ECO mode MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 2018 User Guide

D Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to \\
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brake pedal will allow
you to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty: shift
the transmission to position \\ if the
vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g.
on icy roads.
If you switch the engine off with the
transmission in position ^ or [ ,
the automatic transmission shifts to
\\ automatically.
! Coasting in neutral \\ may
cause damage to the drive train.
: Drive
The automatic transmission changes
gear automatically. All forward gears
are available.
Driving tips
Changing gear The automatic transmission shifts through the
individual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position [ . This automatic gear shift-
ing behavior is determined by: R
the selected drive program R
the position of the accelerator pedal R
the road speed
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear: R
little throttle: early upshifts R
more throttle: late upshifts
Double-clutch function
When shifting down, the double-clutch function
is active regardless of the currently selected
drive program. The double-clutch function reduces load change reactions and is conducive
to a sporty driving style. The sound generated by
the double-clutch function depends on the drive
program selected.
Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration. X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed. X
Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Gliding mode
Gliding mode is available depending on the
equipment.
Gliding mode is characterized by the following: R
The combustion engine is disconnected from
the drive train. R
The engine speed corresponds to the idling
speed. R
The multifunction display hides the gear indi-
cator and displays transmission position [
in green ( Y
page 148). R
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the multifunction
display shows status icon C for the drive
program's status icon.
In drive program E or in drive program C
(Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC/
GLC 63 S 4MATIC) you can deactivate and acti-
vate gliding mode using the ECO button
( Y
page 142).
Gliding mode can be activated under the follow-
ing conditions: R
The speed is within a suitable range. R
The course of the road is suitable, e.g. there
are no steep up or downhill gradients. R
You are no longer depressing the accelerator
pedal.Automatic transmission 149
Driving an d parking Z

Gliding mode is deactivated under the following
conditions: R
You depress the accelerator pedal. R
You depress the brake pedal. R
You change the transmission position
( Y
page 146).R
You switch to drive program RACE
(Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC), S+ or S
( Y
page 144).R
You activate manual gearshifting
( Y
page 152).R
You leave the suitable speed range.
i If you have selected the "Eco" or "Comfort"
(Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC/
GLC 63 S 4MATIC setting for the drive (engine
and transmission management) in drive pro-
gram I , you can also activate gliding mode.
Information on DYNAMIC SELECT and on con-
figuring drive program I with the multimedia
system (see the Digital Operator's Manual).
Towing a trailer X
Drive in the middle of the engine speed range
on uphill gradients. X
Manual shifting: depending on the uphill or
downhill gradient, shift into a gear
( Y
page 152), in which the engine will run the
middle of the engine speed range.
This also applies when cruise control or Dis-
tance Pilot DISTRONIC are activated.
Drive programs
All vehicles except Mercedes-AMG GLC
63 4MATIC+/GLC 63 S 4MATIC+
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive program I the following properties of the
drive program can be selected: R
the drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
and therefore indirectly the availability of glid-
ing mode and the properties of the driver
assistance systems R
the suspension R
the steering R
the availability of the ECO start/stop function R
the climate control Information about configuring drive program I
with the multimedia system can be found under
"DYNAMIC SELECT" in the vehicle's Digital
Operator's Manual.
Drive program S+ (Sport Plus) Drive program S+ is characterized by the fol-
lowing: R
the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics. R
the vehicle pulls away in first gear. R
the automatic transmission shifts up later.
The fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points. R
the suspension exhibits particularly stiff
springing and damping settings (vehicles with
AIR BODY CONTROL). R
gliding mode is not available. R
the ECO start/stop function is deactivated
( Y
page 141).
Drive program S (Sport) Drive program S is characterized by the follow-
ing: R
the vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-
istics. R
the vehicle pulls away in first gear. R
the automatic transmission shifts up later.
The fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points. R
the suspension exhibits stiff springing and
damping settings (vehicles with
AIR BODY CONTROL). R
gliding mode is not available. R
the ECO start/stop function is activated
( Y
page 141).
Drive program C (Comfort)
Drive program C is characterized by the follow-
ing: R
the vehicle delivers comfortable, economical
handling characteristics. R
the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears, unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully. R
the vehicle has improved driving stability, for
example on slippery road surfaces. R
optimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.150
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

The vehicle is driven in the low engine speed
range and the wheels are less likely to spin. R
gliding mode is not available. R
the ECO start/stop function is activated
( Y
page 141).
Drive program E (Economy) Drive program E is characterized by the follow-
ing: R
the vehicle exhibits particularly economical
handling characteristics. R
the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears, unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully. R
the vehicle has improved driving stability, for
example on slippery road surfaces. R
optimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
The vehicle is driven in the low engine speed
range and the wheels are less likely to spin. R
during deceleration, the engine is disconnec-
ted from the drive train. The vehicle uses
kinetic energy and consumes less fuel. R
the cooling and heating output of the climate
control system has been reduced. R
gliding mode is available. R
the ECO start/stop function is activated
( Y
page 141).
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+/GLC
63 S 4MATIC+
Drive program RACE (S ‑ MODEL)The RACE drive program is characterized by the
following: R
the vehicle exhibits driving characteristics
suitable for the racetrack. R
all vehicle systems are set for maximum
sportiness. R
the gearshift recommendation gives you
information for slowly warming up the drive
assemblies and for adopting a fuel-efficient
driving style ( Y
page 152). You can follow the
gearshift recommendations at all times and
shift gear accordingly using the steering
wheel paddle shifters. On the basis of the
gearshift recommendation, using the steering
wheel paddle shifters, you can optimize the
drive train and engine operating mode at any
time. R
if you have selected a gear manually, this will
be maintained until the vehicle speed increa-
ses or decreases dramatically. R
the vehicle pulls away in first gear. R
the automatic transmission shifts up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points. R
the suspension exhibits particularly hard
springing and damping settings. R
gliding mode is not available. R
the ECO start/stop function is switched off
( Y
page 141).
Drive program S+ (Sport Plus) Drive program S+ is characterized by the fol-
lowing: R
the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics. R
the vehicle pulls away in first gear. R
the automatic transmission shifts up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points. R
the suspension exhibits particularly hard
springing and damping settings. R
gliding mode is not available. R
the ECO start/stop function is switched off
( Y
page 141).
Drive program S (Sport) Drive program S is characterized by the follow-
ing: R
the vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-
istics. R
the vehicle pulls away in first gear. R
the automatic transmission shifts up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points. R
the suspension exhibits stiff springing and
damping settings. R
gliding mode is not available. R
the ECO start/stop function is switched off
( Y
page 141).Automatic transmission 151
Driving and parking Z

Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display. X
When the corresponding gearshift recom-
mendation C appears in the multifunction
display of the instrument cluster, shift to rec-
ommended gear D .
Protection against reaching the over-
revving range (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
! In manual mode, the automatic transmis-
sion does not shift up automatically even
when the engine limiting speed for the current
gear is reached. When the engine limiting
speed is reached, the fuel supply is cut to
prevent the engine from overrevving. Always
make sure that the engine speed does not
reach the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage. Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the multi-
function display. X
When message C appears on the multifunc-
tion display, pull the right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter.
Kickdown X
For maximum acceleration, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed. X
Shift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-
mission shifts up to the next gear when the
maximum engine speed is reached. This pre-
vents the engine from overrevving.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: kickdown is only
possible in the temporary setting.154
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Problems with the transmission Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is possible to shift to a gear and reverse gear only. X
Stop the vehicle. X
Shift the transmission to position ] .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position [ or ^ .
If [ is selected, the transmission only shifts to one gear; if ^ is
selected, the transmission shifts to reverse gear. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Transfer case This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake system
or transfer case could otherwise be damaged.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop for a
performance test.
! Since ESP ®
engages automatically, the igni-
tion must be switched off (the SmartKey or
Start/Stop button must be in position Z or
G ) if R
the electrical parking brake is being tested
using a dynamometer R
the vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles with
4MATIC)
Otherwise, the brake system can be dam-
aged.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission. Refueling
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling.
G WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following: R
Wash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water. R
If fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with Refueling 155
Driving and parking Z

G WARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment when driving, you may be distracted
from the traffic situation. You could also lose
control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an
accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the country
in which you are driving. Some jurisdictions pro-
hibit the driver from using a mobile phone while
driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers a
distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per sec-
ond.
Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel: X
The tires should always be inflated to the rec-
ommended tire pressure. X
Remove unnecessary loads. X
Remove roof racks when they are not needed. X
Warm up the engine at low engine speeds. X
Avoid frequent acceleration or braking. X
Have all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the Main-
tenance Booklet or by the service interval dis-
play.
Fuel consumption also increases when driving in
cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in hilly ter-
rain.
Drinking and driving
G WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-
ment. The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-
dent is greatly increased when you drink or
take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-
ing drugs.
Emission control
G WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. Always have
work on the engine carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you use an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for this purpose. In particular, work
relevant to safety or on safety-related systems
must be carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
The engine settings must not be changed under
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the Mercedes-
Benz service requirements. Details can be found
in the Maintenance Booklet.
ECO display The ECO display shows you how economical
your driving style is. The ECO display assists you
in achieving the most economical driving style
for the selected settings and prevailing condi-
tions. Your driving style can significantly influ-
ence the vehicle's consumption. Driving tips 161
Driving and parking Z

In addition to driving style, the actual consump-
tion is affected by other factors, such as: R
load R
Tire pressure R
Cold start R
Choice of route R
Active electrical consumers
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
An economical driving style specially requires
driving at moderate engine speeds.
Achieving a higher value in the categories
"Acceleration" and "Constant": R
observe the gearshift recommendations R
drive using drive program E
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the
highway, only the outer area for "constant" will
change.
The ECO display summarizes the driving style
from the start of the journey to its completion.
Therefore, there are more marked changes in
the outer areas at the start of a journey. On lon-
ger journeys, there are fewer changes. For more
marked changes, perform a manual rest
( Y
page 226).
For further information on the ECO display, see
( Y
page 225).
Brakes
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to a
lower gear in good time. This allows you to
take advantage of the engine's braking effect.
This helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively. When you take advantage of engine braking, a
drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g.
on a slippery road surface. This could cause
damage to the drive train. This type of damage
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz war-
ranty.
Heavy and light loads
G WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive
on for a short while. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance. Driving tips 163
Driving and parking Z

R
Vehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL: the
vehicle is adjusted to normal level R
The ECO start/stop function is available
( Y
page 140)
ESP ®
specially adapted for trailer operation is
also activated.
Activating/deactivating off-road pro-
grams
Activating the off-road program X
Press off-road program button C .
The multimedia system display shows the off-
road menu Offroad Settings
.X
Select the off-road program.
The selected off-road program is activated.
The symbol of the active off-road program
appears on the multifunction display.
Further information on configuring the off-road
programs via the multimedia system can be
found in the Digital Operator's Manual.
The off-road program is deactivated if you: R
select the Off setting in the off-road menu.R
select a drive program using the DYNAMIC
SELECT switch. ( Y
page 144)R
switch off the engine. When the engine is
restarted, drive program C is activated.
RACE START
Important safety notes
i RACE START is only available for the
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+ and
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ models.
i RACE START must not be used on normal
roads. RACE START must only be activated and used on dedicated road circuits, outside
of public road use.
i RACE START is only available after the vehi-
cle has been run-in ( Y
page 135).
RACE START enables optimal acceleration from
a standing start. For this, a suitably high-grip
road surface is required and the vehicle and tires
must be in good working order.
G WARNING
If you use RACE START, individual tires may
start to spin and the vehicle could skid.
Depending on the selected ESP ®
mode, there
is an increased risk of skidding and having an
accident. Make sure that no persons, animals
or obstacles are within range of the vehicle.
i Observe the safety notes on driving safety
systems ( Y
page 66).
Be sure to read the safety notes and informa-
tion on ESP ®
( Y
page 69).
Activation conditions You can activate RACE START if: R
the doors are closed R
the hood is closed R
the tailgate is closed R
the engine is running and the engine and
transmission are at operating temperature R
the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position. R
the vehicle is on a level surface R
the vehicle is stationary, the brake pedal is
depressed (left foot) and the parking brake is
released R
the transmission is in position [R
the drive program S , S+ or Race is selected.
( Y
page 144)
Activating RACE START X
Quickly depress the accelerator pedal fully.
The engine speed is increased.
i If the activation conditions are not fulfilled,
RACE START cannot be carried out. The RACE
START Not Possible See Operator's
Manual message appears in the multifunction
display.Driving systems 183
Driving and parking Z

X
The RACE START Release brake to start
message appears on the multifunction dis-
play.
i In this phase you can adjust RACE START
depending on the road conditions: you can
vary the engine speed by pulling on one of the
steering wheel paddle shifters. The segments
in the multifunction display flicker rapidly.
i If you do not release the brake pedal within
a short time, RACE START will be canceled.
The RACE START Canceled message
appears in the multifunction display. X
Take your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum acceler-
ation.
The RACE START Active message appears
on the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately 30 mph (Can-
ada: 50 km/h).
RACE START is deactivated immediately if you
release the accelerator pedal during RACE
START or if any of the activation conditions are
no longer fulfilled. The RACE START Canceled
message appears in the multifunction display.
i If RACE START is used repeatedly within a
short period of time, it is only available again
after the vehicle has been driven a certain
distance.
AIR BODY CONTROL
General notes AIR BODY CONTROL is an air suspension system
with variable damping for improved driving com-
fort. All-round level control ensures the best
possible suspension and constant ground clear-
ance, even with a laden vehicle. When you drive
fast, the vehicle is lowered automatically to
improve driving safety and to reduce fuel con-
sumption. There is also the option to manually
adjust the vehicle level.
AIR BODY CONTROL consists of: R
air suspension system with variable spring
rate R
automatic level control R
speed-dependent lowering to reduce fuel
consumption R
manual level control R
ADS PLUS (Adaptive Damping System with
continuous damping adjustment) R
DYNAMIC SELECT switch ( Y
page 144) and
level button ( Y
page 185)
Available suspension settings C (Comfort) R
the suspension setting is
comfortable R
the vehicle is set to normal
level R
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43
4MATIC: at speeds above
100 mph (160 km/h), the
vehicle level lowers R
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63
4MATIC+/GLC 63 S
4MATIC+: at speeds above
112 mph (180 km/ h) , the
vehicle level lowers R
All other models: at speeds
above 86 mph, (138 km/h)
the vehicle level lowers R
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43
4MATIC: at speeds less than
87 mph (140 km/h), the
vehicle is raised again R
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63
4MATIC+/GLC 63 S
4MATIC+: at speeds less
than 75 mph (120 km/h),
the vehicle is raised again R
All other models: at speeds
below 50 mph (80 km/h),
the vehicle is raised again R
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63
4MATIC+/GLC 63 S
4MATIC+: the 4MATIC+ is
synchronised dynamically
E (Econ-
omy) R
the suspension setting is
comfortable R
the vehicle is set to low level R
at higher speeds, the vehicle
level does not continue to
lower184
Driving systems
Driving and parking

S (Sport) R
the suspension setting is
more taut R
the vehicle is set to low level R
at higher speeds, the vehicle
level does not continue to
lower R
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63
4MATIC+/GLC 63 S
4MATIC+: the 4MATIC+ is
synchronised more dynami-
cally
S+ (Sport
Plus)
Mercedes-
AMG GLC
63 4MATIC
+/GLC
63 S
4MATIC+:
RACE R
the suspension setting is
even more taut R
the vehicle is set to low level R
at higher speeds, the vehicle
level does not continue to
lower R
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63
4MATIC+/GLC 63 S
4MATIC+: the 4MATIC+ is
synchronised more dynami-
cally
Important safety notes
G WARNING
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle or
in the immediate vicinity of the wheel arches
when the vehicle is being lowered.
i If one of the doors is open, the vehicle is not
lowered. Vehicle level Setting the raised vehicle level
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: it is possible to
choose between the "Normal" and "Raised"
vehicle levels below a speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h). Select the "Normal" setting for nor-
mal road surfaces and "Raised" for driving with
snow chains or on particularly poor road surfa-
ces. Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
All other models: it is possible to choose
between the "Normal" and "Raised" vehicle lev-
els below a speed of 50 mph (80 km/ h) . Select
the "Normal" setting for normal road surfaces
and "Raised" for driving with snow chains or on
particularly poor road surfaces. Your selection
remains stored even if you remove the Smart-
Key from the ignition lock. X
Start the engine.
If indicator lamp D is not lit: X
Press button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up.
The vehicle is set to high level.
The Vehicle Rising
message appears on
the multifunction display.
i The message disappears after ten seconds,
irrespective of the level reached. If necessary,
the vehicle is raised further.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC: the "Raised
level" setting is canceled if you: R
drive at speeds greater than 44 mph
(70 km/h) R
drive for approximately three minutes at
speeds greater than 37 mph (60 km/h)Driving systems 185
Driving and parking Z