2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS weight

a child restraint system on a rear seat. Children
are generally better protected there.
If a child younger than twelve years old and
under 5 ft (1.50 m) in height is traveling in the
vehicle: R
always secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The child restraint system must be appropri-
ate to the age, weight and size of the child R
be sure to observe the instructions and safety
notes in this section in addition to the child
restraint system manufacturer's installation
instructions R
be sure to observe the instructions and safety
notes on the "Occupant classification system
(OCS)" ( Y
page 51)
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P .R
start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
G WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.
G WARNING
If the child restraint system is subjected to
direct sunlight, parts may get very hot. Chil-
dren may burn themselves on these parts,
particularly on the metal parts of the child
restraint system. There is a risk of injury.
If you leave the vehicle, taking the child with
you, always ensure that the child restraint
system is not exposed to direct sunlight. Pro- tect it with a blanket, for example. If the child
restraint system has been exposed to direct
sunlight, let it cool down before securing the
child in it. Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have
their seat belts fastened correctly and are sitting
properly. Particular attention must be paid to
children.
Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
( Y
page 46) and the notes on correct use of seat
belts ( Y
page 47).
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper seat belt positioning for children over
40 lbs (18 kg) until they reach a height where a
three-point seat belt can be properly fastened
without a booster seat.
Special seatbelt retractor
G WARNING
If the seat belt is released while driving, the
child restraint system will no longer be
secured properly. The special seat belt retrac-
tor is disabled and the inertia real draws in a
portion of the seat belt. The seat belt cannot
be immediately refastened. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying atten-
tion to road and traffic conditions. Reactivate
the special seat belt retractor and secure the
child restraint system properly.
All seat belts in the vehicle, except the driver's
seat belt, are equipped with a special seat belt
retractor. When activated, the special seat belt
retractor ensures that the seat belt cannot
slacken once the child seat is secured.
Installing a child restraint system: X
Make sure you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions. X
Pull the seat belt smoothly from the belt out-
let. X
Engage seat belt tongue in belt buckle.60
Children in the vehicle
Safety

All child restraint systems must meet the fol-
lowing standards: R
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 225 R
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 210.2
Confirmation that the child restraint system cor-
responds to the standards can be found on an
instruction label on the child restraint system.
This confirmation can also be found in the instal-
lation instructions that are included with the
child restraint system.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle inte-
rior and on the child restraint system.
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat secur-
ing system
G WARNING
For LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint sys-
tems in which the child is secured using the
safety belt integrated in the child restraint
system, the maximum permissible weight of
the child and child restraint system together
is 73 lbs (33 kg).
If the child and the child restraint system
together weigh more than 73 lbs (33 kg), the
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint system
with integrated safety belt no longer offers
sufficient protection. The LATCH-type (ISO-
FIX) child seat securing system may be over-
loaded, and the child may not be restrained in
an accident, for example. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
If the child and the child restraint system
together weigh more than 73 lb s( 33 kg), use
only a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint sys-
tem in which the child is also secured with the
vehicle seat belt. Also secure the child
restraint system with the Top Tether belt, if
available.
Regularly check that the permissible gross
weight of the child together with the child
restraint system is still maintained.
Always comply with the manufacturer's instal-
lation and operating instructions for the child
restraint system used. Before every trip, make sure that the LATCH-
type (ISOFIX) child restraint system is engaged
correctly in both LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing
rings
To ensure that the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint system can perform its protective func-
tion as intended, the backrest of the respecti ve
ou
ter seat in the second row must be in the
upright position.
! When installing the child restraint system,
make sure that the seat belt for the middle
seat does not get trapped. The seat belt could
otherwise be damaged.
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings for the outer
seat in the second row of seats
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings for the third
row of seats
Before installing a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint system on the second row of seats: X
Move the backrests in the second row of
seats to an upright position ( Y
page 101).X
Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
system on both LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing
rings C .
ISOFIX is a standardized securing system for
specially designed child restraint systems on
the rear seats.62
Children in the vehicle
Safety

m
Level controln
Compass with angle scale
Activating the driving dynamics display X
Switch on COMAND (see the Digital Opera-
tor's Manual). X
Press button C .
The driving dynamics display appears in the
COMAND display.
Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
result in overloading of the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle. This applies especially if the
ball coupling in question is longer or angled
differently. This could seriously impair the
driving characteristics and the trailer can
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and that
is designed to meet your trailer-towing
requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling
or the trailer tow hitch.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle under "Technical
data" ( Y
page 395).
G WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or
not secured with the bolt provided and the corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
G WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a detach-
able trailer coupling is used.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If you
do not couple the trailer to the towing vehicle
correctly, the trailer could become detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded: R
the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight R
the permissible trailer load R
the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle R
the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
The applicable permissible values, which must
not be exceeded, can be found: R
in the vehicle documents R
on the identification plates for the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer R
on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination: R
is heavier R
is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability R
has an increased braking distance224
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

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

X
Clean the ball co uplin g if it is dirt y.X
St ow the ball co uplin g so that it cannot be
thrown aroun d.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 300)
and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces
( Y
page 300).
In formation on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch ( Y
page 335).
Trailer power supply
! Accessories wit h a maximum power con-
sumption of 180 W can be connected to the
permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using the
power supply.
The trailer socket of your veh icle is equipp ed at
the factory wit h a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is suppli ed via
trailer socket pin 4.
The trailer's permanent power supply is
swit ched off in the event of low veh icle supply
voltage and after six hours at the latest.
A qualif ied specialist workshop can pro vide
more information about installing the trailer
electrics.
Bicycle rack
General notes
Trailer tow hitch (example wit h addit ional
guide pin ) Depending on the bicycle rack's design, you can
transport up to four bicycles on it: R
When attached by clamping onto ball cou-
pling C , the maximum payload is 75 kg. You
can transport up to three bicycles. R
When attached to ball coupling C and also
guide pin D , the maximum payload is 100 kg.
You can transport up to three bicycles.
The payload is calculated from the weight of the
bic ycle rack and the load of the bicycle rack.
To transport bicycles wit h a gross weight
between 75 kg and 100 kg, use only bicycle
racks wit h additional anchorage on guide pin D .
Important safety notes
G WARNING
The bicycle rack can detach from the vehicle if
you R
exceed the permissible payload of the
trailer tow hitch R
use the bicycle rack incorrectly R
attach the bicycle rack to the ball coupling
beneath the ball head
There is a risk of an accident.
For your safety and that of other road users,
observe the foll owin g:R
Alwa ys observe the permissible payload of
the trailer tow hitch. R
Use the bicycle rack only to transport bicy-
cles. R
Always attach the bicycle rack correctly by
clamping onto the ball head and, if possible,
to the guide pin on the ball coupling as well. R
To transport four bicycles, always use bicy-
cle racks wit h additional support on the ball
coupling's guide pin. R
Use only bicycle racks appr oved by
Mercedes-Benz. R
Alwa ys comply wit h the bicycle rack's oper-
ating manual.
! Using unsuitab le bicycle racks or using
them incorrectly can cause damage to and
fractures in the trailer tow hitch.230
Bicycle rack
Driving and parking

When loading the bicycle rack, comply with the following notes:
Number of bicycles Gross weight of bicy-
cle rack and load Max. distance C Max. distance D
3 up to 75 kg 420 mm 300 mm
4 2
up to 100 kg 2
420 mm 400 mm
2
When transporting four bicycles or a gross weight between 75 kg and 100 kg, use only bicycle racks with
additional support on the guide pin of the trailer tow hitch.232
Bicycle rack
Driving and parking

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Front Passenger Air ‐
bag Enable d See
Operator' s Manual The front-passenger fron t air bag is enabled during th e journey, eve n
though : R
a child, a small adult or an objec t weighing less than th e system' s
weigh t threshold is locate d on th e front-passenger seat
or R
th e front-passenger seat is unoccupied
The system may detec t objects or force s applyin g additional weigh t on
th e seat .
G WARNIN G
The front-passenger fron t air bag may deploy unintentionally.
There is an increased ris k of injury.X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions.X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 161).X
Switc h th e ignition off .X
Ope n th e front-passenger door .X
Remove th e child and th e child restrain t system from th e front-
passenger seat .X
Mak e sur e that there are no objects on th e seat addin g to th e
weight.
The system might otherwise detec t th e additional weigh t and inter-
pre t th e seat occupant's weigh t as greate r than it actually is.X
Kee p th e seat unoccupied , close th e front-passenger door and
switch on th e ignition .X
Observ e th e PASSENGER AI R BA G indicator lamp s in th e center
console and th e multifunction display and chec k th e fo llowing:
Se at unoccupied and ignition switched on :R
a self-diagnosis is carrie d out . The PASSENGER AI R BA G OF F and
PASSENGER AI R BA G ON indicator lamp s mus t ligh t up simulta-
neousl y for approximately six seconds. R
th e PASSENGER AI R BA G OF F indicator lamp mus t then ligh t up
and remain lit after th e self-diagnosis . If th e indicator lamp is on ,
OCS has disabled th e front-passenger fron t air bag ( Y
page 52)R
th e Front Passenger Airbag Enable d See Operator' s
Manual or Front Passenger Airbag Disabled See Opera‐
tor's Manual display message s mus t no t be shown on th e mul-
tifunction display. X
Wait for a period of at least 60 seconds until th e necessar y system
checks hav e been completed.X
Mak e sur e that th e display message s do no t appear in th e multi-
function display.
If these condition s are fulfilled , th e front-passenger seat can be occu-
pied again . Whether th e PASSENGER AI R BA G OF F or ON indicator
lamp remain s lit or goe s out depend s on how OCS classifies th e occu-
pant.
If th e condition s are no t fulfilled , th e system is no t operating correctly.Display messages 25 9
On-board computer and displays Z

Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
G WARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sudden braking or a sud-
den change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey.
G WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate
is open when the engine is running, particu-
larly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust fumes
could enter the passenger compartment.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
G WARNING
The exhaust tail pipe and tail pipe trim can
become very hot. If you come into contact
with these parts of the vehicle, you could burn
yourself. There is a risk of injury.
Always be particularly careful around the
exhaust tail pipe and the tail pipe trim. Allow
these components to cool down before touch-
ing them.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle occupants
and luggage/cargo.
Do not exceed the load limit or permitted gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle.
The gross load limit and the GVWR are specified
on the vehicle identification plate on the B-pillar
of the driver's door ( Y
page 364).
The load must also be distributed so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and rear
axles. The specifications for GVWR and GAWR are on the vehicle identification plate on the B-
pillar of the driver's door ( Y
page 364).
Observe the notes on loading the vehicle
( Y
page 364).
The handling characteristics of a laden vehicle
are dependent on the distribution of the load
within the vehicle. For this reason, you should
observe the following notes when transporting a
load: R
Never exceed the maximum permissible
gross vehicle mass or the gross axle weight
rating for the vehicle (including occupants). R
The cargo compartment is the preferred place
to carry objects. R
Position heavy loads as far forward as possi-
ble and as low down in the cargo compart-
ment as possible. R
The load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests. R
Always place the load against the rear or front
seat backrests. Make sure that the seat
backrests are securely locked into place. R
Always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible. R
Use the cargo tie-down rings and the parcel
nets to transport loads and luggage. R
Use cargo tie-down rings and fastening mate-
rials appropriate for the weight and size of the
load. R
Secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie-downs. Pad sharp edges for
protection.
Stowage spaces
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.300
Stowage areas
Stowage and features