2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV ABS

1, 2, 3 ...
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tion System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 218
12 V socket
see Sockets
115 V socket ...................................... 313
360° camera
Cleaning ........................................ .334
Display in the multimedia system .. 205
Function/notes .............................2 03
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Display message ............................ 249
Function/notes ................................ 66
Important safety notes .................... 66
Warning lamp ................................. 282
Accident
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 59
Activating media mode
General notes ................................ 298
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 131
Active Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 242
Display message ............................ 269
Function/information .................... 213
Trailer towing ................................. 215
Active Brake Assist
Activating or deactivating .............. 242
Display message ............................ 254
Function/notes ................................ 67
Active Brake Assist with cross-
traffic function
Activating or deactivating .............. 242
Display message ............................ 255
Function/notes ................................ 72
Important safety notes .................... 73
Warning lamp ................................. 290
Active Curve System
Display message ............................ 266 Function/notes ............................. 189
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 242
Display message ............................ 268
Function/information .................... 215
Trailer towing ................................. 218
Active light function ......................... 117
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 72
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 261
Function/notes ............................. 118
Switching on/off ........................... 118
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 390
Address book
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Adjusting the volume
Multimedia system ........................ 293
ADS (Adaptive Damping System)
Function/notes ............................. 188
Air bags
Deployment ..................................... 56
Display message ............................ 258
Front air bag (
driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 50
Important safety notes .................... 49
Introduction ..................................... 49
Knee bag .......................................... 50
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 51
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator
lamps ............................................... 45
Side impact air bag .......................... 51
Window curtain air bag .................... 51
Air filter (display message) .............. 264
AIR FLOW ........................................... 132
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 136
Important safety notes .................. 136
Rear ............................................... 137
Setting ........................................... 136
Setting the center air vents ........... 136
Setting the side air vents ............... 136
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
4Index

AIRMATICpackage
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) .. .188
Function/notes .............................1 88
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 75
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 75
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 75
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
AMG
Adaptive sport suspension sys-
tem ................................................ 191
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 245
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-skid chains
see Snow chains
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Approach/departure angle .............. 173
Ashtray ............................................... 311
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) ..................................................2 41
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) ..................................................2 41
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ........3 29
Hiding a service message .............. 329
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 329
Service message ............................ 329
Special service requirements ......... 330
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 75
Function ...........................................7 5
Switching off the alarm .................... 75
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 242
Display message ............................ 265
Function/notes ............................. 207
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 239
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 260
see Lights
Automatic car wash (care) ............... 330
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 145
Automatic engine switch-off (EC
O
start/stop function) .......................... 144
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 115
Automatic transmission
Accelerator pedal position ............. 150
Changing gear ............................... 150
DIRECT SELECT lever ..................... 148
Display message ............................ 275
Drive program ................................ 151
Drive program display .................... 149
Driving tips .................................... 150
DYNAMIC SELECT controller ......... 147
Emergency running mode .............. 155
Engaging drive position .................. 149
Engaging neutral ............................ 149
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 148
Engaging reverse gear ................... 148
Engaging the park position ............ 148
Important safety notes .................. 148
Kickdown ....................................... 151
Manual shifting .............................. 152
Oil temperature (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 245
Overview ........................................ 148
Problem (malfunction) ................... 155
Pulling away ................................... 143
Starting the engine ........................ 142
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 152
Trailer towing ................................. 151
Transmission position display ........ 149
Transmission positions .................. 150
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 155
AUX jacks
CD/DVD drive ............................... 299
Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing) ...................................................... 395
B
Back button ....................................... 293
Index5

Bag hook............................................ 305
Ball coupling
Installing ........................................ 226
Removing ....................................... 229
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 67
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 80
Important safety notes .................... 80
Replacing ......................................... 80
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 346
Display message ............................ 262
Important safety notes .................. 344
Jump starting ................................. 346
Overview ........................................ 344
Belt
see Seat belts
Belt warning ......................................... 48
Bicycle rack ....................................... 230
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 242
Display message ............................ 269
Notes/function .............................. 209
Trailer towing ................................. 211
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 158
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 389
Bluetooth
®
Searching for a mobile phone ........ 296
Searching for a mobile phone
(device manager) ........................... 297
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Telephony ...................................... 296
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 254
Notes ............................................. 390
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 260
Brake linings
Display message ............................ 254 Brakes
ABS .................................................. 66
BAS .................................................. 67
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 390
Braking assistance appropriate to
the situation ..................................... 69
Display message ............................ 249
High-performance brake system .... 168
Hill start assist ............................... 143
Important safety notes .................. 166
Maintenance .................................. 167
Parking brake ................................ 162
Riding tips ...................................... 166
Warning lamp ................................. 281
Braking assistance appropriate to
the situation
Function/notes ................................ 69
Breakdo
wn
Where will I find...? ........................ 338
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 37
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs
C
CaliforniaImportant notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 28
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
360° camera ................................. 334
Car wash ........................................ 330
Carpets .......................................... 337
Display ........................................... 335
Exhaust pipe .................................. 334
Exterior lights ................................ 333
Gear or selector lever .................... 336
Interior ........................................... 335
Matte finish ................................... 332
Notes ............................................. 330
Paint .............................................. 332
Plastic trim .................................... 335
6Index

Lights .............................................260
Safety systems .............................. 249
SmartKey ....................................... 278
Tires ............................................... 273
Vehicle ...........................................2 75
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC
Activating ....................................... 178
Activation conditions ..................... 178
Cruise control lever ....................... 178
Display Message ............................ 270
Displays in the instrument cluster .. 181
Driving tips ....................................1 82
Function/notes .............................1 76
Important safety notes .................. 176
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 180
Stopping ........................................ 179
Switching off .................................. 180
Warning lamp ................................. 290
Distance recorder
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 290
Distance warning function
Function/notes ................................ 68
Warning lamp ................................. 290
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 244
Automatic locking (switch) ...............8 4
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ...................................... .77
Control panel .................................. .43
Display message ............................ 277
Emergency locking ........................... 84
Emergency unlocking ....................... 84
Important safety notes .................... 83
Opening (from inside) ...................... 83
Overview .......................................... 83
Power closing .................................. 84
Drinking and driving ......................... 165
Drive program
Automatic transmission ................. 151
Off-Road program (vehicles with-
out Off-Road Engineering pack-
a

ge) ............................................... 219
Off-road programs (vehicles with
Off-Road Engineering package) ...... 220 SETUP (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 246
Drive programs
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 149
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving
Important safety notes .................. 139
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service ................. 330
Driving Assistance PLUS package ... 213
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle ............ 173
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving safety system
Active Brake Assist .......................... 67
Braking assistance appropriate to
the situation ..................................... 69
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 66
Active Brake Assist with cross-
traffic function ................................. 72
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 72
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 67
Distance warning function ............... 68
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution) ............................................. 72
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 69
Important safety information ........... 66
Overview .......................................... 66
STEER CONTROL ............................. 75
Driving system
AIRMATIC package ........................ 188
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 176
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with
Steering Pilot ................................. 182
Parking assist PARKTRONIC .......... 192
Parking Pilot .................................. 195
Driving systems
360°camera .................................. 203
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 213
Active Curve System ...................... 189
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 215
ADS ............................................... 188
Index9

Off-road programs (vehicles with
Off-Road Engineering package)Function/notes ............................. 220
Off-road drive program .................. 220
Offroad Plus drive program ............ 221
Off-road programs (vehicles with
the Off-Road Engineering package)
Displays in the COMAND display ... 223
Off-road system
4MATIC .......................................... 218
DSR ............................................... 218
LOW RANGE off-road gear ............. 221
Off-road 4ETS .................................. 70
Off-road ABS .................................... 67
Off-road ESP
®.................................. 71
Off-road programs (vehicles with
Off-Road Engineering package) ...... 220
Oil
see Engine oil
On and Offroad menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 245
On-board computer
AMG menu ..................................... 245
Assistance menu ........................... 241
Audio menu ................................... 239
Convenience submenu .................. 244
Display messages .......................... 248
Displaying a service message ........ 329
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 181
Factory settings submenu ............. 245
Important safety notes .................. 233
Instrument cluster submenu .......... 243
Lighting submenu .......................... 243
Menu overview .............................. 236
Message memory .......................... 248
Navigation menu ............................ 237
On and Offroad menu .................... 245
Operation ....................................... 234
RACETIMER ................................... 246
Service menu ................................. 242
Settings menu ............................... 243
Standard display ............................ 236
Telephone menu ............................ 240
Trip menu ...................................... 236
Vehicle submenu ........................... 244
Video DVD operation ..................... 239
Operating safety
Declaration of conformity ................ 30 Important safety notes .................... 30
Operating system
see On-board computer
Operation
Digital Operator's Manual ................ 26
Operator's Manual
Overview .......................................... 28
Vehicle equipment ........................... 28
Outside temperature display ...........233
O

verhead control panel ...................... 42
Override feature
Rear side windows ........................... 65
P
Paddle shifterssee Steering wheel paddle shifters
Paint code number ............................ 385
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 332
Panic alarm .......................................... 44
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel
Important safety notes .................... 92
Opening/closing the roller sun-
blind ................................................. 95
Operating ......................................... 94
Operating the roller sunblinds for
the sliding sunroof ........................... 94
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 96
Reversing feature ............................. 93
Parking
Important safety notes .................. 161
Parking brake ................................ 162
Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 112
Rear view camera .......................... 199
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Parking Pilot .................................. 195
see 360° camera
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC
Deactivating/activating ................. 194
Driving system ............................... 192
Function/notes ............................. 192
Important safety notes .................. 192
Problems (malfunctions) ................ 195
16Index

Parking .......................................... 161
Parking for a long period ................164
Pulling away ................................... 143
Raising ...........................................3 76
Reporting problems ......................... 31
Securing from rolling away ............ 375
Towing away .................................. 349
Transporting .................................. 351
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 84
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................7 7
Vehicle data ................................... 392
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 392
Vehicle data (off-road driving)
Approach/departure angle ............ 394
Fording depth ................................ 393
Maximum gradient climbing abil-
ity .................................................. 394
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 392
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 84
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 385
Vehicle level
AIRMATIC ...................................... 190
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 265
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 339
Video
Operating the DVD .........................2 39
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ..................................................2 92
VIN ...................................................... 385
Seat ............................................... 386
Type plate ...................................... 385
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 282
Brakes ...........................................2 81
Coolant .......................................... 288
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 290
Distance warning ........................... 290
Engine diagnostics ......................... 288
ESP
®.............................................. 284
ESP®OFF ....................................... 285
Fuel tank ........................................ 288 Overview .......................................... 37
Parking brake ................................ 287
PASSENGER AIR BAG ...................... 45
Reserve fuel ................................... 288
Restraint system ............................ 287
Seat belt ........................................ 280
Tire pressure monitor .................... 291
Warranty .............................................. 28
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 278
Weather display (COMAND)
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Wheel and tire combinations
Tires ............................................... 379
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 378
Wheel chock ...................................... 375
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 374
Checking ........................................ 354
Cleaning ......................................... 333
Emergency spare wheel ................. 380
Important safety notes .................. 354
Information on driving .................... 354
Interchanging/changing ................ 374
Mounting a new wheel ................... 377
Mounting a wheel .......................... 375
Overview ........................................ 354
Removing a wheel .......................... 377
Snow chains .................................. 356
Storing ........................................... 375
Tightening torque ........................... 378
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 379
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 257
Operation ......................................... 51
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 133
Infrared reflective .......................... 324
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid ....................... 329
Important safety notes .................. 391
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ................... 124
24Index

Instrument cluster
FunctionPage
:Speedometer wit hsegments23 3
Warning and indicator lamps:
å ESP®OF F284
! ABS282
Brake s281
$ (USAonly)
J (Canada only)
LLow-beam headlamps116
T Parking lamp s116
÷ ESP®28 4
K High-beam headlamps116
Electric parking brak e(red)28 7
F (USAonly)
! (Canada only)
!Electric parking brak e
(yellow)28 7
· Distanc ewarning29 0
;#! Turn signals116
=Multifunction display235
FunctionPag e
?Tachometer233
Warning and indicator lamps:
R Rear fog lamp116
; CheckEngin e288
h Tirepressur emonitor29 1
6 Restrain tsystem45
ü Seat belt s280
% Diesel engine: preglow142
ACoolan ttemperature gauge23 4
Warning and indicator lamps:
? Coolan t288
BFue llevel indicator
Warning and indicator lamps:
8 Reserve fuel wit hfuel
filler flap location indicator
(right-hand side )
288
CInstrumen tcluste rlighting23 3
iInformation on displayin gth eoutside tem-
peratur ein th emultifunction display can be foun
dunder "Outside temperature display"
(Ypage 233).
Instrument cluster37
At a glance

occupant in the best position in relation to the
air bag.
The seat belt system comprises:
RSeat belts
REmergency Tensioning Devices for the front
seat belts and the outer seat belts in the sec-
ond row of seats as well as the seat belts in
the third row
RSeat belt force limiters for the front seat belts
and the outer seat belts in the second row of
seats as well as the seat belts in the third row
If the seat belt is pulled out of the belt outlet
quickly or with a jerky movement, the belt
retractor locks. The belt strap cannot be extrac-
ted any further.
The Emergency Tensioning Device tightens the
seat belt in an accident, pulling the belt close
against the body. However it does not pull the
vehicle occupant back in the direction of the
backrest.
The Emergency Tensioning Device does not cor- rect an incorrect seat position or the routing of
an incorrectly fastened seat belt.
When triggered, a seat belt force limiter helps to
reduce the force exerted by the seat belt on the
vehicle occupant.
The seat belt force limiters for the front seats are
synchronized with the front air bags, which
absorb part of the deceleration force. This can
reduce the force exerted on the vehicle occu-
pants during an accident.
!If the front-passenger seat is not occupied,
do not engage the seat belt tongue in the
buckle on the front-passenger seat. Other-
wise, in addition to other systems, the Emer-
gency Tensioning Device could also be trig-
gered in the event of an accident and would
need to be replaced.
Important safety notes
The use of seat belts and child restraint systems
is required by law in:
Rall 50 states
Rthe U.S. territories
Rthe District of Columbia
Rall Canadian provinces
Even where this is not required by law, all vehicle
occupants should correctly fasten their seat
belts before starting the journey.
GWARNING
If the seat belt is not worn correctly, it cannot
perform its intended protective function. An
incorrectly fastened seat belt can also cause
injuries, for example, in the event of an acci-
dent or when braking or changing direction
abruptly. This poses an increased risk of injury
or even fatal injury.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have
their seat belts fastened correctly and are sit-
ting properly.
The components of the restraint system work in
conjunction with each other. They can only
deploy their protective function if, at all times, all
vehicle occupants:
Rhave fastened their seat belts correctly
(Ypage 47)
Rhave the seat and head restraint adjusted
properly (Ypage 97)
GWARNING
The seat belt does not offer the intended level of protection if you have not moved the back-
rest to an almost vertical position. When brak-
ing or in the event of an accident, you could
slide underneath the seat belt and sustain
abdomen or neck injuries, for example. This
poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Adjust the seat properly before beginning
your journey. Always ensure that the backrest
is in an almost vertical position and that the
shoulder section of your seat belt is routed
across the center of your shoulder.
GWARNING
Persons less than 5 ft (1.50 m) tall cannot
wear the seat belt correctly without an addi-
tional and suitable restraint system. If the
seat belt is not worn correctly, it cannot per-
form its intended protective function. An
incorrectly fastened seat belt can also cause
injuries, for example, in the event of an acci-
dent or when braking or changing direction
abruptly. This poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
46Occupant safety
Safety