engine MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2016 Owner's Manual

Observe the notes in the section on break-
ing-in ( Y
page 164).
Following damage to the front end of the vehi-
cle, have the configuration and operation of
the radar sensor checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. This also applies to colli-
sions at low speeds where there is no visible
damage to the front of the vehicle.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 68).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and
the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
4ETS traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually if they spin. This enables you to pull
away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for
example if the road surface is slippery on one
side. In addition, more drive torque is trans-
ferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
In appropriate driving situations, activate the
off-road program ( Y
page 258). Off-road 4ETS (Electronic Traction Sys-
tem) A 4ETS system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road program is activated ( Y
page 258).
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driv-
ing safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum of
ten seconds on a brake test dynamometer.
Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may oth-
erwise destroy the brake system.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a two-axle dyna-
mometer. Before you operate the vehicle
on such a dynamometer, please consult a
qualified workshop. You could otherwise
damage the drive train or the brake system.
ESP ®
is only deactivated if the

The spinning of the wheels results in a cut-
ting action for better traction on loose sur-
faces. R
traction control is still activated. R
ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
Off-road ESP ®
(vehicles with ON&OFF-
ROAD package) An ESP ®
system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road program is activated ( Y
page 258).
Off-road ESP ®
intervenes with a delay if there
is oversteering or understeering, thus improv-
ing traction.
ESP ®
trailer stabilization
General information
If your vehicle/trailer combination begins to
swerve, ESP ®
assists you in this situation.
ESP ®
slows the vehicle down by braking and
limiting the engine output until the vehicle/
trailer combination has stabilized.
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If road and weather conditions are poor,
trailer stabilization will not be able to prevent
the vehicle/trailer combination from swerv-
ing. Trailers with a high center of gravity can
tip over before ESP ®
can detect this. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your driving style to the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
If your vehicle with trailer (vehicle/trailer
combination) begins to lurch, you can only
stabilize the vehicle/trailer combination by
depressing the brake firmly.
Trailer stabilization is active above speeds of
about 37 mph (60 km/h).
ESP ®
trailer stabilization does not work if
ESP ®
is deactivated or disabled because of a
malfunction. Crosswind Assist General information
Strong crosswinds can cause your vehicle to
deviate from a straight course. The crosswind
driving assistance function integrated into
ESP ®
significantly reduces these effects.
ESP ®
intervenes automatically according to
the direction and intensity of the crosswinds
affecting your vehicle.
ESP intervenes with stabilizing braking to
assist you in keeping the vehicle in the lane.
Crosswind Assist is active at vehicle speeds
above 50 mph (80 km/h) when driving
straight ahead or cornering gently.
Important safety notes
Crosswind Assist does not work if ESP ®
is
deactivated or disabled because of a mal-
function.
EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
General information
EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to improve driving
stability while braking.
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion for driving safety systems ( Y
page 68).
G WARNING
If EBD is malfunctioning, the rear wheels can
lock, e.g. under full braking. This increases the
risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps ( Y
page 327) as well as dis-
play messages ( Y
page 293).Driving safety systems 75
Safety Z

Power steering will, however, continue to
function.
Protection against theft
Immobilizer X
To activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock. X
To activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door. X
To deactivate: switch on the ignition.
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Any-
one can start the engine if a valid SmartKey
has been left inside the vehicle.
i The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be star-
ted (yet the vehicle's battery is charged),
the system is not operational. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA) or
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
ATA (anti-theft alarm system) X
To arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey
or KEYLESS-GO.
Indicator lamp C flashes. The alarm sys-
tem is armed after approximately
15 seconds. X
To deactivate using the SmartKey:
unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey.
or X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
To deactivate using KEYLESS-GO: unlock
the vehicle with KEYLESS-GO.
or X
Press the Start/Stop button on the dash-
board. The SmartKey must be inside the
vehicle.
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open: R
a door R
the vehicle with the mechanical key R
the tailgate R
the hood X
To turn the alarm off with the SmartKey:
press the 6 or 7 button on the
SmartKey.
The alarm is switched off.
or X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
The alarm is switched off. X
To stop the alarm using KEYLESS-GO:
grasp the outside door handle. The Smart-
Key must be outside the vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.
or X
Press the Start/Stop button on the dash-
board. The SmartKey must be inside the
vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that triggered it, for
example.78
Protection against theft
Safety

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip-
ment of your vehicle available at the time of
publication of the Operator's Manual.
Country-specific differences are possible.
Please note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all features described. This
also applies to safety-related systems and
functions.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops ( Y
page 29).
SmartKey
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could: R
open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users. R
get out and disrupt traffic. R
operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they: R
release the parking brake. R
shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position PR
Start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children.
G WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle. G WARNING
If you attach heavy or large objects to the
SmartKey, the SmartKey could be uninten-
tionally turned in the ignition lock. This could
cause the engine to be switched off. There is a
risk of an accident.
Do not attach any heavy or large objects to the
SmartKey. Remove any bulky key rings before
inserting the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
! Keep the SmartKey away from strong
magnetic fields. Otherwise, the remote
control function could be affected.
Strong magnetic fields can occur in the
vicinity of powerful electrical installations.
Do not store the SmartKey: R
with electronic devices, e.g. a mobile
phone or another SmartKey. R
with metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal
foil. R
inside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case.
This can affect the functionality of the
SmartKey.
Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key in the tem-
perature-controlled cup holder. Otherwise,
the KEYLESS-GO key will not be recognized.
SmartKey functions
C
7 Locks the vehicleD
T Opens/closes the tailgate

If you do not open the vehicle within
approximately 40 seconds of unlocking: R
the vehicle is locked again. R
protection against theft is reactivated. X
To lock centrally: press button C .
The SmartKey centrally locks and unlocks the
following components: R
the doors R
the tailgate R
the fuel filler flap
The turn signals flash once when unlocking
and three times when locking.
You can also set an audible signal to confirm
that the vehicle has been locked. The audible
signal can be activated and deactivated using
the on-board computer ( Y
page 285).
You will receive visual and acoustic locking
confirmation if all components were able to
be locked.
When it is dark, the surround lighting also
comes on if it is activated in the on-board
computer ( Y
page 284).
KEYLESS-GO
General notes
Bear in mind that the engine can be started by
any of the vehicle occupants if there is a KEY-
LESS-GO key in the vehicle.
Locking/unlocking centrally
You can start, lock or unlock the vehicle using
KEYLESS-GO. To do this, you only need carry
the SmartKey with you. You can combine the
functions of KEYLESS-GO with those of a con-
ventional SmartKey. Unlock the vehicle by
using KEYLESS-GO, for instance, and lock it
using the 7 button on the SmartKey.
When locking or unlocking with KEYLESS-GO,
the distance between the SmartKey and the
corresponding door handle must not be
greater than 3 ft (1 m). KEYLESS-GO checks whether a valid Smart-
Key is in the vehicle by periodically establish-
ing a radio connection between the vehicle
and the SmartKey. This happens: R
when the external door handles are
touched R
when starting the engine R
while the vehicle is in motion
X
To unlock the vehicle: touch the inner
surface of the door handle. X
To lock the vehicle: touch sensor sur-
face C . X
Convenience closing feature: touch
recessed sensor surface D for an exten-
ded period.
Further information on the convenience clos-
ing feature ( Y
page 99).
If you pull on the handle of the tailgate, only
the cargo compartment of the vehicle is
unlocked.
Deactivating and activating
If you do not intend to use a key for an exten-
ded period of time, you can deactivate the
KEYLESS-GO function of the SmartKey. The
SmartKey will then use very little power,
thereby conserving battery power. For the
purposes of activation/deactivation, the
vehicle must not be nearby. SmartKey 83
Opening and closing Z

X
To deactivate: press the 7 button on
the SmartKey twice in rapid succession.
The battery check lamp ( Y
page 85) of the
SmartKey flashes twice briefly and lights up
once, then KEYLESS-GO is deactivated. X
To activate: press any button on the
SmartKey or insert the SmartKey into the
ignition lock.
KEYLESS-GO and all of its associated fea-
tures are available again.
KEYLESS-GO start functionBear in mind that the engine can be started by
any of the vehicle occupants if there is a
SmartKey in the vehicle.
Changing the settings of the locking
systemYou can change the settings of the locking
system. This means that only the driver's door
and the fuel filler flap are unlocked when the
vehicle is unlocked. This is useful if you fre-
quently travel on your own. X
To change the setting: press and hold
down the 6 and 7 buttons simulta-
neously for approximately six seconds until
the battery check lamp flashes twice
( Y
page 85).
i If the setting of the locking system is
changed within the signal range of the vehi-
cle, pressing the 7 or 6 button:R
locks or R
unlocks the vehicle
The SmartKey now functions as follows: X
To unlock the driver's door: press the
6 button once.X
To unlock centrally: press the 6 but-
ton twice. X
To lock centrally: press the 7 button. The KEYLESS-GO function is changed as fol-
lows: X
To unlock the driver's door: touch the
inner surface of the door handle on the
driver's door. X
To unlock centrally: touch the inner sur-
face of the door handle on the front-
passenger door or the rear door. X
To lock centrally: touch the outer sensor
surface on one of the door handles
( Y
page 83). X
To restore the factory settings: press
and hold down the 6 a nd 7 b uttons
simultaneously for approximately six sec-
onds until the battery check lamp flashes
twice ( Y
page 85).
Mechanical key
General notes If the vehicle can no longer be locked or
unlocked with the SmartKey, use the
mechanical key.
If you use the mechanical key to unlock and
open the driver's door, the anti-theft alarm
system will be triggered ( Y
page 78).
There are several ways to turn off the alarm: X
To turn the alarm off with the SmartKey:
press the 6 or 7 button on the
SmartKey.
or X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or X
To deactivate the alarm with KEYLESS-
GO: press the Start/Stop button in the igni-
tion lock. The SmartKey must be in the
vehicle.
or X
Lock or unlock the vehicle using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey must be outside the
vehicle.84
SmartKey
Opening and closing

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The engine cannot be
started using the
SmartKey. The on-board voltage is too low. X
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work: X
Check the starter battery and charge it if necessary
( Y
page 394).
or X
Jump-start the vehicle ( Y
page 395).
or X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine cannot be
started using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey is in
the vehicle. A door is open. Therefore, the SmartKey cannot be detected as
easily. X
Close the door and try to start the vehicle again.
There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves. X
Start your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
You cannot lock or
unlock the vehicle
using the SmartKey. The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged. X
Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO or KEYLESS-GO start func-
tion: try again to lock/unlock the vehicle using the remote con-
trol function of the SmartKey. Point the tip of the SmartKey at
the driver's door handle from close range and press the 6 or
7 button.
If this does not work: X
Check the SmartKey battery and replace it if necessary
( Y
page 85). X
Unlock ( Y
page 92) or lock ( Y
page 92) the vehicle using the
mechanical key.
The SmartKey is faulty. X
Unlock ( Y
page 92) or lock ( Y
page 92) the vehicle using the
mechanical key. X
Have the SmartKey checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
You can no longer lock
or unlock the vehicle
using KEYLESS-GO. KEYLESS-GO was deactivated. X
Reactivate KEYLESS-GO ( Y
page 83).88
SmartKey
Opening and closing

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged. X
Check the SmartKey battery ( Y
page 85) and replace it if nec-
essary ( Y
page 85).
If this does not work: X
Unlock ( Y
page 92) or lock ( Y
page 92) the vehicle using the
mechanical key.
There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves. X
Unlock ( Y
page 92) or lock ( Y
page 92) the vehicle using the
mechanical key.
KEYLESS-GO is malfunctioning. X
Lock/unlock the vehicle using the remote control function of
the SmartKey. X
Have the vehicle and SmartKey checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
If the vehicle can also not be locked/unlocked using the remote
control function: X
Unlock ( Y
page 92) or lock ( Y
page 92) the vehicle using the
mechanical key. X
Have the vehicle and SmartKey checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
You have lost a Smart-
Key. X
Have the SmartKey deactivated at a qualified specialist work-
shop. X
Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers. X
If necessary, have the locks changed as well.
You have lost the
mechanical key. X
Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers. X
If necessary, have the locks changed as well.
The engine cannot be
started using the
SmartKey. The on-board voltage is too low. X
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work: X
Check the starter battery and charge it if necessary
( Y
page 394).
or X
Jump-start the vehicle ( Y
page 395).
or X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop. SmartKey 89
Opening and closing Z

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Vehicles with KEY-
LESS-GO or the KEY-
LESS-GO start func-
tion: the engine cannot
be started using the
Start/Stop button. The
SmartKey is in the vehi-
cle. The vehicle is locked. X
Unlock the vehicle and try to start the vehicle again.
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged. X
Check the SmartKey battery ( Y
page 85) and replace it if nec-
essary ( Y
page 85).
If this does not work: X
Start your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves. X
Start your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Doors
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could: R
open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users. R
get out and disrupt traffic. R
operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they: R
release the parking brake. R
shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position PR
Start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children.
G WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.
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.
You should preferably place luggage or loads
in the cargo compartment. Observe the load-
ing guidelines ( Y
page 340).
Unlocking and opening doors from
the inside
You can open a door from inside the vehicle
even if it has been locked. You can only open
the rear doors from inside the vehicle if they
are not secured by the child-proof locks
( Y
page 67).
If the vehicle has previously been locked from
the outside, opening a door from the inside90
Doors
Opening and closing

X
Turn the mechanical key clockwise as far as
it will go to position G .X
Turn the mechanical key back and remove
it. X
Make sure that the doors and the tailgate
are locked. X
Insert the mechanical key into the Smart-
Key.
i If you lock the vehicle as described above,
the fuel filler flap is not locked. The anti-
theft alarm system is not armed.
Cargo compartment
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.
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
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.
! The tailgate swings upwards and to the
rear when opened. Therefore, make sure
that there is sufficient clearance above and
behind the tailgate.
i Tailgate opening dimensions
( Y
page 454).
You should preferably place luggage or loads
in the cargo compartment. Observe the load-
ing guidelines ( Y
page 340).
Do not leave the SmartKey in the cargo com-
partment. You could otherwise lock yourself
out.
You can: R
close the tailgate manually from outside R
open and close the tailgate automatically
from outside R
open and close the tailgate automatically
from inside R
limit the opening angle of the tailgate R
unlock the tailgate from inside with the
emergency release
Tailgate reversing feature
On vehicles with tailgate remote closing fea-
ture, the tailgate is equipped with automatic
obstacle recognition with a reversing feature.
If a solid object blocks or restricts the tailgate
when automatically opening or closing, this
procedure is stopped. If the tailgate is stop-
ped during the closing procedure, it will open
again automatically. The automatic obstacleCargo compartment 93
Opening and closing Z