2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS technical data

R
is affected more by strong crosswinds R
demands more sensitive steering R
has a larger turning circle
This could impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to the current road and weather conditions. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
! If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the cooling system and drive train
may be necessary, depending on the vehicle
type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the chassis
frame. R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed maxi-
mum speed for vehicle/trailer combinations
in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident. R
Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
More information on availability and installa-
tion can be obtained at any qualified special-
ist workshop. R
The bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings. R
Do not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle. R
If you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess. This
will reduce the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling.
When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the max-
imum load. You will find the values in the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap of the vehicle
( Y
page 372).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all: R
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC ( Y
page 192)R
Blind Spot Assist ( Y
page 209)R
Active Lane Keeping Assist ( Y
page 215) On vehicles without level control, the height of
the ball coupling will alter according to the load
placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 395).
Driving tips Also observe the notes on pulling away with a
trailer ( Y
page 143).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents to see what the maximum
permissible speed is for your trailer. Observe the
legally permissible maximum speed in the rele-
vant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See "Technical data" to
find out whether this applies to your vehicle
( Y
page 395). If you utilize any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not exceed
a maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for
reasons concerning the operating permit. This
also applies in countries in which the maximum
permissible speed for car/trailer combinations
is greater than 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
to shift into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
that less braking will be required to maintain the
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly. If you need additional
braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly
rather than continuously.
Driving tips
If the trailer swings from side to side: X
Do not accelerate. X
Do not counter-steer. X
Brake if necessary.Towing a trailer 225
Driving and parking Z

Decoupling a trailer
G WARNING
If you uncoupl e a trailer wit h th e overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your han d
between th e vehicle and th e trailer drawbar .
There is a ris k of injury.
Do no t uncoupl e a trailer if th e overrun brake
is engaged.
G WARNING
Vehicles wit h level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soo n as you discon-
nect th e trailer cable. Thi s could result in your
limbs or those of other people that are
between th e vehicle bod y and tires or under-
neat h th e vehicle bein g trapped. There is a
ris k of injury.
Mak e sur e that nobod y is in th e immediate
vicinit y of th e whee l housings or under th e
vehicle when you disconnec t th e trailer cable.
! Do no t disconnec t a trailer wit h an engage d
overrun brake . Otherwise , your vehicle could
be damaged by th e reboundin g of th e overrun
brake .X
Shift th e transmissio n to position P .X
Apply th e vehicle' s electric parking brake .X
Start th e engine.X
Clos e th e doors and tailgate.X
Apply th e trailer's parking brake .X
Detach th e trailer cable and decoupl e th e
trailer .X
Switc h of f th e engine.
Permissible trailer loads an d drawbar
loads
Weight specifications
Maximum allowable gross mass
The gross vehicle weight of th e trailer is calcu-
lated by addin g th e weight of th e trailer to th e
weight of th e load and equipmen t on th e trailer .
You will fin d installin g dimensions and load s
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 395). Permissible noseweigh tYou will fin d installin g dimensions and load s
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 395).
Loading a trailer R
Whe n loadin g th e trailer , mak e sur e that nei-
ther th e permissible gross weight of th e trailer
no r th e gross vehicle weight are exceeded.
The permissible gross vehicle weight is indi-
cated on th e identification plat e located on
th e B-pilla r on th e driver's sid e of th e vehicle.
You can fin d th e maximum permissible values
on th e typ e plates of your vehicle and th e
trailer . Whe n calculatin g how muc h weight
th e vehicle and trailer may carry, pay atten-
tion to th e respective lowest values. R
The trailer drawbar load on th e ball couplin g
mus t be adde d to th e rea r axl e load to avoid
exceedin g th e permissible gross axl e weight .
The permissible gross vehicle weight is indi-
cated on th e identification plat e located on
th e B-pilla r on th e driver's sid e of th e vehicle.
i Mercedes-Ben z recommends a trailer load
wher e th e trailer drawbar noseweigh t
accounts fo r 8 % to 15 % of th e trailer's per -
missible gross weight .
i The weight of additional accessories , pas-
sengers, and cargo reduce s th e permissible
trailer load and drawbar load fo r your vehicle.
Checking th e vehicle an d trailer weigh tR
To chec k that th e weight s of th e towin g vehi-
cl e and th e trailer compl y wit h th e maximum
permissible values, hav e th e vehicle/trailer
combination (includin g th e driver , passen -
gers, and cargo wit h a full y lade n trailer )
weighed on a calibrated weighbridge .R
Chec k th e gross axl e weight ratin g of th e fron t
and rea r axles, th e gross weight of th e trailer
and th e trailer drawbar noseweight.
Removin g th e ball coupling X
Remov e th e sprin g cotter.X
Remov e th e bolt from th e ball couplin g
recess . X
Remov e th e ball couplin g from th e ball cou-
plin g recess .Towing a trailer 229
Driving and parking Z

Roof carrier
Important safety notes
G WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving character-
istics change. If you exceed the maximum roof
load, the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, will be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use roof carriers that have been tested and
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This
helps to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Position the load on the roof carrier in such a
way that the vehicle will not sustain damage
even when it is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, ensure
that when the roof carrier is installed you can: R
raise the sliding sunroof fully R
open the panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel fully R
open the tailgate fully
You will find information on the maximum roof
load in the "Technical data" section
( Y
page 392).
An incorrectly secured roof carrier or roof load
may become detached from the vehicle. You
must therefore ensure that you observe the roof
carrier manufacturer's installation instructions.
Attaching the roof carrier X
Secure the roof carrier to roof rails C . In
doing so, observe the manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions.
Features
Cup holder
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you transport objects in the vehicle interior
and these are not adequately secured, they
could slip or be flung around and thereby
strike vehicle occupants. In addition, cup
holders, open stowage spaces and mobile
phone brackets may not always be able to
hold the objects placed in them in the event of
an accident. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sharp braking or sudden
changes of direction. R
Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about in these or similar
situations. R
Always make sure that objects do not pro-
trude out of the stowage spaces, luggage
nets or stowage nets. R
Ensure that closable stowage spaces are
shut before beginning your journey. R
Always stow and secure heavy, hard, poin-
ted, sharp-edged, fragile or large objects in
the cargo compartment.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 300).
! Only use the cup holders for containers of
the right size and which have lids. The drinks
could otherwise spill.
! Do not expose drinks bottles in the cup
holder in the center console to continuous,
strong and direct sunlight. The passenger
compartment in the area of the center con-
sole can otherwise be damaged by the con-
centrated and reflected sunlight.
Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key in the tem-
perature-controlled cup hol der ( Y
page 309).
Otherwise, the KEYLESS-GO key will not be rec-
ognized.308
Features
Stowage and features

Information regarding technical data
i The dat a state d her e specifically refers to a
vehicl e wit h standard equipment. Consult an
authorize d Mercedes-Ben z Cente r for th e
dat a for all vehicl e variants and trim levels.
Vehicle electronics
Installing two-way radios and mobile
phones (RF transmitters)
G WARNIN G
The electromagneti c radiation from two-way
radios can interfere wit h th e vehicl e electron -
ics if two-way radios are manipulated or ret -
rofitte d incorrectly. This could jeopardiz e th e
operating safet y of th e vehicle. Ther e is a ris k
of an accident.
You should hav e all wor k on electrical and
electronic component s carried out at a quali-
fie d specialist workshop.
G WARNIN G
If you incorrectl y operate two-way radios in
th e vehicle, th e electromagneti c radiation
may interfere wit h th e vehicl e electronics , for
exampl e if:R
th e two-way radi o is no t connecte d to an
exterio r antennaR
th e exterio r antenna is no t correctl y moun -
te d or is no t low-reflection
This could jeopardiz e th e operating safet y of
th e vehicle. Ther e is a ris k of an accident.
Hav e th e low-reflection exterio r antenna
installed at a qualified specialist workshop.
Always connec t two-way radios to th e low-
reflection exterio r antenna when operating in
th e vehicle.
! The operating permit may be invalidated if
th e instruction s for installation and use of
two-way radios are no t observed. In particular, th e followin g condition s must be
complied with: R
only approve d wavebands may be used R
observ e th e maximum permissible output
in these wavebands R
only approve d antenna position s may be
used
Excessiv e levels of electromagneti c radiation
may caus e damag e to your healt h and th e healt h
of others. Using an exterio r antenna takes int o
accoun t curren t scientific discussion s relating
to th e possible healt h hazards that may result
from electromagneti c fields.
The fo llowin g a
ntenna position s may be used for
th e correc t installation of two-way radios:
Approved antenna position s
C
Rear roo f areaD
Rear fender
i On th e rear fenders, it is recommended to
position th e antenna on th e side of th e vehicl e
closes t to th e center of th e road .
Use Technical Specification ISO/TS 2160 9
(Road Vehicles – "EM C guidelines for installa-
tion of aftermarket radi o frequency transmitting
equipment") when installin g wireless devices.
Observ e th e legal requirements for accessory
parts.
If your vehicl e has installation s for two-way radi o
equipment, use th e power suppl y or antenna
connection s intended for use wit h th e basic wir-
ing . Be sur e to observ e th e manufacturer' s Sup -
plemen t when installing.
Deviation s wit h respec t to frequency bands,
maximum transmission output s or antenna
position s must be approve d by Mercedes-Benz.384
Vehicle electronics
Technical data

Fuel
Important safety notes
G WARNIN G
Fuel is highly flammable . If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a ris k of fir e and explo-
sion .
You must avoi d fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switc h off th e engin e
and , if applicable, th e auxiliary heating before
refueling.
G WARNIN G
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
Ther e is a ris k of injury.
You must mak e sure that fuel does no t come
int o contact wit h your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is no t swallowed. Do no t inhale fuel
vapors. Kee p fuel away from children .
If you or other s come int o contact wit h fuel ,
observ e th e following:R
Wash away fuel from skin immediately
usin g soap and water.R
If fuel comes int o contact wit h your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly wit h
clean water. Seek medical assistanc e with-
out delay. R
If fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do no t induce vomit -
ing . R
Immediately chang e out of clothing whic h
has come int o contact wit h fuel .
Tank capacity
Model Total capa-
cit y
All models
26.4 US gal
(100. 0 l) Model Of which
reserv e
Mercedes ‑ AMG vehicles
Approx.
3. 7 US gal
(14.0 l)
Al l ot her models
Approx.
3.2 US gal
(12.0 l)
Gasoline Fuel grade
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Do not switch on the ignition
if you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel system.
Even small amounts of the wrong fuel could
result in damage to the fuel system and the
engine. Notify a qualified specialist workshop
and have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
! Only refuel using unleaded premium grade
gasoline with at least 91 AKI/95 RON.
i E10 fuel contains up to 10% bioethanol.
Your vehicle is E10-compatible. You can
refuel your vehicle using E10 fuel.
! Only use the fuel recommended. Operating
the vehicle with other fuels can lead to dam-
age to the fuel system, engine and exhaust
system.
! Do not use the following: R
Gasoline with more than 10% ethanol R
E100 (1 00% ethanol) R
Gasoline with methanol R
M100 (1 00% methanol) R
Gasoline with metalliferous additives R
Diesel
Do not mix such fuels with the fuel recom-
mended for your vehicle.
! To ensure the longevity and full perform-
ance of the engine, only premium-grade
unleaded gasoline must be used.Service products and filling capacities 387
Technical data Z

If standard unleaded gasoline is unavailable
and you have to refuel with unleaded gasoline
of a lower grade, observe the following pre-
cautions: R
Only fill the fuel tank to half full with regular
unleaded gasoline and fill the rest with pre-
mium-grade unleaded gasoline as soon as
possible. R
Do not drive at the maximum speed. R
Avoid sudden acceleration and engine
speeds over 3,000 rpm.
You will usually find information about the fuel
grade on the fuel pump. If you cannot find the
label on the fuel pump, ask the gas station staff.
i For more information, please contact a
qualified specialist workshop or visit
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
As a temporary measure, if the recommended
fuel is not available, you may also use regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
87 AKI/91 RON. This may reduce engine per-
formance and increase fuel consumption. Avoid
driving at full throttle and sudden acceleration.
Never refuel using gasoline with a lower AKI.
Information on refueling ( Y
page 156).
Additives
! Operating the engine with fuel additives
added later can lead to engine failure. Do not
mix fuel additives with fuel. This does not
include additives for the removal and preven-
tion of residue buildup. gasoline must only be
mixed with additives recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. Comply with the instructions
for use on the product label. More information
about recommended additives can be
obtained from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use bran-
ded fuels that have additives.
The fuel quality available in some countries may
not be sufficient. Residue could build up in the
fuel injection system as a result. In such cases,
and in consultation with an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, the fuel may be mixed
with the cleaning additive recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. You must observe the notes
and mixing ratios specified on the container. Diesel Fuel grade
G WARNING
If you mix diesel fuel with gasoline, the flash
point is lower than that of pure diesel fuel.
When the engine is running, exhaust system
components could overheat without being
noticed. There is a risk of fire.
Never refuel with gasoline. Never mix gasoline
with diesel fuel.
! Only use Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD),
otherwise it may lead to increased wear and
damage to the fuel system, engine and
exhaust system.
! Do not use the following: R
gasoline R
diesel with a bio-diesel content greater
than 5% (e.g. B20) R
bio-diesel R
vegetable oil R
paraffin R
kerosene R
marine diesel R
heating oil
Do not mix such fuels with diesel fuel and do
not use any special additives. Otherwise,
engine damage may occur.
! In countries outside USA and Canada, only
use sulfur-free diesel with a sulfur content
under 50 ppm. Otherwise, the emission con-
trol system could be damaged.
You will usually find information about the fuel
grade on the pump. If you cannot find the label
on the pump, ask the staff for assistance.
Information on refueling ( Y
page 156).
Low outside temperatures
i Diesel fuel with improved cold flow proper-
ties is available during the winter months.
Further information about fuel properties can
be obtained from oil companies, e.g. at gas
stations.388
Service products and filling capacities
Technical data

DEF
Important safet y notesComply wit h th e important safet y note s fo r ser -
vic e products when handlin g DE F ( Y
page 386).
DE F is a water-soluble flui d fo r th e exhaus t gas
aftertreatmen t of diesel engines. It is:R
no t poisonousR
colorles s and odorlessR
no t flammable
Whe n you ope n th e DE F container, small
amount s of ammonia vapor may be released.
Ammoni a vapor s hav e a pungen t odo r and are
particularly irritatin g to th e skin , to mucous
membrane s and to th e eyes . You may experi-
ence a burning sensation in your eyes , nose and
throat . Coughin g and watering of th e eyes are
possible.
Do no t inhale ammonia vapors. Fil l th e DE F tank
only in well-ventilated areas.
Low outsid e temperaturesDE F freezes at a temperature of approximately
12 ‡ (-11 †). The vehicle is delivered from th e
factory equipped wit h a DE F preheatin g system.
Winte r operation can thus be guaranteed eve n
at temperature s belo w 12 ‡ (-11 †).
Additives
! Only use DE F in accordance wit h IS O
22241. Do no t use additive s wit h DE F and do
no t dilut e DE F wit h water. Thi s may destroy
th e BlueTE C exhaus t gas aftertreatmen t sys -
tem.
Purity
! Impurities in DE F (e.g. due to other servic e
products , cleanin g agents or dust ) lead to :R
increase d emission valuesR
damage to th e catalytic converterR
engin e damageR
malfunction s in th e BlueTE C exhaus t gas
aftertreatmen t syste m
Assurin g th e purit y of DE F is particularly impor -
tant wit h respec t to avoidin g malfunction s in th e
BlueTE C exhaus t gas aftertreatmen t system.
If DE F is pumped out of th e DE F tank , e.g. durin g
repair work, it mus t no t be returned to th e tank . The purit y of th e flui d can no longer be guaran-
teed.
Filling capacities Model Tota l capacity
GLS 350 d 4MATIC
10.2 US gal
(38.7 l)
Engin e oil
General notes
! Do no t use engin e oil or an oil filte r wit h
specification s deviatin g from those expressl y
require d fo r th e prescribed servic e intervals.
Do no t chang e th e engin e oil or oil filte r in
order to set replacement intervals longer than
those prescribed. Thi s could otherwise cause
damage to th e engin e or exhaus t gas after-
treatment.
Follow th e instruction s on th e servic e interval
display fo r changin g th e engin e oil. Thi s could
otherwise cause damage to th e engin e or
exhaus t gas aftertreatment.
Whe n handlin g engin e oil, observ e th e important
safet y note s on servic e products ( Y
page 386).
The engin e oils are matched to th e performanc e
of Mercedes-Ben z engines and servic e intervals.
You should therefore only use engin e oils and oil
filters that are approved fo r vehicles wit h main -
tenance systems .
Fo r a list of approved engin e oils and oil filters ,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Ben z Center.
Alternatively, visit th e websit e
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com .
The table shows whic h engin e oils hav e bee n
approved fo r your vehicle.Service products and filling capacities 389
Technical data Z

Gasoline engines MB-Freigabe or
MB-Approval
All models
229.5, 229.6
Mercedes ‑ AMG vehicles
229.5
Diesel engines MB-Freigabe or
MB-Approval
GLS 350 d 4MATIC
229.52
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: only use SAE 0W-40
or SAE 5W-40 engine oils.
i MB approval is indicated on the oil contain-
ers.
Filling capacities The following values refer to an engine oil
change, including the oil filter.
Model Capacity
GLS 350 d 4MATIC
8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
GLS 550 4MATIC
Mercedes ‑ AMG
vehicles 9.0 US qt (8.5 l)
Al l ot her models
7.4 US qt (7.0 l)
Ad ditives
! Do not use any additives in the engine oil.
This could damage the engine.
Brake fluid
G WARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. If the boiling point of the brake
fluid is too low, vapor pockets may form in the
brake system when the brakes are applied
hard. This would impair braking efficiency.
There is a risk of an accident.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals. Comply with the important safety notes for ser-
vice products when handling brake fluid
( Y
page 386).
Only use brake fluid approved for Mercedes-
Benz according to MB-Freigabe or MB-Approval
331.0.
Information about approved brake fluid can be
obtained at any qualified specialist workshop or
on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com .
i Have the brake fluid regularly replaced at a
qualified specialist workshop in accordance
with the replacement intervals and the
replacement confirmed in the service report.
Coolant
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot com-
ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Let the engine cool down before you add anti-
freeze. Make sure that antifreeze is not spilled
next to the filler neck. Thoroughly clean the
antifreeze from components before starting
the engine.
! Only add coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection. You
could otherwise damage the engine.
Further information on coolants can be found
in the Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Ser-
vice Products, MB BeVo 310.1, e.g. on the
Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com . Or con-
tact a qualified specialist workshop.
! Always use a suitable coolant mixture, even
in countries where high temperatures prevail.
Otherwise, the engine cooling system is not
sufficiently protected from corrosion and
overheating.
i Have the coolant regularly replaced at a
qualified specialist workshop and the replace-
ment confirmed in the service report.
Comply with the important safety notes for ser-
vice products when handling coolant
( Y
page 386).390
Service products and filling capacities
Technical data