2019 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV differential

Declarations of conformity
.................30
Decorative film
Cleaning instructions .................... .328
Diagnostics connection ......................31
Differential lock (display mes-
sage) .................................................. .263
Digital Operator's Manual
Help ................................................. 26
Introduction ..................................... 26
Digital speedometer ......................... 234
DIRECT SELECT lever
Automatic transmission ................. 148
Display messages
ASSYST PLUS ................................ 325
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 245
Driving systems ............................ .261
Engine ............................................ 258
General notes ................................ 245
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 245
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 273
Lights ............................................. 257
Safety systems .............................. 246
SmartKey ....................................... 273
Tires ............................................... 268
Vehicle .......................................... .270
Distance recorder
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 285
Distance warning function
Function/notes ................................ 68
Warning lamp ................................. 285
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 241
Automatic locking (switch) .............. .84
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ...................................... .77
Control panel .................................. .43
Display message ............................ 272
Emergency locking ........................... 84
Emergency unlocking ....................... 84
Important safety note s.................... 83
Opening (from inside) ...................... 83
Overview .......................................... 83
Power closing .................................. 84
Drinking and driving ......................... 161 Drive program
Automatic transmission ................. 151
Off-Road program (vehicles with-
out Off-Road Engineering pack-
age) ............................................... 216
Off-road programs (vehicles with
Off-Road Engineering package) ...... 217
SETUP (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 243
Drive programs
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 149
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving
Important safety notes .................. 139
Towing vehicles ............................. 229
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service ................. 326
Driving Assistance PLUS package ... 210
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle ............ 169
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving safety system
Active Brake Assist .......................... 67
Braking assistance appropriate tothe situation ..................................... 69
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 66
Active Brake Assist with cross-
traffic function ................................. 72
ADAPTIVE BRAK E............................. 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
Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC .................................... 172 Index
9

twigs can gather between the underbody and
the underbody paneling. If these materials
come in contact with hot parts of the exhaust
system, they can catch fire.
In such situations, have the vehicle checked
and repaired immediately at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. If on continuing your jour-
ney you notice that driving safety is impaired, pull over and stop the vehicle immediately,
paying attention to road and traffic condi-
tions. In such cases, consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
When driving off-road, substances such as sand,
mud and water or water mixed with oil may get
into the brakes. This could result in a reduced
braking effect or in total brake failure and also in increased wear and tear. The braking charac-
teristics change depending on the material
entering the brakes. Clean the brakes after driv-
ing off-road. If you detect a reduced braking
effect or grinding noises, have the brake system
checked in a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible. Adapt your driving style to the different braking characteristics.
Driving off-road increases the likelihood of dam-age to the vehicle, which, in turn, can lead to
failure of the mechanical assembly or systems.
Adapt your driving style to suit the terrain con-
ditions. Drive carefully. Have damage to the
vehicle rectified immediately at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Do not shift into transmission position 005Cwhen
driving off-road. You could lose control of the
vehicle if you attempt to brake the vehicle using
the service brake. If the gradient is too steep for your vehicle, drive back down in reverse gear.
General notes H
Environmental note
Protection of the environment is of primary
importance. Treat nature with respect.
Observe all prohibiting signs.
Read this section carefully before driving your
vehicle off-road. Practice by driving over more
gentle off-road terrain first.
Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of
your vehicle and the gear shift operation before driving through difficult terrain. The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
R The Off-road drive program (vehicles without
Off-Road Engineering package)
(Y page 216)
R Off-road andOff-road Plus drive programs
(vehicles with Off-Road Engineering package) (Y page 217)
R LOW RANGE off-road gear (vehicles with the
Off-Road Engineering package)
(Y page 218)
R Differential lock (vehicles with the Off-Road
Engineering package) (Y page 218)
R Off-road ABS (Y page 67)
R Off-road 4ETS (Y page 70)
R Off-road ESP ®
(Y page 71)
R AIRMATIC package (vehicle level)
(Y page 185)
R DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
(Y page 215)
Observe the following notes:
R Stop the vehicle before starting to drive along
an off-road route. If necessary, select the off-
road program (Y page 217) or shift to the
LOW RANGE off-road gear (Y page 218).
R Select a vehicle level that is suitable for the
terrain. To avoid damaging the vehicle, make
sure there is always sufficient ground clear-
ance.
R Check that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(Y page 300).
R Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient. Activate
DSR (Y page 215).
R Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving down an incline.
R Adapt your speed to the terrain. The rougher,
steeper or more ruts on the terrain, the slower
your speed should be.
R Do not jump with the vehicle as this will inter-
rupt the vehicle's propulsion.
R Drive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-road
routes where visibility is poor. For safety rea- sons, get out of the vehicle first and survey
the off-road route.
R Look out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows. Driving
tips
167Driving an d parking Z

Lane Tracking package
General notes The Lane Tracking package consists of Blind
Spot Assist (Y
page 207) and Lane Keeping
Assist (Y page 208).
Blind Spot Assist General notes
Blind Spot Assist monitors the areas on either
side of the vehicle that are not visible to the
driver with two lateral, rear-facing radar sen-
sors. A warning display in the exterior mirrors
draws your attention to vehicles detected in the monitored area. If you then switch on the cor-
responding turn signal to change lane, you will
also receive an optical and audible warning.
Blind Spot Assist supports you from a speed of
approximately 20 mph (30 km/h).
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Blind Spot Assist does not react to:
R vehicles overtaken too closely on the side,
placing them in the blind spot area
R vehicles which approach with a large speed
differential and overtake your vehicle
As a result, Blind Spot Assist may not give
warnings in such situations. There is a risk of an accident.
Always observe the traffic conditions care-
fully, and maintain a safe lateral distance.
Blind Spot Assist is only an aid. It may fail to
detect some vehicles and is no substitute for
attentive driving. Always ensure that there is
sufficient distance to the side for other road
users and obstacles.
i USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar sensor
is intended for use in an automotive radar
system only. Removing, tampering with, or
altering the device will void any warranties,
and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tam-
per with, alter, or use in any non-approved
way. Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Radar sensors The radar sensors for Blind Spot Assist are inte-
grated into the rear bumper. Make sure that the bumpers are free from dirt, ice or slush. The
sensors must not be covered, for example by
cycle racks or overhanging loads. Following a
severe impact or in the event of damage to the
bumpers, have the function of the radar sensors
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Blind Spot Assist may no longer work properly.
Monitoring area
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be
impaired if:
R there is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy
rain, snow or spray
R there are narrow vehicles, e.g. motorcycles or
bicycles
R the road has very wide lanes
R the road has narrow lanes
R you are not driving in the middle of the lane
R there are barriers or similar lane borders
Vehicles in the monitoring range are then not
indicated. At a distance of around 1.6 ft
(0.5m)0044 from the
vehicle, Blind Spot Assist monitors the area up
to 10 ft (3 m)next to 0087and behind 0043your
vehicle, as shown in the picture. Driving systems
207Driving and parking Z

R
you accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown.
R you brake hard.
R you steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid an
obstacle or change lanes quickly.
R you cut the corner on a sharp bend.
To ensure that you are warned only when nec-
essary and in good time if you cross the lane
markings, the system detects certain conditions
and warns you accordingly.
The warning vibration occurs earlier if:
R you approach the outer lane marking on a
bend
R the road has very wide lanes, e.g. a freeway
R the system detects solid lane markings
The warning vibration occurs later if:
R the road has narrow lanes
R you cut the corner on a bend Driving Assistance Plus package
General notes The Driving Assistance Plus Package consists of
Active Distance Assist DISTRONI C(Ypage 172),
Active Blind Spot Assist (Y page 210) and
Active Lane Keeping Assist (Y page 212).
Active Blind Spot Assist General notes
Active Blind Spot Assist monitors the areas on
either side of the vehicle that are not directly
visible to the driver with two lateral, rear-facing radar sensors. A warning lamp lights up in the
exterior mirrors and draws your attention to
vehicles detected in the monitored area. If you
then switch on the corresponding turn signal to
change lanes, you will also receive a visual and
audible collision warning. If a risk of lateral col-
lision is detected, corrective braking may help
you avoid a collision. Before a course-correcting
brake application, Active Blind Spot Assist eval- uates the space in the direction of travel and at
the sides of the vehicle. For this, Active Blind
Spot Assist uses the forward-facing radar sen-
sors.
Active Blind Spot Assist supports you from a
speed of approximately 20 mph (30 km/ h).Important safety notes
Active Blind Spot Assist is only an aid and is not
a substitute for attentive driving. G
WARNING
Active Blind Spot Assist does not react to:
R vehicles overtaken too closely on the side,
placing them in the blind spot area
R vehicles which approach with a large speed
differential and overtake your vehicle
As a result, Active Blind Spot Assist may nei-
ther give warnings nor intervene in such sit-
uations. There is a risk of an accident.
Always observe the traffic conditions care-
fully, and maintain a safe lateral distance.
i USA only: This device has been approved by
the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The
radar sensor is intended for use in an auto-
motive radar system only. Removal, tamper-
ing, or altering of the device will void any war- ranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do
not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-
approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
i Canada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the device
will void any warranties, and is not permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-
approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
Radar sensors The Active Blind Spot Assist radar sensors are
integrated into the front and rear bumpers and
behind a cover in the radiator trim. Make sure
that the bumpers and the cover in the radiator
grill are free of dirt, ice or slush. The sensors
must not be covered, for example by cycle racks 210
Driving systemsDriving and pa
rking

multifunction display. The last active drive pro-
gram is selected again.
Selecting the Offroad program X To select a drive program: turn DYNAMIC
SELECT controller 0043until indicator lamp 0044
lights up.
The Drive program "Offroad" Max.
Drive program "Offroad" Max.
speed 60 mph speed 60 mph message appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
The vehicle is raised by +1.2 in (30 mm).
The vehicle changes from the Offroaddrive pro-
gram to the Comfortdrive program if you drive
faster than 70 mph (112 km/h).
The Drive more slowly
Drive more slowly message appears in
the multifunction display.
Offroad Plus drive program 0043
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
0044 Offroad Plus drive program indicator lamp
Select the Offroad Plus drive program for rough
terrain, e.g. for steep and/or uneven terrain or
for driving on rocky terrain.
Your vehicle has an automatically activated dif-
ferential lock for the transfer case. It controls
the balance between the front and rear axles.
The differential lock improves the vehicle's trac-
tion. 4ETS (Y page 70) controls the balance
between both wheels on an axle.
Selecting the Offroad Plus drive program X To select drive program: turn DYNAMIC
SELECT controller 0043until indicator lamp 0044
lights up.
The Drive program "Offroad Plus" Drive program "Offroad Plus"
Max.
Max. speed
speed 25
25mph
mph message appears in the
multifunction display. R
The Offroad Plus program is selected and
the vehicle is raised by +1.2 in (30 mm)
compared with the Offroaddrive program.
R DSR is switched on.
R The differential lock is closed.
You can select the Offroad Plus drive program at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).
The Offroad Plus drive program automatically
switches to the Offroad drive program if you
drive faster than 30 mph (45 km/h). The Drive
Drive
more slowly more slowly message appears in the multi-
function display.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
(Y page 166).
LOW RANGE off-road gear (vehicles
with the Off-Road Engineering package) Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you select the LOW RANGE off-road gear on a slippery road surface, the wheels could lose traction:
R if you remove your foot from the accelera-
tor pedal when driving
R if off road ABS intervenes when braking
If the wheels lose traction. the vehicle can no
longer be steered. There is an increased dan-
ger of skidding and accidents.
Never select the LOW RANGE off-road gear
when driving on slippery road surfaces. G
WARNING
If you do not wait for the transfer case gear
change process to complete, the transfer
case could remain in the neutral position. The power transmission to the driven wheels is
then interrupted. There is a danger of the
vehicle rolling away unintentionally. There is a
risk of an accident.
Wait until the transfer case shift process is
completed.
You can shift the transfer case to the HIGH
RANGE on-road position or the LOW RANGE
off-road gear. 218
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Messages in the multifunction display
If a gear change process has not been successful, the following messages may be displayed in the
multifunction display: Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions LOW RANGE Max.
LOW RANGE Max.
Speed 24 mph Speed 24 mph You have been driving faster than 24 mph (40 km/h). Additionally, the
indicator lamp on the button in the center console is flashing.
X Slow down to change gear. LOW RANGE Shift to
LOW RANGE Shift to
Position N Briefly Position N Briefly The transmission is in position
005Band you are driving at below
40 km/h.
X To shift gear, shift the transmission to position 005C.LOW RANGE Shifting
LOW RANGE Shifting
Canceled Please Canceled Please
Reactivate Reactivate The gear change process was not carried out.
X Ensure that all gear change conditions are fulfilled and carry out the
gear change process again. LOW RANGE Stop
LOW RANGE Stop
Apply Parking Brake Apply Parking Brake A warning tone also sounds. The gear change process has not been
completed. LOW RANGE is in the neutral position. There is no con-
nection between the engine and the drive wheels.
! Do not drive any further. You could otherwise damage the vehi-
cle's drive train.
X Stop the vehicle. Take into account the road and traffic conditions
when doing this.
X Apply the electric parking brake (Y page 159).
X Carry out the gear change process again.
If the gear change process has been carried out, the LOW RANGE LOW RANGE
stop apply parking brake
stop apply parking brake message disappears.Driving dynamics display in the
COMAND display (vehicles with the Off-
Road Engineering package) General notes
The driving dynamics display allows you to see
the selected drive program and additional infor-
mation about the vehicle's operating status in
the COMAND display. 0043
Drive program selected
0044 Status of the differential lock for the transfer
case
0087 Accelerator pedal position shown in %
0085 Brake pedal position shown in %
0083 Condition of the LOW RANGE offroad gear
0084 Angle of inclination
006B Steering angle
006C Uphill or downhill gradient in percentage 220
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions ACTIVE
ACTIVE
CURVE
CURVESYSTEM
SYSTEM
Malfunction See
Malfunction See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual The ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM is faulty. The vehicle's handling charac-
teristics are severely impaired. A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
There is a risk of an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Adjust your driving style to the altered handling characteristics.
X Avoid sudden acceleration around tight corners and fast steering
movements.
X Do not drive at speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h).
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 003B
Different. Lock Different. Lock
Sys. Malfunction Sys. Malfunction The differential lock is faulty.
X Do not drive at speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h).
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 003B
Different. Locking Different. Locking
Sys. Cooling Down Sys. Cooling Down
Please Wait Please Wait The differential lock is too hot and has been disengaged.
X Drive on carefully.
X Allow the differential lock to cool down.
The differential lock re-engages as soon as it has cooled down. LOW RANGE Stop LOW RANGE Stop
Apply Parking Brake Apply Parking Brake A gearshift process has been canceled. LOW RANGE is in the neutral
position. There is no connection between the engine and the drive
wheels.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Apply the electric parking brake. Do not continue driving under any
circumstances.
X Repeat the gearshift process. LOW RANGE Malfunc‐
LOW RANGE Malfunc‐
tion tion
To
ToPark,
Park, Apply
Apply
Brake
Brake LOW RANGE is malfunctioning.
X Do not drive at speeds above 31 mph (50 km/h).
X When parking, secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 158).
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. LOW RANGE Max.
LOW RANGE Max.
Speed 25 mph Speed 25 mph You have exceeded the maximum speed for the gearshift process.
X Drive more slowly.
The gear change is made. LOW RANGE Max. LOW RANGE Max.
Speed 31 mph Speed 31 mph You have exceeded the maximum speed for the gearshift process.
X Drive more slowly.
The gear change is made. LOW RANGE Shift to LOW RANGE Shift to
Position N Briefly Position N Briefly You have reduced the vehicle speed, but the automatic transmission
is not in position 005C.
X Briefly shift the automatic transmission to 005C. Display
messages
263On-board computer and displays Z

Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
R there is a malfunction in the voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely. G
WARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible gross weight of your vehicle, the:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (Y page 383).
! When Active Brake Assist, Active Distance
Assist DISTRONIC or the HOLD function is
activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in
certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
! Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty,
visit a qualified specialist workshop. !
Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes, or the trailer tow hitch, if availa-
ble. You could otherwise damage the vehicle.
! Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
R Secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
R Make sure that the tow rope is not longer
than legally permitted. Mark the tow rope in
the middle, e.g. with a white cloth
(11.8 x 11.8 in). This will make other road
users aware that a vehicle is being towed.
R Only secure the tow cable to the towing
eyes or, if available, to the trailer tow hitch.
R Observe the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a dis-
tance a distance so that the tow rope does not sag.
R Do not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise damage
the vehicle.
! Do not use the trailer tow hitch for recovery
or towing. Do not use the towing eye for
recovery. this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, have the vehicle recovered using a
crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. Pull the towed vehicle as straight as possible and not at an acute angle. Excessive
tractive power could damage the vehicles.
When towing, it is preferable to use a rigid tow-
ing bar as opposed to a tow rope. A rigid towing bar helps to keep the tractive power low.
! When towing away vehicles with KEYLESS-
GO, use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button. The automatic transmission may oth-
erwise shift to position 005Dwhen you open the
driver's or front-passenger door, which could damage the transmission.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This
could damage the vehicle.
! Vehicles with differential locks: make sure
the differential locks are in automatic mode.
When towing, the differential locks must not
be switched on. The transmission may other- wise be damaged.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum dis-
tance of 30 miles (50 kilometers). A towing 346
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance