2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV Owner's Manual

GWARNING
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side reduces the size of the image. Visible
objects are actually closer than they appear.
This means that you could misjudge the dis-
tance from road users traveling behind, e.g.
when changing lane. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
For this reason, always make sure of the
actual distance from the road users traveling
behind by glancing over your shoulder.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1or2 in the
ignition lock (Ypage 140).
XExterior mirror on the driver's side: press but-
ton :.
Exterior mirror on the front-passenger side:
press button ;.
The indicator lamp in the corresponding but-
ton lights up in red.
The indicator lamp goes out again after some
time. You can adjust the selected exterior
mirror using button =as long as the indicator
lamp is lit.
XPress button =up, down, or to the right or
left until you have adjusted the exterior mirror
to the correct position. You should have a
good overview of traffic conditions.
The convex exterior mirrors provide a larger field of vision.
The exterior mirrors are heated automatically if
the rear window defroster is switched on and the
outside temperature is low.
Folding the exterior mirrors in or out
electrically
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1or2 in the
ignition lock (Ypage 140).
XBriefly press :.
Both exterior mirrors fold in or out.
iMake sure that the exterior mirrors are
always folded out fully while driving. They
could otherwise vibrate.
iIf you are driving faster than 30 mph
(47 km/h), you can no longer fold in the exte-
rior mirrors.
Resetting the exterior mirrors
If the battery has been disconnected or com-
pletely discharged, the exterior mirrors must be
reset. Otherwise, the exterior mirrors will not
fold in when you select the "Fold in mirrors when
locking" function in the on-board computer
(
Ypage 245).
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 140).
XBriefly press :.
Folding the exterior mirrors in or out
automatically
If the "Fold in mirrors when locking" function is
activated in the on-board computer
(
Ypage 245):
Rthe exterior mirrors fold in automatically as
soon as you lock the vehicle from the outside.
Rthe exterior mirrors fold out again automati-
cally as soon as you unlock the vehicle and
then open the driver's or front-passenger
door.
Mirrors111
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
Z

Exterior mirror pushed out of position
If an exterior mirror has been pushed out of
position, proceed as follows:
XVehicles without electrically folding exte-
rior mirrors:move the exterior mirror into
the correct position manually.
XVehicles with electrically folding exterior
mirrors: press and hold mirror-folding but-
ton :until you hear a click and the mirror
engages in position audibly.
The mirror housing is engaged again and you
can adjust the exterior mirrors as usual
(
Ypage 110).
Automatic anti-glare mirrors
GWARNING
Electrolyte may escape if the glass in an auto-
matic anti-glare mirror breaks. The electrolyte
is harmful and causes irritation. It must not
come into contact with your skin, eyes, res-
piratory organs or clothing or be swallowed.
There is a risk of injury.
If you come into contact with the electrolyte,
observe the following:
RRinse off the electrolyte from your skin
immediately with water.
RImmediately rinse the electrolyte out of
your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
RIf the electrolyte is swallowed, immediately
rinse your mouth out thoroughly. Do not
induce vomiting.
RIf electrolyte comes into contact with your
skin or hair or is swallowed, seek medical
attention immediately.
RImmediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with electrolyte.
RIf an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical
attention immediately. The rear-view mirror and the exterior mirror on
the driver's side automatically go into anti-glare
mode if the following conditions are met simul-
taneously:
Rthe ignition is switched on and
Rincident light from headlamps strikes the sen-
sor in the rear-view mirror
The mirrors do not go into anti-glare mode if
reverse gear is engaged or if the interior lighting
is switched on.
Parking position for the exterior mir-
ror on the front-passenger side
Setting and storing the parking position
You can position the front-passenger side exte- rior mirror in such a way that you can see the
rear wheel on that side as soon as you engage
reverse gear. You can store this position.
Using reverse gear
:Button for the driver's side exterior mirror
;Button for the front-passenger side exterior
mirror
=Adjustment button
?Memory button M
XBring the vehicle to a standstill.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 140).
XPress button ;.
112Mirrors
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors

XEngage reverse gear.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves to the default setting parking posi-
tion.
XUse button=to adjust the exterior mirror to
a position that allows you to see the rear
wheel and the curb.
The parking position is stored.
iIf you shift the transmission to another posi-
tion, the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side returns to the driving position.
Using the memory button
You can store the parking position of the exte-
rior mirror on the front-passenger side using
memory button M?. The reverse gear must not
be engaged during the process.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 140).
XPress button ;.
XUse button=to adjust the exterior mirror to
a position that allows you to see the rear
wheel and the curb.
XPress memory button M? and one of the
arrows on button =within three seconds.
The parking position is stored if the exterior
mirror does not move.
XIf the mirror moves out of position, repeat the
steps.
Calling up a stored parking position set-
ting
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 140).
XAdjust the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side using button ;.
XEngage reverse gear.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves to the stored parking position.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger side
moves back to its original position:
Ras soon as you exceed a speed of 9 mph
(15 km/h)
Rif you press button :for the exterior mirror
on the driver's side
Memory function
Storing settings
GWARNING
If you use the memory function on the driver's side while driving, you could lose control of
the vehicle as a result of the adjustments
being made. There is a risk of an accident.
Only use the memory function on the driver's
side when the vehicle is stationary.
GWARNING
When the memory function adjusts the seat or steering wheel, you and other vehicle occu-
pants – particularly children – could become
trapped. There is a risk of injury.
While the memory function is making adjust-
ments, make sure that no one has any body
parts in the sweep of the seat or steering
wheel. If somebody becomes trapped, imme-
diately release the memory function position
button. The adjustment process is stopped.
GWARNING
Children could become trapped if they acti-
vate the memory function, particularly when
unattended. There is a risk of injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
The memory function can be used at any time,
e.g. even when the SmartKey isn't in the ignition
lock.
With the memory function, you can store up to
three different settings, e.g. for three different
people.
The following settings are stored as a single
memory preset:
Rposition of the seat, backrest and head
restraint
Rdriver's side: steering wheel position
Rdriver's side: position of the exterior mirrors
on the driver's and front-passenger sides
Memory function113
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
Z

XAdjust the seat (Ypage 98).
XOn the driver's side, adjust the steering wheel(Ypage 109) and the exterior mirrors
(Ypage 110).
XPress memory button Mand then press mem-
ory position button 1,2 or 3within three sec-
onds.
The settings are stored in the selected preset
position. A tone sounds when the settings
have been completed.
The memory function can still be used if the
SmartKey has been removed.
Calling up a stored setting
XPress and hold the relevant storage position
button 1,2 or 3until the seat, steering wheel
and exterior mirrors are in the stored position.
The setting procedure is interrupted as soon as
you release the storage position buttons.
114Memory function
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors

Exterior lighting
General notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you drive with the lights switched on
even during the daytime. In some countries,
operation of the headlamps varies due to legal
requirements and self-imposed obligations.
Setting the exterior lighting
Setting options
Exterior lighting can be set using:
Rthe light switch
Rthe combination switch (Ypage 116)
Rthe on-board computer (Ypage 243)
Light switch
Operation
1 WLeft-hand standing lamps
2XRight-hand standing lamps
3TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
4cAutomatic headlamp mode, controlled
by the light sensor
5 LLow-beam/high-beam headlamps
BRRear fog lamp
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
XTurn the light switch to c.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/stand-
ing lamps) switches off automatically if you:
Rremove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
Ropen the driver's door with the SmartKey in
position uin the ignition lock
Automatic headlamp mode
c is the favored light switch position. The
light setting is automatically selected according
to the brightness of the ambient light (excep-
tion: poor visibility due to weather conditions
such as fog, snow or spray):
RSmartKey in position 1in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on/off auto-
matically depending on the brightness of the
ambient light.
RWith the engine running (USA only): if you
have switched on the Daytime Running
Lightsfunction in the on-board computer,
the daytime running lamps or the parking
lamps and low-beam headlamps are switched on or off automatically depending on the
brightness of the ambient light.
XTo switch on automatic headlamp mode:
turn the light switch to c.
GWARNING
When the light switch is set to Ã, the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other
causes of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, turn the light switch to
L.
The automatic headlamp mode is only an aid.
The driver is responsible for the vehicle's light-
ing at all times.
Canada only:
The daytime running lamps improve the visibility
of your vehicle during the day. The daytime run-
ning lamps function is required by law in Can-
ada. It cannot therefore be deactivated.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from a
driving position to P, the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after three
minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is sta-
tionary and in bright ambient light: if you turn the
light switch to the Tposition, the daytime
running lamps and parking lamps switch on.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to L, the manual settings take prec-
edence over the daytime running lamps.
USA only:
Exterior lighting115
Lights and windshield wipers
Z

The daytime running lamps improve the visibility
of your vehicle during the day. To do this, the
daytime running lamps function must be
switched on using the on-board computer
(
Ypage 243).
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to TorL, the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Low-beam headlamps
Even if the light sensor does not detect that it is
dark, the parking lamps and low-beam head-
lamps switch on when the ignition is switched on and the light switch is set to the Lposition.
This is a particularly useful function in the event
of rain and fog.
XTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock or start the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L.
The green Lindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
Rear fog lamp
The rear fog lamp improves visibility of your
vehicle for the traffic behind in the event of thick
fog. Please take note of the country-specific
regulations for the use of rear fog lamps.
XTo switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
SmartKey to position 2in the ignition lock or
start the engine.
XTurn the light switch to Lorc.
XPress the Rbutton.
The yellow Rindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
R button.
The yellow Rindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
Parking lamps
!If the battery charge is very low, the parking
lamps or standing lamps are automatically
switched off to enable the next engine start.
Always park your vehicle safely and in a well lit
area, in accordance with the relevant legal
stipulations. Avoid using the Tparking
lamps over a period of several hours. If pos-
sible, switch on the right-hand Xor left-
hand W standing lamps.
XTo switch on: turn the light switch to T.
The green Tindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
Standing lamps
Switching on the standing lamps ensures the
corresponding side of the vehicle is illuminated.
XTo switch on the standing lamps: the
SmartKey should not be in the ignition lock or
in key position uin the ignition lock.
XTurn the light switch to W(left-hand side of
the vehicle) or X(right-hand side of the
vehicle).
Vehicles towing a trailer: both the right-hand
and left-hand standing lamps (tail lamps) are
always illuminated on the trailer.
Combination switch
:High-beam headlamps
;Turn signal, right
=High-beam flasher
?Turn signal, left
XTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ;or?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction of
arrow ;or?.
XTo switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the light switch to LorÃ.
XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow :.
In the Ãposition, the high-beam head-
lamps are only switched on when it is dark and
the engine is running.
116Exterior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers

The blueKindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.
XTo switch off the high-beam headlamps:
move the combination switch back to its nor-
mal position.
The blue Kindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
Vehicles with Adaptive Highbeam Assist: if
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is activated, it auto-
matically controls activation and deactivation of
the high-beam headlamps (
Ypage 118).
Hazard warning lamps
XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on a
turn signal using the combination switch, only
the turn signal lamp on the corresponding
side of the vehicle will flash.
XTo switch off the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
The hazard warning lamps automatically switch
on if:
Ran air bag is deployed or
Rthe vehicle decelerates rapidly from a speed
of above 45 mph (70 km/h) and comes to a
standstill
The hazard warning lamps switch off automati-
cally if the vehicle reaches a speed of above
6 mph (10 km/h) again after a full brake appli-
cation.
iThe hazard warning lamps still operate if the
ignition is switched off.
Intelligent Light System
General notes
The Intelligent Light System is a system that
adjusts the headlamps automatically to suit the
prevailing driving and weather conditions. It
offers advanced functions for improved illumi-
nation of the road surface, e.g. depending on the
vehicle speed or weather conditions. The sys-
tem includes the active light function, cornering
light function, highway mode and extended
range fog lamps. The system is only active when
it is dark.
You can activate or deactivate the "Intelligent
Light System" using the on-board computer
(
Ypage 243).
Active light function
The active light function is a system that moves
the headlamps according to the steering move-
ments of the front wheels. In this way, relevant
areas remain illuminated while driving. This
allows you to recognize pedestrians, cyclists
and animals sooner.
Active: when the lights are switched on.
Vehicles with Lane Keeping Assist: the active
light function evaluates the course of the lane in
which you are driving and adjusts the light in
advance.
Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the illu-
mination of the road over a wide angle in the
direction you are turning, enabling better visi-
bility in tight bends, for example. It can only be
activated when the low-beam headlamps are
switched on.
Active:
Rif you are driving at speeds below 25 mph
(40 km/h) and switch on the turn signal or
turn the steering wheel
Rif you are driving at speeds between 25 mph
(40 km/h) and 45 mph (70 km/h) and turn
the steering wheel
The cornering lamp may remain lit for a short
time, but is automatically switched off after no
more than three minutes.
Exterior lighting117
Lights and windshield wipers
Z

Highway mode
Highway mode increases the range of the beam.
Active:if you are driving at a speed above
110 km/h and do not make any large steering
movements for at least 1,000 m or if you are
driving at a speed above 130 km/h.
Not active: if you are driving at speeds below
80 km/h following activation.
Extended range fog lamps
The extended range fog lamps reduce the glare
experienced by the driver and improve the illu-
mination of the edge of the road.
Active: if you are driving at speeds below
40 mph (70 km/h) and you switch on the rear
fog lamp.
Not active: if, following activation, you are driv-
ing at speeds above 60 mph (100 km/h) or if you
switch off the rear fog lamp
Off-road lights
The off-road lights facilitate the early recogni-
tion of objects/obstacles when driving off-road
thanks to a symmetrical, wider and brighter dis- tribution of light from the low-beam headlamps.
Active: when driving at speeds no faster than
30 mph (50 km/h) and the off-road program
selector wheel is in position 1 or 2.
Not active: when driving at speeds above
30 mph (50 km/h).
When the off-road lights are switched on, the
cornering light function is permanently activa-
ted, the active light function is deactivated and
the headlamp range control is set to static
mode.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
General notes
You can use this function to set the headlamps
to change between low beam and high beam
automatically. The system recognizes vehicles
with their lights on, either approaching from the
opposite direction or traveling in front of your
vehicle, and consequently switches the head-
lamps from high beam to low beam.
The system automatically adapts the low-beam
headlamp range depending on the distance to
the other vehicle. Once the system no longer detects any other vehicles, it reactivates the
high-beam headlamps.
The system's optical sensor is located behind
the windshield near the overhead control panel.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Adaptive Highbeam Assist does not recognize
road users:
Rwho have no lights, e.g. pedestrians
Rwho have poor lighting, e.g. cyclists
Rwhose lighting is blocked, e.g. by a barrier
On very rare occasions, Adaptive Highbeam
Assist may fail to recognize other road users
that have lights, or may recognize them too
late. In this, or in similar situations, the auto-
matic high-beam headlamps will not be deac-
tivated or will be activated regardless. There is a risk of an accident.
Always carefully observe the traffic conditions
and switch off the high-beam headlamps in
good time.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist cannot take into
account road, weather or traffic conditions.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid. You are responsible for adjusting the vehicle's lighting
to the prevailing light, visibility and traffic con-
ditions.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be
impaired if:
Rpoor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy rain or
snow
Rdirt on the sensors or the sensors are
obscured
Switching Adaptive Highbeam Assist
on/off
XTo switch on: turn the light switch to Ã.
XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow :.
The _ indicator lamp in the multifunction
display lights up when it is dark and the light
sensor activates the low-beam headlamps.
If you are driving at speeds above approx-
imately 16 mph (25 km/h):
118Exterior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers