2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class SUV differential

CockpitOverview .......................................... 33
see Instrument cluster
Collapsible spare wheel
Inflating ........................................ .374
see Emergency spare wheel
COMAND
Driving dynamics display ............... 221
Switching on/off ........................... 288
COMAND display
Cleaning ......................................... 329
Combination switch .......................... 113
Connecting a USB device
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 287
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 232
Controller ........................................... 288
Convenience closing feature .............. 87
Convenience opening feature ............ 87
Coolant (engine)
Checking the level ......................... 322
Display message ............................ 257
Filling capacity ............................... 383
Important safety notes .................. 382
Temperature (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 241
Temperature gauge ........................ 230
Warning lamp ................................. 283
Cooling
see Climate control
Copyright ............................................. 32
Cornering light function
Display message ............................ 256
Crash-responsive emergency light-
ing ....................................................... 117
Crosswind Assist ................................. 69
Crosswind driving assistance ............ 69
Cruise control
Activating ....................................... 173
Activation conditions ..................... 173
Cruise control lever ....................... 172
Deactivating ................................... 173
Display message ............................ 267
Driving system ............................... 172
Function/notes ............................. 172
Important safety notes .................. 172 Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 173
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 303
Important safety notes .................. 302
Rear compartm ent ......................... 303
T

emperature controlled ................. 303
Third row of seats .......................... 304
Customer Assistance Center
(CAC) ..................................................... 29
Customer Relations Department ....... 29
D
Data
see Technical data
Data carrier
Selecting ........................................ 235
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 256
Function/notes ............................. 112
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 239
Declarations of conformity ................. 28
DEF
Adding ........................................... 156
Display message ............................ 260
Filling capacity ............................... 381
Important safety notes .................. 381
Diagnostics connection ...................... 29
Differential lock (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 263
Digital speedometer ......................... 233
DIRECT SELECT lever
Automatic transmission ................. 146
Display messages
ASSYST PLUS ................................ 323
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 244
Driving systems ............................. 261
Engine ............................................ 257
General notes ................................ 243
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 243
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 273
Lights ............................................. 256
Safety systems .............................. 245
SmartKey ....................................... 273
Tires ............................................... 268
Vehicle ........................................... 270
8Index

RLOW RANGE offroad gear (vehicles with the
Offroad Engineering package) (Ypage 219)
RDifferential lock (vehicles with the Off-Road
Engineering package) (Ypage 218)
ROff-road ABS (Ypage 64)
ROff-road 4ETS (Ypage 67)
ROff-road ESP®(Ypage 68)
RAIRMATIC package (vehicle level)
(Ypage 186)
RDSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
(Ypage 216)
Observe the following notes:
RStop the vehicle before starting to drive along
an off-road route. If necessary, select the off-
road program (
Ypage 218) or shift to the
LOW RANGE off-road gear (Ypage 219).
RSelect a vehicle level that is suitable for the
terrain. To avoid damaging the vehicle, make
sure there is always sufficient ground clear-
ance.
RCheck that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(
Ypage 299).
RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient. Activate
DSR (
Ypage 216).
RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
RAdapt your speed to the terrain. The rougher,
steeper or more ruts on the terrain, the slower
your speed should be.
RDo not jump with the vehicle as this will inter- rupt the vehicle's propulsion.
RDrive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-road
routes where visibility is poor. For safety rea-
sons, get out of the vehicle first and survey
the off-road route.
RLook out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows.
RAlways keep the doors, the tailgate, the side
windows and the sliding sunroof closed whilethe vehicle is in motion.
RDo not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission position N.
RObserve the notes on off-road fording
(Ypage 167).
iDo not use the HOLD function when driving
off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gradients
or on slippery or loose surfaces. The HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle on such sur-
faces.
Checklist before driving off-road
!If the engine oil warning lamp lights up while
the vehicle is in motion, stop the vehicle in a
safe place as soon as possible. Check the
engine oil level. The engine oil warning lamp
warning must not be ignored. Continuing the
journey while the symbol is displayed could
lead to engine damage.
XEngine oil level: check the engine oil level
and add oil if necessary.
When driving on steep gradients, the engine
oil level must be sufficiently high to ensure a
correct oil supply in the vehicle.
XDEF tank (BlueTEC vehicles): check the
level and add if necessary (Ypage 156).
XTire-changing tool kit: check that the jack is
working and make sure you have the lug
wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding
spade in the vehicle.
XWheels and tires: check the tire tread depth
and tire pressure.
XCheck for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the wheels/
tires.
XReplace any missing valve caps.
XReplace dented or damaged wheels.
XRims: dented or bent rims can result in a loss
of tire pressure and damage the tire bead.
Before driving off-road, check the wheels and replace them if necessary.
Checklist after driving off-road
!If you detect damage to the vehicle after
driving off-road, have the vehicle checked
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Driving over rough terrain places greater
demands on your vehicle than driving on normal
roads. After driving off-road, check the vehicle.
This allows you to detect damage promptly and
reduce the risk of an accident to yourself and
other road users.
XIf the Offroad orOffroad Plus drive program
is selected: select the Individual,Sport,
Driving tips169
Driving and parking
Z

Speed limit with unknown restriction
:Maximum permitted speed
;Maximum permitted speed for vehicles for
which the restriction in the additional sign isrelevant
=Additional sign for unknown restriction
A maximum permitted speed of 80 mph
(80 km/h) and a speed limit of 60 mph
(60 km/h) with an unknown restriction apply.
Lane Tracking package
General notes
The Lane Tracking package consists of Blind
Spot Assist (Ypage 207) and Lane Keeping
Assist (Ypage 209).
Blind Spot Assist
General notes
Blind Spot Assist monitors the areas on either
side of the vehicle that are not visible to the
driver with two lateral, rear-facing radar sen-
sors. A warning display in the exterior mirrors
draws your attention to vehicles detected in the
monitored area. If you then switch on the cor-
responding turn signal to change lane, you will
also receive an optical and audible warning.
Blind Spot Assist supports you from a speed of
approximately 20 mph (30 km/h).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Blind Spot Assist does not react to:
Rvehicles overtaken too closely on the side,
placing them in the blind spot area
Rvehicles which approach with a large speed
differential and overtake your vehicle
As a result, Blind Spot Assist may not give
warnings in such situations. There is a risk of
an accident.
Always observe the traffic conditions care-
fully, and maintain a safe lateral distance.
Blind Spot Assist is only an aid. It may fail to
detect some vehicles and is no substitute for
attentive driving. Always ensure that there is
sufficient distance to the side for other road
users and obstacles.
iUSA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC as
a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar sensor
is intended for use in an automotive radar
system only. Removing, tampering with, or
altering the device will void any warranties,
and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tam-
per with, alter, or use in any non-approved
way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Radar sensors
The radar sensors for Blind Spot Assist are inte-
grated into the rear bumper. Make sure that the bumpers are free from dirt, ice or slush. The
sensors must not be covered, for example by
cycle racks or overhanging loads. Following a
severe impact or in the event of damage to the
bumpers, have the function of the radar sensors
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Blind Spot Assist may no longer work properly.
Monitoring range of the sensors
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be
impaired if:
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rthere is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy
rain or snow
Rnarrow vehicles, e.g. motorcycles or bicycles
Driving systems207
Driving and parking
Z

Rthe road is narrow and winding
Rthere are strong shadows cast on the road
Switching on Lane Keeping Assist
XSwitch on Active Lane Keeping Assist using
the on-board computer; to do so, select
Standard
orAdaptive(Ypage 238).
If you drive at speeds above 40 mph
(60 km/h) and lane markings are detected,
the lines in the assistance graphics display
(
Ypage 237) are shown in green. Lane Keep-
ing Assist is ready for use.
Standard
If Standardis selected, no warning vibration
occurs if:
Ryou switch on the turn signals. In this event,
the warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time.
Ra driving safety system intervenes, such as
ABS, BAS or ESP®.
Adaptive
When Adaptiveis selected, no warning vibra-
tion occurs if:
Ryou switch on the turn signals. In this event,
the warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time.
Ra driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ABS,
BAS or ESP®.
Ryou accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown.
Ryou brake hard.
Ryou steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid an
obstacle or change lanes quickly.
Ryou cut the corner on a sharp bend.
In order that you are warned only when neces-
sary and in good time if you cross the lane mark-
ing, the system recognizes certain conditions
and warns you accordingly.
The warning vibration occurs earlier if:
Ryou approach the outer lane marking on a
bend.
Rthe road has very wide lanes, e.g. a highway.
Rthe system recognizes solid lane markings.
The warning vibration occurs later if:
Rthe road has narrow lanes.
Ryou cut the corner on a bend.
Driving Assistance PLUS package
General notes
The Driving Assistance Plus package consists of
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC (Ypage 174), Active
Blind Spot Assist (Ypage 210) and Active Lane
Keeping Assist (Ypage 213).
Active Blind Spot Assist
General notes
Active Blind Spot Assist monitors the areas on
either side of the vehicle that are not directly
visible to the driver with two lateral, rear-facing
radar sensors. A warning lamp lights up in the
exterior mirrors and draws your attention to
vehicles detected in the monitored area. If you
then switch on the corresponding turn signal to change lanes, you will also receive a visual and
audible collision warning. If a risk of lateral col-
lision is detected, corrective braking may help
you avoid a collision. Before a course-correcting
brake application, Active Blind Spot Assist eval-
uates the space in the direction of travel and at the sides of the vehicle. For this, Active Blind
Spot Assist uses the forward-facing radar sen-
sors.
Active Blind Spot Assist supports you from a
speed of approximately 20 mph (30 km/h).
Important safety notes
Active Blind Spot Assist is only an aid and is not
a substitute for attentive driving.
GWARNING
Active Blind Spot Assist does not react to:
Rvehicles overtaken too closely on the side,
placing them in the blind spot area
Rvehicles which approach with a large speed
differential and overtake your vehicle
As a result, Active Blind Spot Assist may nei-
ther give warnings nor intervene in such sit-
uations. There is a risk of an accident.
Always observe the traffic conditions care-
fully, and maintain a safe lateral distance.
iUSA only: This device has been approved by
the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The
radar sensor is intended for use in an auto-
motive radar system only. Removal, tamper-
ing, or altering of the device will void any war-
210Driving system s
Driving an d parking

Offroad programs (vehicles with Off-
road Engineering package)
General notes
TheOffroad andOffroad Plus drive programs
assist you when driving off-road. The engine's
performance characteristics and the gearshift-
ing characteristics of the automatic transmis-
sion are adapted for this purpose. ABS, ESP
®
and 4ETS programs especially adapted to off-
road driving are activated. An accelerator pedal
curve suitable for the terrain is selected, i.e. the
accelerator pedal must be depressed further to
accelerate.
Do not use the OffroadorOffroad Plus drive
programs on roads that are snow-covered or icy,
or if you have installed your vehicle with snow
chains.
Offroad drive program
:DYNAMIC SELECT controller
;Offroad program indicator lamp
Select the Offroadprogram for easily negotia-
ble off-road terrain, e.g. dirt tracks, gravel or
sandy surfaces. The engine's torque is restric-
ted to a limited degree and the drive wheels can
spin. The spinning wheels produce a cutting
effect for better traction. ABS, ESP
®and 4ETS
programs especially adapted to off-road driving are activated. A gentle accelerator pedal curve
is also selected, i.e. the accelerator pedal must
be depressed much further in order to acceler-
ate.
You can select the Offroaddrive program at
speeds below 60 mph (96 km/h). The Drive
Program "Offroad" Max. Speed 60 mphmessage appears in the multifunction display. If
you drive at speeds above 60 mph (96 km/ h)
and select the Offroaddrive program, the
Drive More Slowly
message appears in the multifunction display. The last active drive pro-
gram is selected again.
Selecting the Offroad program
XTo select a drive program: turn DYNAMIC
SELECT controller
:until indicator lamp ;
lights up.
The Drive program "Offroad" Max.
speed 60 mphmessage appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
The vehicle is raised by +1.2 in (30 mm).
The vehicle changes from the Offroaddrive pro-
gram to the Comfortdrive program if you drive
faster than 70 mph (112km/ h).
The Drive more slowly
message appears in
the multifunction display.
Offroad Plus drive program
:DYNAMIC SELECT controller
;Offroad Plus drive program indicator lamp
Select the Offroad Plus drive program for rough
terrain, e.g. for steep and/or uneven terrain or
for driving on rocky terrain.
Your vehicle has an automatically activated dif-
ferential lock for the transfer case. It controls
the balance between the front and rear axles.
The differential lock improves the vehicle's trac-
tion. 4ETS (
Ypage 67) controls the balance
between both wheels on an axle.
Selecting the Offroad Plus drive program
XTo select drive program: turn DYNAMIC
SELECT controller :until indicator lamp ;
lights up.
The Drive program "Offroad Plus"
Max.speed25mphmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
218Driving systems
Driving and parking

RTheOffroad Plus program is selected and
the vehicle is raised by +1.2 in (30 mm)
compared with the Offroaddrive program.
RDSR is switched on.
RThe differential lock is closed.
You can select the Offroad Plus drive program at
speeds below 25 mph (40 km/ h).
The Offroad Plus drive program automatically
switches to the Offroad drive program if you
drive faster than 30 mph (45 km/h) . TheDrive
more slowlymessage appears in the multi-
function display.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
(
Ypage 168).
LOW RANGE offroad gear (vehicles with
the Offroad Engineering package)
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you select the LOW RANGE off-road gear on
a slippery road surface, the wheels could lose traction:
Rif you remove your foot from the accelera-
tor pedal when driving
Rif off road ABS intervenes when braking
If the wheels lose traction. the vehicle can no
longer be steered. There is an increased dan-
ger of skidding and accidents.
Never select the LOW RANGE off-road gear
when driving on slippery road surfaces.
GWARNING
If you do not wait for the transfer case gear
change process to complete, the transfer
case could remain in the neutral position. The power transmission to the driven wheels is
then interrupted. There is a danger of the
vehicle rolling away unintentionally. There is a
risk of an accident.
Wait until the transfer case shift process is
completed.
Do not turn off the engine while changing gear
and do not shift the automatic transmission to
another position.
General notes
:LOW RANGE offroad gear button
;LOW RANGE offroad gear indicator lamp
HIGH RANGEPosition for all normal on-
road driving conditions
LOW RANGEOffroad position for driving
off-road and fording
The transmission ratio
between the engine and
wheels is only approx-
imately one third of that in
the HIGH RANGE road posi-
tion. Drive torque is thus
proportionately higher.
Do not use LOW RANGE:
Ron slippery road surfaces,
e.g. in the case of slush
Ron snow or ice-covered
roads
Rif you have mounted snow
chains to your vehicle
The LOW RANGE offroad gear assists you in
driving off-road and when fording. When LOW
RANGE is engaged, the engine’s performance
characteristics and the gearshifting character-
istics of the automatic transmission are adapted
for this purpose.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
(
Ypage 168). You will find information about
driving safety systems in conjunction with
LOW RANGE in the "Safety" section (
Ypage 63).
Driving systems219
Driving and parking
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
LOW RANGE ShiftingCanceled PleaseReactivate
The gear chang eprocess was no tcarrie dout .
XEnsur ethat all gear chang econdition sare fulfilled and carry out th e
gear chang eprocess again .
LOW RANGE Sto pApply ParkingBrakeAwarning tone also sounds. The gear chang eprocess has no tbeen
completed. LOW RANGE is in th eneutral position .There is no con-
nection between th eengin eand th edrive wheels.
!Do no tdrive any further. You could otherwise damag eth evehi-
cle's drive train .
XStop thevehicle. Tak eint oaccoun tth eroa dand traffic condition s
when doin gthis.
XDepress th eelectric parking brak e (Ypage 160).
XCarryout th egear chang eprocess again .
If th egear chang eprocess has been carrie dout ,th eLOW RANGE
Sto pApply Parkin gBrakemessage disappears.
Driving dynamics display in the
COMAND display (vehicles with the Off-
roa d Engineering-package)
Genera lnotes
The drivin gdynamic sdisplay allows you to see
th eselected drive progra mand additional infor-
mation about th evehicle's operating status in
th eCOMAND display.
:Drive progra mselected
;Status of th edifferential loc kfor th etransfer
cas e
=Accelerato rpedal position shown in %
?Brake pedal position shown in %
ACondition of theLOW RANGE offroa dgear
BAngle of inclination
CSteering angle
DUphill or downhill gradien tin percentage
ELevel control
FCompass wit hangle scale
Activating th edrivin gdynamics displa y
XSwitchon COMAND .You can fin dfurther
information in th eseparat eCOMAND operat-
ing instructions.
XPress butto n:.
The drivin gdynamic sdisplay appear sin th e
COMAND display.
Towing a trailer
Import ant safety notes
GWARNIN G
Installin gan unsuitable ball couplin gmay
result in overloadin gof th etrailer to whitch
and th erear axle. This applie sespecially if th e
ball couplin gin question is longer or angled
differently. This could seriously impair th e
Towing a trailer221
Driving and parking
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
8
Different.Loc kSys.Malfunction
The differential loc kis malfunctioning .
XDo notdrive at speeds abov e50 mph (80 km/h).
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
8
Different.Lockin gSys.Coolin gDow nPlease Wai t
The differential loc kis to ohot and has been disengaged .
XDrive on carefully.
XAllow thedifferential loc kto cool down .
The differential loc kre-engage sas soo nas it has cooled down .
LOW RANGE StopApply ParkingBrakeAgearshift process has been canceled. LOW RANGE is in th eneutral
position .There is no connection between th eengin eand th edrive
wheels.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XApply th eelectric parking brake. Do no tcontinu edrivin gunder any
circumstances.
XRepeat th egearshift process.
LOW RANGE Malfunc‐tio nToPark,ApplyBrake
LOW RANGE is malfunctioning .
XDo notdrive at speeds abov e50 mph (80 km/h).
XWhe nparking ,secure th evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 159).
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
LOW RANGE Max.Speed 25 mphYou haveexceeded th emaximum speed for th egearshift process.
XDrive mor eslowly.
The gear chang eis made .
LOW RANGE Max .Speed 40 mphYou haveexceeded th emaximum speed for th egearshift process.
XDrive mor eslowly.
The gear chang eis made .
LOW RANGE Shift ToPosition NBriefl yYou hav ereduce dth evehicl espeed, but th eautomatic transmission
is no tin position N.
XBriefly shift th eautomatic transmission to position N.
LOW RANGE ShiftingCanceled PleaseReactivat e
The gearshift process has been canceled.
XRepeat thegearshift process.
Ã
Inoperative
DS R(Downhill Speed Regulation )is deactivated due to amalfunction .
XHaveDS Rchecke dat aqualified specialist workshop .
Display messages263
On-board computer and displays
Z