main -
taine dautomatically at aconstan tlevel. The
system automatically regulates th etemperature
of th edispensed air, th eairflow and th eair dis-
tribution .
The "Cooling wit hair dehumidification "function
is activated automatically in automatic mode.
In th erear compartment, you can also switch
climat econtrol for th erear seat sto automatic
mod eusin gth eà button.
Automa tic control
XTurn th eSmartKey to position 2in th eignition
loc k (Ypage 138).
XSetth edesired temperature.
XTo activate: press theà button.
The indicator lamp in th eà buttonlights
up. Automatic air distribution and airflow are
activated.
XTo switch to manua lmode:p ressth e_
button.
3-zone automatic climat econtrol :when auto -
matic mod eis activated, you can select acli -
mat emod e (
Ypage 130).
Adjusting the climate mode settings
You can select th efollowin gclimat emod eset -
ting sin automatic mode:
FOCUS high airflow, slightly cooler setting
MEDIUM medium airflow, standard setting
DIFFUS Elow airflow, slightly warmer and draft-
free setting
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 138).
XPress the Ãbutton.
XPress the ñbutton repeatedly until the
desired climate mode appears in the display.
130Operating the climate control systems
Climate control

Setting the temperature
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Different temperatures can be set for the driv-
er's and front-passenger sides.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 138).
XTo increase or decrease: turn control:or
B counter-clockwise or clockwise
(
Ypage 123).
Only change the temperature setting in small
increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
3-zone automatic climate control
You can select different temperature settings
for the driver's and front-passenger sides as well
as for the rear compartment.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 138).
XTo increase or decrease temperature in
the front compartment: turn control:or
B counter-clockwise or clockwise
(
Ypage 125).
Only change the temperature setting in small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
XTo increase or reduce the temperature in
the rear compartment using the front con-
trol panel: press theábutton.
The indicator lamp in the ábutton goes
out.
The temperature setting for the driver's side
is adopted for the rear compartment and the
front-passenger side.
XTurn thumbwheel :to the left or right
(Ypage 125).
Only change the temperature setting in small
increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
XTo increase or decrease the rear compart-
ment temperature using the rear control
panel: turn control Mcounter-clockwise or
clockwise on the rear control panel
(
Ypage 125).
Only change the temperature setting in small
increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
Setting the air distribution
Air distribution settings
Front control panel
P Directs the airflow through the center
vents
O Directs air through the footwell air vents
S Directs the airflow through the center
and footwell vents
¯ Directs air through the defroster vents
b Directs the airflow through the defroster
and center vents (Canada only)
a Directs air through the defroster and
footwell vents
_ Directs the airflow through the defroster,
center and footwell air vents (Canada
only)
Rear control panel
M Directs the airflow through the rear cen-
ter and B-pillar air vents
O Directs air through the footwell air vents
iUsing the rear control panel, you can also
activate both air distribution positions simul-
taneously. In order to do this, press both air
distribution buttons. The air is then routed
through all rear air vents.
iRegardless of the air distribution setting,
airflow is always directed through the side air
vents. The side air vents can only be closed
when the controls on the side air vents are
turned downwards.
Adjusting
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 138).
XPress the _button repeatedly until the
desired symbol appears in the display.
Setting the airflow
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 138).
XTo increase: press theKbutton.
XTo reduce: press theIbutton.
Operating the climate control systems131
Climate control

iYou can use 3-zone automatic climate con-
trol to set the airflow in the rear compartment
separately.
Switching the ZONE function on/off
XTo activate: press theábutton.
The indicator lamp above the ábutton
lights up.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: the tem-
perature setting for the driver's side is not
adopted for the front-passenger side.
3-zone automatic climate control: the tem-
perature setting for the driver's side is not
adopted for the front-passenger side and the rear compartment.
XTo deactivate: press theábutton.
The indicator lamp above the ábutton
goes out.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: the tem-
perature setting for the driver's side is adop-
ted for the front-passenger side.
3-zone automatic climate control: the tem-
perature setting for the driver's side is adop-
ted for the front-passenger side and the rear
compartment.
Defrosting the windshield
General notes
You can use this function to defrost the wind-
shield or to clear a fogged up windshield or front
side windows on the inside.
Switch off the "Windshield defrosting" function
as soon as the windshield is clear again.
Activating/deactivating
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 138).
XTo activate: press the¬button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬button lights
up.
The climate control system switches to the
following settings:
Rhigh airflow
Rhigh temperature
Rair distribution to the windshield and front
side windows
Rair-recirculation mode off
XTo deactivate: press the¬button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬button goes
out. The previously selected settings are
restored. Air-recirculation mode remains
deactivated.
MAX COOL maximum cooling
The MAX COOL function is only available in vehi-
cles for the USA.
MAX COOL is only operational when the engine
is running.
XTo activate: press theÙbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ùbutton lights
up.
XTo deactivate: press theÙbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ùbutton goes
out. The previously selected settings are
restored.
When you activate MAX COOL, climate control
switches to the following functions:
Rmaximum cooling
Rmaximum airflow
Rair-recirculation mode on
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the ¿orÁ cooling with air
dehumidification function.
XActivate automatic mode Ã.
XIf the windows continue to fog up, activate the
"windshield defrosting" function
(
Ypage 132).
iYou should only select this setting until the
windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outside
XActivate the windshield wipers.
XPress the _button repeatedly until the
P orO symbol appears in the display.
iYou should only select this setting until the
windshield is clear again.
132Operating the climate control systems
Climate control

iIf you clean the windows regularly, they do
not fog up so quickly.
Rear window defroster
General notes
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as soon
as the rear window is clear. Otherwise, the rear
window defroster switches off automatically
after several minutes. If the battery voltage is too low, the rear window
defroster may switch off.
Switching on/off
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 138).
XPress the ¤button.
The indicator lamp in the ¤button lights
up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window defroster
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
The rear window
defroster has deactiva-
ted prematurely or can-
not be activated.The battery has not been sufficiently charged.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not required, e.g. reading lamps,
interior lighting or the seat heating.
When the battery is sufficiently charged, the rear window defroster
can be activated again.
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off
General notes
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle from
outside. The air already inside the vehicle will
then be recirculated.
If you switch on air-recirculation mode, the win-
dows can fog up more quickly, in particular at
low temperatures. Only use air-recirculation
mode briefly to prevent the windows from fog-
ging up.
Switching on/off
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 138).
XTo activate: press thedbutton.
The indicator lamp in the dbutton lights
up.
iIn the event of high pollution levels (3-zone
automatic climate control only) or at high out-
side temperatures, air-recirculation mode is
automatically activated. When air-recircula-
tion mode is activated automatically, the indi-
cator lamp in the dbutton is not lit. Outside air is added after about 30 minutes.
XTo deactivate:
press thedbutton.
The indicator lamp in the dbutton goes
out.
iAir-recirculation mode deactivates auto-
matically:
Rafter approximately five minutes at outside
temperatures below approximately 41 ‡
(5 †)
Rafter approximately five minutes if cooling
with air dehumidification is deactivated
Rafter approximately 30 minutes at outside
temperatures above approximately 41 ‡
(5 †) if the "Cooling with air dehumidifica-
tion" function is activated
Switching the residual heat on or off
General notes
The residual heat function is only available on
vehicles for Canada.
It is possible to make use of the residual heat of
the engine to continue heating the stationary
vehicle for up to 30 minutesafter the engine has
Operating the climate control systems133
Climate control

been switched off. The heating time depends on
the set interior temperature.
Switching on/off
XTo activate:press theÌorÁ button.
The indicator lamp in the ÌorÁ button
lights up.
iThe blower will run at a low speed regardless
of the airflow setting.
iIf you activate the residual heat function at
high temperatures, only the ventilation will be
activated. The blower runs at medium speed.
XTo deactivate: press theÌorÁ but-
ton.
The indicator lamp in the ÌorÁ button
goes out.
Residual heat is deactivated automatically:
Rafter approximately 30 minutes
Rwhen the ignition is switched on
Rif the battery voltage drops
Ionization
Ionization is used to purify the air in the vehicle
interior and attain an improved interior climate.
The ionization of the interior air is odorless and
cannot be perceived directly in the vehicle inte-
rior.
You can switch ionization on and off via the mul-
timedia system (see the separate operating
instructions).
Ionization can only be operated when the auto-
matic climate control is switched on. The side air
vent on the driver's side must be open.
Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Very hot or very cold air can flow from the air
vents. This could result in burns or frostbite in
the immediate vicinity of the air vents. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that all vehicle occupants always
maintain a sufficient distance to the air out-
lets. If necessary, redirect the airflow to
another area of the vehicle interior.
In order to ensure the direct flow of fresh air
through the air vents into the vehicle interior,
please observe the following notes:
Rkeep the air inlet grille on the hood and in the engine compartment on the front-passenger
side free of blockages, such as ice, snow or
leaves.
Rnever cover the air vents or air intake grilles in
the vehicle interior.
iFor virtually draft-free ventilation, adjust the
sliders of the air vents to the center position.
Setting the center air vents
:Center air vent, left
;Center air vent, right
=Center vent thumbwheel, right
?Center vent thumbwheel, left
XTo open or close: turn thumbwheels=
and ?to the left or right.
134Setting the air vents
Climate control