2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC SUV suspension

Off-road program
Slippery off-road program
You can select theSlipperyoff-road program
for snow or rain.
The Slippery off-road program has the following
characteristics:
RThe steering, drive, transmission and suspen-
sion are adapted for comfort.
RVehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL: the
vehicle is adjusted to normal level.
RThe ECO start/stop function is available
(Ypage 140).
ESP®and 4ETS programs especially adapted to
slippery surfaces are also activated for maxi-
mum stability.
For more information on driving with snow
chains, see (
Ypage 351).
Off-road off-road program
You can select the Off-roadoff-road program
for driving on easily negotiable terrain, e.g. dirt
roads, gravel and sand.
The Off-road program has the following char-
acteristics:
RThe steering, drive and suspension are adap-
ted for comfort
RThe transmission is adapted for off-road driv-
ing
RVehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL: the
vehicle is raised by 0.6 in (15 mm) compared
with the normal level
The Off-road program assists you when driving
in easily negotiable off-road terrain. The
engine’s performance characteristics and the
gearshifting characteristics of the automatic
transmission are adapted for this purpose. ABS,
ESP
®and 4ETS programs especially adapted to
off-road driving are also activated.
Rocking free off-road program
The Rocking free off-road program is available
only in vehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL.
You can select the Rocking freeoff-road pro-
gram to free the vehicle from especially difficult
off-road terrain at low speeds. The
Rocking free off-road program has the fol-
lowing characteristics:
RThe steering, drive and suspension are adap-
ted for comfort
RThe transmission is adapted for off-road driv-
ing
RThe vehicle is raised by 2.0 in (50 mm) com-
pared with the normal level
ABS, ESP
®and 4ETS programs especially adap-
ted to off-road driving are also activated.
The Ro
cking free off-road program can be
selected up to a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h).
If you are driving in the Rocking freeoff-road
program at speeds above 12 mph (20 km/h):
Rthe vehicle switches to the off-road program
Off-road
Rthe vehicle is lowered by 1.4 in (35 mm)
Notes on driving off-road (
Ypage 165).
Gradient off-road program
You can use the Gradientoff-road program to
overcome steep terrain.
The Gradient off-road program has the follow-
ing characteristics:
RThe steering, drive and suspension are adap-
ted for comfort
RThe transmission is adapted for off-road driv-
ing
RManual gearshifting is activated
(Ypage 152)
RVehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL: the
vehicle is raised by 0.6 in (15 mm) compared
with the normal level
RDSR is activated (Ypage 180)
ABS, ESP®and 4ETS programs especially adap-
ted to gradients are also activated.
Trailer off-road program
Select the Traileroff-road program when tow-
ing a trailer.
The Trailer off-road program has the following
characteristics:
RThe steering, drive and suspension are adap-
ted for comfort
RThe transmission is adapted for off-road driv-
ing
182Driving systems
Driving and parking

XTheRACESTARTReleasebraketostartmessage appears on the multifunction dis-
play.
iIn this phase you can adjust RACE START
depending on the road conditions: you can
vary the engine speed by pulling on one of the
steering wheel paddle shifters. The segments
in the multifunction display flicker rapidly.
iIf you do not release the brake pedal within
a short time, RACE START will be canceled.
The RACE START Canceled
message
appears in the multifunction display.
XTake your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum acceler-
ation.
The RACE START Active
message appears
on the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately 30 mph (Can-
ada: 50 km/h).
RACE START is deactivated immediately if you
release the accelerator pedal during RACE
START or if any of the activation conditions are
no longer fulfilled. The RACE START Canceled
message appears in the multifunction display.
iIf RACE START is used repeatedly within a
short period of time, it is only available again
after the vehicle has been driven a certain
distance.
AIR BODY CONTROL
General notes
AIR BODY CONTROL is an air suspension system
with variable damping for improved driving com- fort. All-round level control ensures the best
possible suspension and constant ground clear-
ance, even with a laden vehicle. When you drive
fast, the vehicle is lowered automatically to
improve driving safety and to reduce fuel con-
sumption. There is also the option to manually
adjust the vehicle level.
AIR BODY CONTROL consists of:
Rair suspension system with variable spring
rate
Rautomatic level control
Rspeed-dependent lowering to reduce fuel
consumption
Rmanual level control
RADS PLUS (Adaptive Damping System with
continuous damping adjustment)
RDYNAMIC SELECT switch (Ypage 144) and
level button (Ypage 185)
Available suspension settings
C (Comfort)Rthe suspension setting is
comfortable
Rthe vehicle is set to normal
level
RMercedes-AMG GLC 43
4MATIC: at speeds above
100 mph (160 km/h), the
vehicle level lowers
RMercedes-AMG GLC 63
4MATIC+/GLC 63 S
4MATIC+: at speeds above
112 mph (180 km/h) , the
vehicle level lowers
RAll other models: at speeds
above 86 mph, (138 km/h)
the vehicle level lowers
RMercedes-AMG GLC 43
4MATIC: at speeds less than
87 mph (140 km/h), the
vehicle is raised again
RMercedes-AMG GLC 63
4MATIC+/GLC 63 S
4MATIC+: at speeds less
than 75 mph (120 km/h),
the vehicle is raised again
RAll other models: at speeds
below 50 mph (80 km/h),
the vehicle is raised again
RMercedes-AMG GLC 63
4MATIC+/GLC 63 S
4MATIC+: the 4MATIC+ is
synchronised dynamically
E (Econ-
omy)Rthe suspension setting is
comfortable
Rthe vehicle is set to low level
Rat higher speeds, the vehicle level does not continue to
lower
184Driving systems
Driving and parking

S(Sport)Rthe suspension setting is
more taut
Rthe vehicle is set to low level
Rat higher speeds, the vehicle
level does not continue to
lower
RMercedes-AMG GLC 63
4MATIC+/GLC 63 S
4MATIC+: the 4MATIC+ is
synchronised more dynami-
cally
S+ (Sport
Plus)
Mercedes-
AMG GLC
63 4MATIC
+/GLC
63 S
4MATIC+:
RACERthe suspension setting is
even more taut
Rthe vehicle is set to low level
Rat higher speeds, the vehicle
level does not continue to
lower
RMercedes-AMG GLC 63
4MATIC+/GLC 63 S
4MATIC+: the 4MATIC+ is
synchronised more dynami-
cally
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.
iIf one of the doors is open, the vehicle is not
lowered.
Vehicle level
Setting the raised vehicle level
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: it is possible to
choose between the "Normal" and "Raised"
vehicle levels below a speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h). Select the "Normal" setting for nor-
mal road surfaces and "Raised" for driving with
snow chains or on particularly poor road surfa-
ces. Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
All other models: it is possible to choose
between the "Normal" and "Raised" vehicle lev-
els below a speed of 50 mph (80 km/ h). Select
the "Normal" setting for normal road surfaces
and "Raised" for driving with snow chains or on
particularly poor road surfaces. Your selection
remains stored even if you remove the Smart-
Key from the ignition lock.
XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ;is not lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up.
The vehicle is set to high level.
The Vehicle Rising
message appears on
the multifunction display.
iThe message disappears after ten seconds,
irrespective of the level reached. If necessary,
the vehicle is raised further.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC: the "Raised
level" setting is canceled if you:
Rdrive at speeds greater than 44 mph
(70 km/h)
Rdrive for approximately three minutes at
speeds greater than 37 mph (60 km/h)
Driving systems185
Driving and parking
Z

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+/GLC 63 S
4MATIC+:the "Raised level" setting is canceled
if you:
Rdrive at speeds greater than 44 mph
(70 km/h)
Rdrive for approximately three minutes at
speeds greater than 37 mph (60 km/h)
All other models: the "Raised level" setting is
canceled if you:
Rdrive faster than 75 mph (120 km/h)
Rdrive for approximately three minutes at a
speed above 50 mph (80 km/h)
The "Raised level" remains active when you are
not driving within these speed ranges.
Setting the normal vehicle level
XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ;is lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ;goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to the height of the currently selec-
ted drive program (
Ypage 144).
Lowering the rear of the vehicle (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Lowering using the button in the left-hand-
side cargo compartment trim
XApply the electric parking brake.
XShift the transmission to position j.
XPull switch:briefly.
Indicator lamp ;flashes until the vehicle has
been lowered.
The vehicle is lowered.
When the vehicle has been lowered, indicator
lamp ;remains lit. Lowering is interrupted if:
Ra vehicle door is opened
Rbutton
:was briefly pulled again
Rthe vehicle is moving faster than 1 mph
(2 km/h)
The vehicle is automatically set to the level of
the most recently selected drive program
(
Ypage 144) if you drive faster than 1 mph
(2 km/h).
Raising the rear of the vehicle (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Raising using the button in the left-hand-
side cargo compartment trim
XPull switch :briefly.
Indicator lamp ;goes out.
The vehicle is raised.
The vehicle is automatically set to the level of
the most recently selected drive program
(
Ypage 144) if you drive faster than 1 mph
(2 km/h).
XIf the vehicle can no longer be raised
when stationary: start the engine.
The process will then be continued.
If you drive off when the rear of the vehicle has
been lowered, the ÁVehicle Rising
Please Waitmessage may appear on the mul-
tifunction display.
AMG sports suspension based on AIR
BODY CONTROL (Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles)
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 is adjusted using the
corresponding button in the center console.
iThe mode can also be set using the
DYNAMIC SELECT switch (Ypage 144).
186Driving systems
Driving and parking

This is possible only if the same mode is
selected for the suspension by pressing the
button on the center console for AMG sports
suspension based on AIR BODY CONTROL
and the DYNAMIC SELECT switch. This is the
case, for example, when both are set to Com-fort mode.
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 138).
Sport mode
"Sport" mode ensures a more taut suspension
setting. Select this mode when employing a
sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country
roads.
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp =lights up. You have selected
Sport mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT
mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
Sport + mode
"Sport +" mode ensures a very taut suspension
setting.
If indicator lamps ;and =are off:
XPress button :twice.
Indicator lamps ;and =light up. You have
selected Sport + mode.
The AMG
SuspensionSystemSPORT +mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
If indicator lamp =lights up:
XPress button :once.
Second indicator lamp ;lights up. You have
selected Sport + mode. The
AMG
SuspensionSystemSPORT +mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
Comfort mode
In "Comfort" mode, the driving characteristics of
your vehicle are comfortable. Select this mode if
you favor a more comfortable driving style.
XPress button :repeatedly until indicator
lamps ;and =go out.
You have selected Comfort mode.
The AMG
SuspensionSystemCOMFORTmes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures permanent drive for all four
wheels. Together with ESP®, it improves the
traction of your vehicle whenever a drive wheel
spins due to insufficient grip.
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you are inattentive, 4MATIC can neither reduce the risk
of an accident nor override the laws of physics.
4MATIC does not take into account
Rthe road and weather conditions
Rthe traffic situation
4MATIC is only an aid. You are responsible for
the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for staying in
your lane.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:
ROnly depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
RAccelerate less when driving.
!Never tow the vehicle with one axle raised.
This may damage the transfer case. Damage
of this sort is not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty. All wheels must
remain either on the ground or be fully raised.
Observe the instructions for towing the vehi-
cle with all wheels in full contact with the
ground.
iIn wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if you
use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow chains
if necessary.
Driving systems187
Driving and parking
Z

Traffic Sign Assist display
XSwitch on the display function for notes and
traffic signs (Ypage 232).
XPress theòbutton on the steering wheel
to open the menu list.
XPress the :or9 button on the steering
wheel to select the AMGmenu.
XConfirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
XPress the 9button repeatedly until the
Traffic Sign Assist display appears.
G-Meter
While the vehicle is in motion, the G-Meter
shows the forces that are exerted on the driver
both laterally and in the direction of travel.
The maximum values are indicated in red in the
guideline system.
XPress òon the steering wheel to open the
menu list.
XPress the :or9 button on the steering
wheel to select the AMGmenu.
XConfirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
XPress the 9button repeatedly until the G-
Meter appears. The maximum values of the G-Meter are
saved.
XTo reset the G-Meter:
pressaagain.
XUsing :or9 select Yeson the steer-
ing wheel.
XPress ato confirm.
The maximum values of the G-Meter are
deleted.
If the ignition remains switched off for longer
than four hours, the G-Meter will be automati-
cally reset.
SETUP
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+
(Example)
:
Drive system Comfort/Sport/Sport+
;Suspension Comfort/Sport/Sport +
=Transmission D/M
?Exhaust system Comfort/Sport +
AESP®On/Offor SPORT handling mode
Sport
SETUP shows the following functions and set-
tings:
Rthe gear indicator
Rthe digital speedometer
Rthe drive system setting
Rthe suspension mode
Rthe transmission position
Rthe exhaust flap position
Rthe ESP®(Electronic Stability Program) status
236Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC
(Example)
:
DriveEco/Comfort/Sport/Sport +
;Suspension Comfort/Sport/Sport +
=Steering Comfort/Sport
?ECO Start/Stop Active/Inactive/Off
AESP®On/Offor SPORT handling mode
Sport
SETUP shows the following functions and set-
tings:
Rthe gear indicator
Rthe digital speedometer
Rthe drive system setting
Rthe suspension mode
Rthe steering setting
Rthe setting of the ECO start/stop function
Rthe ESP®(Electronic Stability Program) status
Select SETUP
XUse ò on the steering wheel to call up the
list of menus.
XPress :or9 on the steering wheel to
select the AMGmenu.
XConfirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
XPress 9repeatedly until SETUP appears.
RACE TIMER
Displaying and starting RACETIMER
:Lap
;RACETIMER
The RACETIMER is only intended for use on a
closed race circuit. Do not use the function on
public roads.
You can start the RACETIMER when the engine is
running or the ignition is switched on.
XUse ò on the steering wheel to call up the
list of menus.
XPress the :or9 button on the steering
wheel to select the AMGmenu.
XConfirm by pressing aon the steering
wheel.
XPress :or9 repeatedly until the
RACETIMER appears.
XTo start: press the abutton to start the
RACETIMER.
Starting a new lap
:Lap
;RACETIMER
=Quickest lap time
Menus and submenus237
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Á
Drive MoreSlowly
You canno tchang eth evehicl elevel. Possibl ecauses are:
RYou are drivin gto ofas tfor th eselected vehicl elevel
RYou are drivin gto ofas twit h a trailer or th etrailer-coupling socke tis
bein gused ,e.g. for abicycle rac k
XDrive moreslowly and then select th edesire dvehicl elevel again
(Ypage 185).
XObserv eth enote son towin g atrailer (Ypage 215).
Á
Compresso rIs Cool‐ing
You hav eselected ahigher vehicl elevel. The compressor first needs
to cool down because of frequen tlevel changes.
XDrive in amanne rappropriat efor th ecurren tvehicl elevel.
XMak esur ethat there is sufficien tground clearance .
XAllow thecompressor to cool down .
Whe nth ecompressor has cooled down ,th edisplay message dis-
appears. The vehicl ethen continues rising to th eselected level.
à
Malfunction
AI R BODY CONTROL is malfunctioning .The vehicle's handlin gchar-
acteristics may be affected.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: th eAM Gsport ssuspension base don AI R
BODY CONTROL is malfunctioning .The vehicle's handlin gcharacter-
istics may be affected.
XDrive as appropriat efor th ecurren tvehicl elevel, but do no texceed
50 mph (80 km/h).
XMak esur ethat there is sufficien tground clearance .
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
LaneKeepin gAssistCurrently Unavaila‐ble See Operator' sManualorActiveLan eKeepin gAssistCurrently Unavaila‐ble See Operator' sManual
LaneKeepin gAssis tor Active Lan eKeepin gAssis tis deactivated and
temporarily inoperative.
Possibl ecauses are:
Rth ewindshield in th ecamera' sfield of vision is dirty
Rvisibilit yis impaire ddue to heav yrain ,snow or fog
Rthere hav ebeen no lan emarking sfor an extended period
Rth elan emarking sare wor naway, dark or covered up, e.g. by dir tor
snow
Whe nth ecauses state dabov eno longer apply, th edisplay message
disappears.
Lan eKeepin gAssis tor Active Lan eKeepin gAssis tis operational
again .
If th edisplay message does no tdisappear :
XPull overand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 158).
XClean th ewindshield.
Display messages25 7
On-board computer and displays
Z