MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 2016 Owners Manual

Driving using th e internal combustion
engin e and charging th e high-voltage bat -
tery
The engin e powers th e vehicle. The engin e also
powers th e electric motor. The electric motor
operates as a generator. The high-voltag e bat -
tery is bein g charged.
The arrows fo r th e energ y flo w are shown in
white.
Driving using th e internal combustion
engin e and discharging th e high-voltage
battery
The engin e powers th e vehicle. If th e vehicl e is
approachin g a downhill gradien t wit h a hig h
potential fo r energ y recuperation , th e condition
of charg e of th e high-voltag e battery is inten-
tionally kept low or intentionally reduced.
The arrows fo r th e energ y flo w are shown in
white.
Further information on th e route-based operat -
in g strategy ( Y
page 253). Electri c operation mode
The electric motor powers th e vehicle. The high-
voltag e battery supplies energ y to th e electric
motor.
The arrows fo r th e energ y flo w are shown in
green .
Electri c operation mode and charging th e
high-voltage batter y
The electric motor is operatin g as a generator,
e.g. in overrun mod e and when braking. The
kineti c energ y of th e vehicl e is converted into
electrica l energy. The high-voltag e battery is
bein g charged.
The arrows fo r th e energ y flo w are shown in
green .PLUG-IN HYBRID operation 249
Driving and parking Z

Charging the high-voltage battery when
stationary
The engine and electric motor are switched off.
The arrows for the energy flow are not shown.
Further information on charging the high-volt-
age battery via: R
a mains socket ( Y
page 172)R
a charging station ( Y
page 175)R
a wallbox ( Y
page 175)
Displaying the total range and electrical
range
The approximate range is based on the current
driving style. X
Press the Y or e button on the steering
wheel to select the Trip menu.X
Confirm by pressing v on the steering
wheel. X
Press d or c to select the approximate
total range and electrical range. Displaying fuel consumption and gen-
erated electricity
C
Fuel consumption D
Electrical energy generated
Every bar of the graph displays the average
value for one minute.
Fuel consumption indicator C may differ from
the indicator in the From Start trip computer in
the Trip menu.
To reset values: the values are reset along with
the From Start trip computer ( Y
page 266).X
To select Consumption : turn and press the
controller.
The display of the multimedia system shows
fuel consumption C and electrical energy
generated D for the past 15 minute so f driv-
ing.
Starting the engine The vehicle starts in electric mode without the
internal combustion engine (noiseless start).
The internal combustion engine starts only after
the power demanded by the driver exceeds the
available power that the electric motor can cur-
rently provide.
Noiseless start operation is dependent on the
outside temperature and the operating temper-
ature of the internal combustion engine. If not all
conditions for noiseless start operation are ful-
filled, the vehicle starts with the internal com-
bustion engine.250
PLUG-IN HYBRID operation
Driving and parking

X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal. X
Observe the notes on starting the engine
( Y
page 147). X
Start the vehicle ( Y
page 147).
The vehicle is operational when READY indi-
cator C lights up.
Pulling away X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .X
If the Apply Brake to Shift from 'P'
display message appears in the multifunction
display, depress the brake pedal more firmly
and select the desired transmission position. X
Release the brake pedal. X
Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.
For further information on pulling away
( Y
page 148).
Driving
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
Drive programs
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to change
the drive program. Depending on the drive pro-
gram selected the following vehicle character-
istics will change: R
the drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment) R
the suspension R
the steering R
the energy management
Each time you start the engine with the ignition
SmartKey or the Start/Stop button, the Com-
fort drive program is activated. For further infor-
mation about starting the engine, see
( Y
page 147). X
Turn DYNAMIC SELECT controller C as many
times as necessary until the desired drive
program is selected.
The status icon of the selected drive program
is shown in the multifunction display.
In addition, the current drive program settings
are displayed briefly in the multimedia system
display.
Available drive programs:
Individual R
Individual settings
Sport R
Sporty driving style with
increased boost mode R
Electric-only operation is
not possible
Comfort R
Comfortable, economical
driving style R
Electric-only operation is
possible
Slippery R
Optimal driving charac-
teristics on slippery or
snow-covered roads R
Electric-only operation is
possible
Additional information for drive programs
( Y
page 158).
Using the steering wheel paddle shifters, you
can temporarily change gears yourself. For fur-
ther information on the manual drive program
( Y
page 251).
Manual gear shifting
Using the steering wheel paddle shifters, you
can temporarily change gears yourself. The
transmission must be in position D . During man-
ual gearshifting, the combustion engine is
always switched on.PLUG-IN HYBRID operation 251
Driving and parking Z

Activating when driving with the electric motor: X
Pull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 159).
The combustion engine is switched on. Man-
ual gearshifting is activated temporarily. The
selected gear and M appear in the multifunc-
tion display.
Activating when driving with the combustion
engine: X
Pull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 159).
Manual gearshifting is activated temporarily.
The selected gear and M appear in the multi-
function display.
The ECO start/stop function is not available
when manually changing gear.
For further information on the manual drive pro-
gram ( Y
page 159).
Driving tips
General driving tips Drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front. Avoid frequent and
sudden acceleration as well as abrupt braking.
During partial electric driving, pulling away and
acceleration, the electric motor supports the
internal combustion engine.
During overrun in transmission position D and
braking, the electric motor will operate as a gen-
erator.
Further information on the ECO start/stop func-
tion ( Y
page 253).
Additional driving tips ( Y
page 181).
Stationary vehicle
If the vehicle is stopped, the combustion engine
is, for the most part, switched off. Automatic
climate control continues to function. The elec-
tromechanically assisted steering gear allows
you to use the power steering without reduced
comfort.
Acceleration
Depending on the operating mode, pulling away
and driving under low load conditions are per-
formed: R
entirely by electric propulsion R
in combination with the internal combustion
engine When accelerating rapidly under increased or
full load, increased boost mode is utilized. The
electric motor supports the combustion engine
by providing additional drive torque.
Overrun mode or braking There are three possible operating modes when
the hybrid vehicle is decelerating: R
energy recovery takes place even when the
vehicle is decelerating purely in overrun mode
( Y
page 242). The electric motor operates as
a generator and stores the recovered energy
in the high-voltage battery. R
when the brakes are applied lightly, the vehi-
cle is slowed down further by the electric
motor. This increases the energy recovery
taking place ( Y
page 242). The electric motor
operates as a generator and stores the recov-
ered energy in the high-voltage battery. R
when the brakes are applied with greater
force, the service brakes are also used to slow
the vehicle down. The two systems work
together.
Urban driving In city traffic, energy is recuperated during fre-
quent deceleration phases.
The vehicle can be driven by the electric motor
alone up to a speed of approximately 80 mph
(130 km/h).
The vehicle is driven by the electric motor alone
only when all conditions for the automatic
engine switch-off are fulfilled.
Further information on the automatic engine
switch-off ( Y
page 253).
Driving on inter-urban roads
The following phases are possible when driving
on inter-urban roads: R
rapid acceleration (boost mode) R
energy recuperation R
electric operation mode
The vehicle can be driven by the electric motor
alone up to a speed of approximately 74 mph
(120 km/h).
A great deal of recovered energy may be avail-
able, depending on the route profile. This
reduces consumption and emissions.252
PLUG-IN HYBRID operation
Driving an d parking

Highway driving When driving on a highway, switching off the
combustion engine has a particularly positive
effect on fuel consumption and emissions.
If the driver removes his/her foot from the
accelerator pedal in the Comfort drive program
and a speed of 80 mph (130 km/h) is not excee-
ded, the combustion engine is automatically
switched off.
Further information on the automatic engine
switch-off ( Y
page 253).
ECO start/stop function General notes The ECO start/stop function switches the com-
bustion engine off automatically when the vehi-
cle stops moving and at speeds below 80 mph
(130 km/h) ( Y
page 253).
All vehicle systems remain active, e.g. the auto-
matic climate control.
The ECO start/stop function is neither available
in the Sport drive program nor during manual
shifting.
Automatic engine switch-off The engine is switched off automatically, includ-
ing when: R
the driver removes his/her foot from the
accelerator in the Comfort drive program and
a speed of 80 mph (130 km/h) is not excee-
ded ( Y
page 253)R
the engine has reached its operating temper-
ature R
the driver’s seat belt is fastened and the
driver’s door is closed R
the driver only slightly depresses the accel-
erator pedal in order to, for example, maintain
the current speed for a limited distance R
the hood is closed and engaged properly R
the high-voltage battery is charged suffi-
ciently R
no malfunctions are present in the hybrid
drive system
The internal combustion engine will not be
switched off automatically, if: R
the self-diagnosis function of the engine man-
agement is active R
there is a malfunction in the hybrid drive sys-
tem R
the climate control of the vehicle requires it R
the high-voltage battery is being charged
( Y
page 248)
Automatic engine start The automatically switched-off internal combus-
tion engine starts automatically in certain situa-
tions, if: R
the power demand from the driver via the
accelerator pedal is greater than the electric
motor alone can provide R
the driver switches to the Sport drive pro-
gram or to manual gearshifting R
the condition of charge of the high-voltage
battery has reached the lower limit R
the driver has selected the CHARGE operating
mode
Overrun mode In overrun mode, the combustion engine is
switched off and is disconnected from the drive
train. The electric motor: R
generates low thrust, which corresponds to
the overrun mode of an active combustion
engine R
functions as a generator and produces the
necessary energy for the auxiliary consumers
and charges the high-voltage battery
Overrun mode is available in the Comfort drive
program at speeds below 80 mph (130 km/h).
Route-based operating strategy For the route-based operating strategy, the sys-
tem factors in information about the expected
route when route guidance is active.
The information on the route is provided by the
multimedia system and includes the following: R
road categories R
speed limitations
The use of electric energy is automatically opti-
mally distributed from the beginning to the end
of the journey, using information about the
route. The distribution is pre-emptive and takes
into consideration: R
the sections of the journey ahead R
the energy consumption on the whole routePLUG-IN HYBRID operation 253
Driving and parking Z

The condition of charge of the high-voltage bat-
tery is thus systematically controlled. In addi-
tion, the control function takes into account
that: R
the fuel saving through the use of electrical
energy can vary, dependent on the route (e.g.
urban, interurban or highway) R
the use of electrical energy is held available
for electric driving, particularly for urban
routes
The vehicle thus automatically selects the opti-
mum driving mode for the respective section of
the route.
The route-based operating strategy is available
under the following conditions: R
the Individual drive program is selectedR
in the Individual drive program, the ECO set-
ting is selected under Drive R
HYBRID driving mode is selectedR
active route guidance is activated R
suitable map data is available
When the route-based operating strategy is
being used, the area in front of the vehicle is
shown as green in the multifunction display.
Parking X
Apply the electric parking brake.
The red $ indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up. X
Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to shift the
automatic transmission to P .X
Switch the ignition off.
The READY indicator in the instrument cluster
goes out.
Further information on parking and switching off
the internal combustion engine ( Y
page 179).254
PLUG-IN HYBRID operation
Driving and parking

Problems with PLUG-IN HYBRID operation
Internal combustion engine Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
You cannot start the
internal combustion
engine. The multifunc-
tion display shows no
display messages. The
READY indicator in the
multifunction display is
off. For example, self-diagnosis is not yet complete or the hybrid drive
system is malfunctioning. X
Switch off the ignition and turn it back on. X
Try to start the internal combustion engine again.
If the internal combustion engine still does not start: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
You wish to pull away,
but the ECO start/stop
function does not start
the internal combustion
engine. The READY indi-
cator in the multifunc-
tion display is off. The ECO start/stop function has failed. The warning and indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster light up. X
Shift the transmission to P .X
Switch off the ignition and turn it back on. X
Start the engine.
The hybrid drive system is faulty. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Recuperative Brake System Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Braking resistance is
reduced and brake pedal
travel is longer than
usual.
G Risk of accident
The Recuperative Brake System is malfunctioning. X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play ( Y
page 280). X
Observe the information regarding indicator and warning lamps in
the instrument cluster ( Y
page 318) .PLUG-IN HYBRID operation 255
Driving and parking Z

Hybrid drive system Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The hybrid drive system
has been switched off
automatically. You have been in an accident.
The hybrid drive system remains switched off if: R
the internal combustion engine cannot be restarted after a few
seconds. R
the red u restraint system warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter is lit. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The hybrid drive system
has been switched off
automatically. The multi-
function display also
shows a display mes-
sage. An electrical short circuit has occurred in the hybrid drive system or an
electrical connection has been disconnected. X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play ( Y
page 280). X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
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 445).
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
trailer256
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

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 distance R
is affected more by strong crosswinds R
demands more sensitive steering R
has a larger turning circle
This could impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to the current road and weather conditions. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes The GLE 550 e 4MATIC cannot be used to tow a
trailer. R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed maxi-
mum speed for vehicle/trailer combinations
in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident. R
Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. R
The bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings. R
Do not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle. R
If you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess. This
will reduce the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the max-
imum load. You will find the values in the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap of the vehicle
( Y
page 406).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all: R
PARKTRONIC ( Y
page 210) R
Blind Spot Assist ( Y
page 227)R
Active Lane Keeping Assist ( Y
page 233)
On vehicles without level control, the height of
the ball coupling will alter according to the load
placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 444).
Driving tips Observe the information on ESP ®
trailer stabili-
zation ( Y
page 73) and on pulling away with a
trailer ( Y
page 149).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents to see what the maximum
permissible speed is. Observe the legally pre-
scribed maximum speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See "Technical data" to
find out whether this applies to your vehicle
( Y
page 445). If you utilize any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not exceed
a maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/ h) for
reasons concerning the operating permit. This
also applies in countries in which the permissi-
ble maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combi-
nations is above 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
to shift into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
that less braking will be required to maintain the
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-Towing a trailer 257
Driving and parking Z

tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly. If you need additional
braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly
rather than continuously.
Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side: X
Do not accelerate. X
Do not counter-steer. X
Brake if necessary. R
Maintain a greater distance from the vehicle
in front than when driving without a trailer. R
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen-
tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly. R
The values given for gradient-climbing capa-
bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note that
the power output of the engine and, conse-
quently, the vehicle's gradient-climbing capa-
bility, decreases with increasing altitude.
Installing the ball coupling
G WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it can come loose during the
journey and endanger other road users. There
is a risk of an accident and injury.
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
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
If the ball coupling is not installed and secured
correctly the trailer may come loose. There is
a risk of an accident.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling installation instruc-
tions. Make sure that the ball coupling is
installed and secured correctly before every
journey.
X
Pull protective cap C in the direction of the
arrow, out of the ball coupling recess. X
Stow protective cap C so that it cannot be
thrown around.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 329)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces ( Y
page 330).258
Towing a trailer
Driving an d parking