MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 2018 Owners Manual

Connecting USB devices X
Connect the USB device to the USB port.
There are two USB ports in the stowage space
under the armrest. X
Select the media source ( Y
page 298).
CD/DVD drive and AUX jacks (Rear Seat
Entertainment System)
C
Disc slotD
AUX, right-hand (R) jack for audio signal
(red)

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

R
Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about in these or similar
situations. R
Always make sure that objects do not pro-
trude out of the stowage spaces, luggage
nets or stowage nets. R
Ensure that closable stowage spaces are
shut before beginning your journey. R
Always stow and secure heavy, hard, poin-
ted, sharp-edged, fragile or large objects in
the cargo compartment.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 300).
Glove box
X
To open: pull handle C and open glove box
flap D .X
To close: fold glove box flap D up until it
engages.
i The glove box can be cooled and ventilated
( Y
page 136).
G
Glove box unlocked
H
Glove box locked
The glove box can be locked and unlocked using
the mechanical key. Partition C for stowing flat objects is located in
the upper section of the glove box. It can be
removed to increase the stowage space in the
glove box. X
To remove: pull out partition C .X
To install: insert partition C and push it back
until it engages.
Stowage compartment under the arm-
rest
Vehicles without touchpad X
To open: pull handle C up.
The armrest folds out.Stowage areas 301
Sto wag e an d features Z

Vehicles with touchpad and COMAND X
To open: press button C at the front.
Armrest D folds out.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, there is a
multimedia connector unit with two USB ports,
e.g. for iPod ®
, iPhone ®
or MP3 player in the
stowage compartment .
i There is a removable stowage tray in the
storage compartment, in which objects such
as an iPod ®
can be stored.
Eyeglasses compartment X
To open: press marking C .
The eyeglasses compartment opens down. X
To close: press marking C again and the
eyeglasses compartment moves up and
engages.
Make sure that the eyeglasses compartment is
always closed while the vehicle is in motion.
Stowage compartment in the front cen-
ter console
X
To open: slide cover C forwards.
Stowage compartment D appears.X
To close: pull cover C back as far as it will go. Stowage compartment in the rear cen-
ter console X
To open: briefly press the stowage compart-
ment marking.
The stowage compartment opens.
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
there may be open stowage spaces above and
below the stowage compartment.
Stowage net
G WARNING
Vehicles with the Occupant Classification
System (OCS):
If the gross weight of the objects in the stow-
age net on the back of the front-passenger
seat is greater than 4.4 lb (2 kg), OCS cannot
correctly assess the occupant's weight cate-
gory. The front-passenger front air bag could
deploy without cause, or may fail to deploy in
the event of an accident. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Always observe the permissible gross weight
of 4.4 lb (2 kg). Stow and secure heavy
objects in the cargo compartment.302
Stowage areas
Stowage and features

C
stowage net in front-passenger footwell
C
Stowage net on the back of the front seats
C
Stowage net in cargo compartment
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 300)
and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces
( Y
page 300).
Through-loading facility in the rear
There is a through-loading facility above the
armrest in the rear for transporting longer
objects. You can continue to use both of the
outer rear seats.
If objects or loads are not secured when being
transported in the through-loading facility, they could slip or be thrown around and thereby hit
vehicle occupants.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 300)
and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces
( Y
page 300).
The through-loading facility is opened from the
cargo compartment. X
If necessary, fold the third row of seats
forward ( Y
page 101). X
Fold down the rear seat armrest. X
Pull the center head restraint on the rear
bench seat into the uppermost position
( Y
page 99). X
Slide release catch C to the left and swing
flap D to the left until it is lying on the rear
side of the rear bench seat.
X
Push cover

wards, e.g. when braking suddenly or in the
event of an accident. R
The vehicle occupant would thereby be
pushed into the seat belt by the rear bench
seat/rear seat or by the seat backrest. The
seat belt can no longer offer the intended
level of protection and could even cause
injuries. R
Objects or loads in the trunk/cargo com-
partment cannot be restrained by the seat
backrest.
There is an increased risk of injury.
Before every trip, make sure that the seat
backrests and the rear bench seat/rear seat
are engaged.
Make sure that the seat backrest and the seat
cushion are correctly engaged in position. To do
so, pull firmly on the seat backrest.
! Release and fold the seat cushion upwards
before folding the rear bench seat forward.
Otherwise, the backrests may be damaged.
When the backrest is folded forwards, the
front seats cannot be moved to their rearmost
position. Otherwise, the front seats and the
rear bench seat could be damaged.
! The backrest is heavy. Therefore, take care
when folding it down. Make sure that the head
restraints are pushed all the way in so that the
backrests and seat cushions are not dam-
aged.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 300).
The left-hand and right-hand backrests in the
second row of seats can be folded forward sep-
arately to increase the cargo compartment
capacity.
On vehicles with a third row of seats, you must
fold down the third row of seats beforehand
( Y
page 101) to obtain maximum cargo com-
partment enlargement. Folding the rear bench seat forward
If the driver's or front-passenger seat is set for a
larger person, it may not be possible to fold the
rear bench seat forward. In this case, move the
front seats as far forward as possible. X
Move the head restraints to the lowest posi-
tion ( Y
page 100). X
Pull release loop C of seat cushion D .X
Fold seat cushion D up.
X
Pull release handle

X
Guide seat belts D under respective clips C .
Folding the rear bench seat back X
Fold seat backrest D back until it engages.
Make sure not to trap the seat belt while doing
so. X
Swing seat cushion C back.X
Pull up and adjust the head restraints if nec-
essary ( Y
page 100).
Securing loads
Cargo tie-down rings
G WARNING
The Top Tether anchorages cannot secure a
load. If you secure a load with the Top Tether
anchorages, the Top Tether anchorages could
be pulled out during braking, abrupt changes
in direction or in the event of an accident. The
load could slip, tip over or be flung around and
thereby hit vehicle occupants. There is a risk
of injury.
Only use the cargo tie down rings when secur-
ing a load.
Observe the following notes on securing loads: R
Secure the load using the cargo tie-down
rings. R
Distribute the load on the cargo tie-down
rings evenly. R
Do not use elastic straps or nets to secure a
load, as these are only intended as an anti-slip
protection for light loads. R
Do not route tie-downs across sharp edges or
corners. R
Pad sharp edges for protection.
There are four cargo tie-down rings C in the
cargo compartment.
Bag hook
G WARNING
The bag hooks cannot restrain heavy objects
or items of luggage. Objects or items of lug-
gage could be flung around and thereby hit
vehicle occupants when braking or abruptly
changing directions. There is a risk of injury.
Only hang light objects on the bag hooks.
Never hang hard, sharp-edged or fragile
objects on the bag hooks.
! The bag hook can bear a maximum load of
6.6lbs (3kg) and should not be used to secure
a load.
There is a bag hook in the cargo compartment
on the right-hand side. X
Press bag hook marking C .X
Turn bag hook C until it engages.Stowage areas 305
Stowage and features Z

Cargo compartment cover
Important safety notes
G WARNING
On its own, the cargo compartment cover
cannot secure or restrain heavy objects,
items of luggage and heavy loads. You could
be hit by an unsecured load during sudden
changes in direction, braking or in the event of
an accident. There is an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping over, e.g. by
using tie downs, even if you are using the
cargo compartment cover.
! When loading the vehicle, make sure that
you do not stack the load in the cargo com-
partment higher than the lower edge of the
side windows. Do not place heavy objects on
top of the cargo compartment cover.
The cargo compartment cover may be installed
behind the 2nd or 3rd row of seats.
Extending/retracting the cargo com-
partment cover
X
To extend: pull the cargo compartment cover
back by grab handle C and clip it into retain-
ers D on the left and right.X
To retract: unhook the cargo compartment
cover from left-hand and right-hand retain-
ers D .X
Guide cargo compartment cover forwards by
grab handle C until it is completely rolled up. Installing/removing the cargo compart-
ment cover X
To remove: make sure that cargo compart-
ment cover C is rolled up. X
Push end cap

Stowage well under the cargo com-
partment floor
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you drive when the cargo compartment floor
is open, objects could be flung around, thus
striking vehicle occupants. There is a risk of
injury, particularly in the event of sudden
braking or a sudden change in direction.
Always close the cargo compartment floor
before a journey.
The tire-change tool kit is located in the stowage
compartment.
Opening/closing the cargo compart-
ment floor
X
To open: holding the ribbing, press handle C
down D .
Handle C folds up.X
Swing the cargo compartment floor up using
handle C until it rests against the cargo com-
partment cover. X
Fold out hook

Roof carrier
Important safety notes
G WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving character-
istics change. If you exceed the maximum roof
load, the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, will be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use roof carriers that have been tested and
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This
helps to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Position the load on the roof carrier in such a
way that the vehicle will not sustain damage
even when it is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, ensure
that when the roof carrier is installed you can: R
raise the sliding sunroof fully R
open the panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel fully R
open the tailgate fully
You will find information on the maximum roof
load in the "Technical data" section
( Y
page 392).
An incorrectly secured roof carrier or roof load
may become detached from the vehicle. You
must therefore ensure that you observe the roof
carrier manufacturer's installation instructions.
Attaching the roof carrier X
Secure the roof carrier to roof rails C . In
doing so, observe the manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions.
Features
Cup holder
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you transport objects in the vehicle interior
and these are not adequately secured, they
could slip or be flung around and thereby
strike vehicle occupants. In addition, cup
holders, open stowage spaces and mobile
phone brackets may not always be able to
hold the objects placed in them in the event of
an accident. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sharp braking or sudden
changes of direction. R
Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about in these or similar
situations. R
Always make sure that objects do not pro-
trude out of the stowage spaces, luggage
nets or stowage nets. R
Ensure that closable stowage spaces are
shut before beginning your journey. R
Always stow and secure heavy, hard, poin-
ted, sharp-edged, fragile or large objects in
the cargo compartment.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 300).
! Only use the cup holders for containers of
the right size and which have lids. The drinks
could otherwise spill.
! Do not expose drinks bottles in the cup
holder in the center console to continuous,
strong and direct sunlight. The passenger
compartment in the area of the center con-
sole can otherwise be damaged by the con-
centrated and reflected sunlight.
Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key in the tem-
perature-controlled cup hol der ( Y
page 309).
Otherwise, the KEYLESS-GO key will not be rec-
ognized.308
Features
Stowage and features