display MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV 2016 Owner's Guide

If the status of the front-passenger front airbag
changes while the vehicle is in motion, an airbag display message appears on the instrument
cluster (Y page 268). When the front-passenger
seat is occupied, always pay attention to the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp. Be
aware of the status of the front-passenger front airbag both before and during the journey.
If a person sits in the passenger seat, he/she
must be:
R seated with the seat belt fastened correctly
R in an almost upright position with his/her
back against the seat backrest
R with his/her feet resting on the floor, if pos-
sible
If the front passenger does not observe these
conditions, the automatic front-passenger front
airbag deactivation system may be influenced,
e.g. because the front passenger:
R transfers his/her weight by supporting him-
self/herself on a vehicle armrest
R sits in such a way that his/her weight is raised
from the seat cushion
The front-passenger front airbag may be disa-
bled by mistake as a result of these or similar
actions. In this case, the PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF indicator lamp lights up permanently. The
front-passenger front airbag then does not
deploy during an accident. G
WARNING
If the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp is lit, the front-passenger front airbag is disa-
bled. It will not be deployed in the event of an
accident and cannot perform its intended pro-
tective function. A person in the front-
passenger seat could then, for example, come
into contact with the vehicle's interior, espe-
cially if the person is sitting too close to the
dashboard. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
When the front-passenger seat is occupied,
always make sure that:
R the classification of the person in the front-
passenger seat is correct and that the front-
passenger front airbag is enabled or disa- bled in accordance with the person in the
front-passenger seat.
R the front-passenger seat has been moved
back as far back as possible.
R the person is seated correctly.
Make sure, both before and during the jour-
ney, that the status of the front-passenger
front airbag is correct. G
WARNING
If you secure a child in a rearward-facing child
restraint system on the co-driver's seat and
the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
is off, the co-driver's front airbag can deploy in the event of an accident. The child could be
struck by the airbag. There is an increased risk
of injury, possibly even fatal.
In this case, always make sure that the co-
driver's front airbag has been disabled. The
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
must be lit.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
stays off, do not install a rearward-facing child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat.
Further information can be found under "Prob-
lems with the automatic front-passenger front
airbag deactivation system" (Y page 54). G
WARNING
If you secure a child in a forward-facing child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat
and you position the front-passenger seat too close to the dashboard, in the event of an
accident, the child could:
R come into contact with the vehicle's inte-
rior if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-
cator lamp is lit, for example
R be struck by the airbag if the PASSENGER
AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off
This poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Move the front-passenger seat as far back as
possible. Always make sure that the shoulder belt strap is correctly routed from the vehicle
belt sash guide to the shoulder belt guide on
the child restraint system. The shoulder belt Occupant safety
51Safety
Z

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General notes ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that
the wheels do not lock when you brake. This
allows you to continue steering the vehicle when braking.
The ! ABS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
ABS works from a speed of about 8 km/h,
regardless of road-surface conditions. ABS
works on slippery surfaces, even when you only
brake gently.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 68). G
WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition-
ally, further driving safety systems are deac-
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid- ding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
If ABS is malfunctioning, other systems, includ-
ing driving safety systems, will also become
inoperative. Observe the information on the ABS warning lamp (Y page 293) and display mes-
sages which may be shown in the instrument
cluster (Y page 259).
Braking X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking sit-
uation is over.
X To make a full brake application: depress
the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a
pulsing in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication
of hazardous road conditions; this serves as a
reminder to take extra care while driving. Off-road ABS An ABS system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once an off-
road program is activated:
R Vehicles without the Off-Road Engineering
package (Y page 228)
R Vehicles with the Off-Road Engineering pack-
age (Y page 229)
At speeds below 30 km/h the front wheels lock cyclically during braking. The digging-in effect
achieved in the process reduces the stopping
distance when driving off-road. This limits steer- ing capability. BAS (Brake Assist System)
General notes BAS operates in emergency braking situations.
If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BAS
automatically boosts the braking force, thus
shortening the stopping distance.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 68). G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
Braking X
Keep the brake pedal depressed firmly until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. Driving safety systems
69Safety Z

Function
The distance warning function issues a warning
at speeds:
R of approximately 30 km/h or more, if, over
several seconds, the distance maintained to
the vehicle travelling in front is insufficient.
The · distance warning lamp then lights
up in the instrument cluster.
R of approximately 7 km/h or more, if you rap-
idly approach a vehicle in front. An intermit-
tent warning tone will then sound and the
· distance warning lamp will light up in the
instrument cluster.
X Brake immediately to increase the distance
from the vehicle in front.
or
X Take evasive action provided it is safe to do
so.
Due to the nature of the system, certain com-
plex but non-critical driving conditions may also
cause the system to display a warning.
With the help of the radar sensor system, the
distance warning function can detect obstacles
that are in the path of your vehicle for an exten-
ded period of time.
Up to a speed of approximately 70 km/h, the
distance warning function can also react to sta- tionary obstacles, such as stopped or parked
vehicles.
Autonomous braking function If the driver does not react to the distance warn-
ing signal in a critical situation, Active Brake
Assist can assist the driver with the autonomous
braking function.
The autonomous braking function is available in
the following speed ranges:
R 7 - 105 km/h for moving objects
R 7 - 50 km/h for stationary objects
Due to the nature of the system, complex but
non-critical driving conditions may also cause
the autonomous braking function to engage.
If the autonomous braking function demands
particularly high braking force, preventative
passenger protection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
)
are activated simultaneously (Y page 56).Adaptive Brake Assist General information
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 68).
With the help of the radar sensor system, Adap-
tive Brake Assist can detect obstacles that are in the path of your vehicle for an extended period
of time.
If Adaptive Brake Assist detects a risk of colli-
sion with the vehicle in front, it calculates the
brake pressure necessary to avoid a collision. If
you apply the brakes forcefully, Adaptive Brake
Assist automatically increases the brake pres-
sure to a level suitable for the traffic conditions.
Adaptive Brake Assist provides braking assis-
tance in hazardous situations at speeds above
7 km/h. It uses the radar sensor system to
assess the traffic situation.
Up to a speed of approximately 250 km/h,
Adaptive Brake Assist is capable of reacting to
moving objects that have already been detected
as such at least once over the period of obser-
vation.
Up to a speed of approximately 70 km/h, Adap-
tive Brake Assist reacts to stationary obstacles.
If Adaptive Brake Assist demands a particularly
high braking force, preventative passenger pro- tection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) are activated
simultaneously (Y page 56).
X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again if: R you release the brake pedal
R the risk of collision with the vehicle in front
has passed
R no obstacle is detected in the path of your
vehicle
Adaptive Brake Assist is then deactivated.
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion for driving safety systems (Y page 68). G
WARNING
Adaptive Brake Assist cannot always clearly
identify objects and complex traffic situa-
tions. Driving safety systems
71Safety
Z

Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilise the vehicle. In addition, other driving
safety systems are switched off. This increa-
ses 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 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 twin-axle dynamometer.
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.
When ESP ®
is deactivated, the åESP®
OFF
warning lamp lights up continuously.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the åwarning
lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not available
due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 295) and display messages which may
be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 259).
i Only use wheels with the recommended tyre
sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function properly.
Characteristics of ESP ®General notes
If the ÷ ESP warning lamp goes out before
beginning the journey, ESP ®
is automatically
active.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ESP®
warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any circum-
stances.
X When pulling away, only depress the acceler-
ator pedal as far as is necessary.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing
road and weather conditions. ECO start/stop function
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle stops
moving. When pulling away again, the engine
starts automatically. ESP ®
remains in its previ-
ously selected status, e.g. if ESP ®
was deacti-
vated before the engine was automatically
switched off.
Deactivating/activating ESP ® Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 68).
You can select between the following ESP ®
sta-
tuses:
R ESP ®
is activated
R ESP ®
is deactivated G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer sta-
bilises the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
In the following situations, it may be better to
deactivate ESP ®
:
R when snow chains are used
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
Spinning the wheels results in a cutting action,
which enhances traction.
i Activate ESP ®
as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP ®
will
otherwise not stabilise the vehicle if the vehi-
cle starts to skid or a wheel starts to spin. Driving safety systems
73Safety Z

Crosswind Assist
General notes
Strong crosswind gusts can impair the ability of your vehicle to drive straight ahead. The cross-
wind driving assistance function integrated in
ESP ®
noticeably reduces these impairments.
Depending on the direction and intensity of the
side wind, ESP ®
is activated automatically.
ESP ®
intervenes with stabilising braking to
assist you in keeping the vehicle in the lane.
Crosswind Assist is active at vehicle speeds
above 80 km/h when driving straight ahead or
cornering gently.
Important safety notes Crosswind Assist does not work if ESP ®
is deac-
tivated or disabled because of a malfunction. EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
General notes EBD monitors and controls the brake pressure
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 293) as well as display
messages (Y page 261). ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety and
offers increased braking comfort. In addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE also has
the HOLD function (Y page 195) and hill start
assist (Y page 151). Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function
General information i
Read the important safety notes in the "Driv-
ing safety systems" section (Y page 68).
Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function
can help you to minimise the risk of a collision
with a vehicle in front or a pedestrian and reduce
the effects of such a collision. If the Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function detects a risk
of collision, you will be warned visually and
acoustically and, if necessary, your brake appli-cation will be assisted according to the situa-
tion. If you do not react, the system can also
react by braking automatically. In the event of a
detected risk of collision due to crossing traffic, you will also be visually and acoustically warned as well as assisted by the brake boosting effect
according to the situation.
Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function is
only available in vehicles with the Driving Assis-
tance Plus package.
For Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic func-
tion to assist you when driving, the radar sensor
system and the camera system must be opera-
tional.
If the radar sensor system or the camera system is malfunctioning, Active Brake Assist with
cross-traffic function is restricted or no longer
available. The brake system is still available with
complete brake boosting effect and BAS.
The radar sensor system and camera system
help Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic func- tion to detect obstacles that are in the path of
your vehicle for an extended period of time.
Pedestrians in the path of your vehicle can also
be detected.
Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function
detects pedestrians using typical characteris-
tics such as body contours and the posture of a person standing upright.
i Observe the restrictions described in the
"Important safety notes" section
(Y page 76). Driving safety systems
75Safety Z

radar sensors checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. This also applies to collisions at low
speeds where no damage to the front of the
vehicle is visible.
Following damage to the windscreen, have the
configuration and operation of the camera sys-
tem checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Function X
To activate or deactivate: activate or deac-
tivate Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function using the on-board computer
(Y page 250).
If the Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function is deactivated, the æsymbol
appears in the multifunction display.
If you have activated DSR (Y page 227), the
Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function is
deactivated.
This function issues a warning:
R at a speed of approximately 30 km/h or
higher, the distance maintained to the vehicle
travelling in front is insufficient for several
seconds.
The · distance warning lamp then lights
up in the instrument cluster.
R at a speed of approximately 7 km/h or more,
you rapidly approach a vehicle in front or a
pedestrian
An intermittent warning tone will then sound
and the ·distance warning lamp will light
up on the instrument cluster.
X Brake immediately to defuse the situation.
or
X Take evasive action provided it is safe to do
so.
Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function
can also brake the vehicle automatically under
the following conditions:
R the driver and front passenger have their seat
belts fastened
and
R the vehicle speed is between approximately
7 km/h and 200 km/h Up to a speed of approximately 70 km/h, Active
Brake Assist with cross-traffic function may
react to:
R stationary objects in the path of your vehicle,
such as stopped or parked vehicles
R pedestrians in the path of your vehicle
i If an increased danger of collision exists,
preventative passenger protection measures
(PRE-SAFE ®
) are triggered (Y page 56).
If the risk of collision remains and you do not
brake, take evasive action or accelerate quickly,
the vehicle may perform automatic braking up to
the point of a full brake application. An auto-
matic full brake application is not performed
until immediately prior to an imminent accident.
If you apply the brake yourself in a critical sit-
uation or during autonomous braking, braking
assistance is provided according to the situa-
tion. If necessary, this increases the brake pres-
sure up to full brake application.
To avoid a collision, Active Brake Assist with
cross-traffic function calculates the brake force
necessary if:
R you approach an obstacle and
R Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function
has detected a risk of a collision
When driving at a speed under30 km/h: if
you depress the brake pedal, Active Brake
Assist with cross-traffic function is activated.
Braking assistance from Active Brake Assist
with cross-traffic function is carried out at the
last possible moment.
When driving at a speed above30 km/h: if
you depress the brake pedal sharply, Active
Brake Assist with cross-traffic function auto-
matically increases the brake pressure to a
degree suited to the traffic situation.
Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function
provides braking assistance in hazardous situa-
tions with vehicles in front within a speed range
between 7 km/h and 250 km/h. Driving safety systems
77Safety Z

Correct driver's seat position
G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle while
driving if you:
R adjust the driver's seat, steering wheel or
mirrors
R fasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steer-
ing wheel and mirrors and fasten your seat
belt before starting the engine. Observe the following when adjusting steering
wheel
:, seat belt ;and driver's seat =:
R you are as far away from the driver's airbag as
possible
R you are sitting in an upright position
R your thighs are slightly supported by the seat
cushion
R your legs are not entirely stretched and you
can depress the pedals properly
R the back of your head is supported at eye level
by the centre of the head restraint
R you can hold the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent
R you can move your legs freely
R you can see all the displays in the instrument
cluster clearly R
you have a good overview of traffic conditions
R the seat belt is pulled snugly against the body
and must be routed across the centre of your
shoulder and across your hips in the pelvic
area
Further related subjects:
R Electric seat adjustment (Y page 104)
R Adjusting the steering wheel mechanically
(Y page 113) or electrically (Y page 114).
R Fastening the seat belt correctly (Y page 46).
R Adjusting the rear-view mirror and exterior
mirrors (Y page 116).
R Vehicles with memory function: storing the
seat, steering wheel, exterior mirror and
Head-up Display settings with the memory
function (Y page 118). Seats
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If children adjust the seats, they could
become trapped, especially if they are unat-
tended. There is a risk of injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle.
The seats can still be adjusted when there is no
key in the ignition lock. G
WARNING
When adjusting a seat, you or another vehicle occupant could become trapped by the guiderail of the seat, for instance. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure that no one has any part of their
body within the sweep of the seat when
adjusting it.
Observe the safety notes on "Airbags"
(Y page 47) and "Children in the Vehicle"
(Y page 57). 102
SeatsSeats, steering wheel and
mirrors

Adjusting the backrest angle (second
row of seats)
You can adjust the angle of the backrests in the
second row of seats. There are ten detent posi-
tions.
X Pull the left or right release lever ;upwards
in the direction of the arrow until the relevant
backrest :is fully released.
X Pull backrest :forwards in the direction of
the arrow and allow it to engage.
X To ensure that the backrest has engaged, lean
firmly against backrest :.
Folding the seats up/down (third row of seats) General notes
! Make sure that there is nothing on the fol-
ded-down seats in the luggage compartment.
The luggage compartment must be empty for
the third row of seats to be folded up. The
seats or the objects in the luggage compart-
ment could, otherwise, be damaged.
Make sure that the seats in the third row are
empty and not blocked before folding them
down.
The third row of seats consists of two electrically
foldable individual seats, which can be lowered
into the luggage compartment.
If the seat is not correctly locked into position,
the 3rd seat row, right Not locked 3rd seat row, right Not locked dis-
play message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
When you fold the seat back until it engages, the display message disappears.
To ensure that the seat backrest is fully
engaged, pull firmly on the seat backrest. The switches for folding the left or right-hand
seats up and down are marked:
Lfor the left-
hand seat when viewed in the direction of travel,
R for the right-hand seat when viewed in the
direction of travel.
Folding up/down in the rear compart-
ment Example:
Rswitch
X To fold up: fold the right-hand outer seat in
the second row of seats forwards
(Y page 109).
X Briefly pull switch :.
The seat folds up.
X To stop the automatic folding: briefly pull
switch :again.
X To fold down: briefly press switch :.
The seat folds down.
X To stop the automatic folding: briefly press
switch :again. Seats
107Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z

G
WARNING
The seat does not engage in the entry/exit
position. The seat may fold back suddenly,
e.g. when accelerating, braking, in the event
of a sudden change of direction or an acci-
dent. Persons in the sweep of the seat could
be trapped. There is a risk of injury.
Always fold back a seat that has been folded
forward before pulling away. Make sure that
the seat and the seat backrest are engaged.
General notes Getting into or out of the third row of seats: youcan fold forward the right outer seat in the sec-
ond row of seats.
If the right outer rear seat in the second row of
seats is in the entry/exit position: the display
message: 2nd
2nd seat seat row,
row,right
right Not
Notlocked
locked
appears in the multifunction display, for exam-
ple.
When you fold the seat back until it engages, the display message disappears.
To ensure that the seat backrest is fully
engaged, pull firmly on the seat backrest.
i Further related subjects:
R Luggage compartment enlargement (fold-
ing down the second row of seats)
(Y page 315)
R Folding the seats in the third row of seats
down/up (Y page 107)
Entry position X
Move the head restraint to the lowest position
(Y page 105).
X Pull release handle ;in the direction of the
arrow to the pressure point and hold it in this position.
The backrest folds forwards. You have two options for folding the seat down
fully.
X Pull release handle ;again in the direction of
the arrow to the pressure point and hold it in
this position.
or X Pull on release loop :in the direction of the
arrow and hold in this position.
X Lift up the seat until it folds forwards.
i Vehicles with memory function: the front
seats move forwards slightly. Entry position
Exit position G
WARNING
When adjusting a seat, you or another vehicle occupant could become trapped by the guiderail of the seat, for instance. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure that no one has any part of their
body within the sweep of the seat when
adjusting it.
i Further related subjects:
R Important safety notes on airbags
(Y page 47)
R Securing children in the vehicle
(Y page 57) Seats
109Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z

Folding down the seats in the second
row electrically Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the seat and seat backrest are not engaged they could fold forwards, e.g. when braking
suddenly or in the event of an accident.
R The seat or seat backrest which is not
engaged will then push the vehicle occu-
pant against the seat belt. The seat belt
cannot protect as intended and could result
in additional injury.
R A child restraint system will then no longer
be supported or positioned correctly and
will no longer perform its intended function.
R The seat backrest cannot restrain objects
or loads in the luggage compartment.
This poses an increased risk of injury.
Always ensure that the seat and the seat
backrest are engaged as described:
R before passengers travel on a seat with the
EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
R after adjusting the seat
R after the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature has
been used
R after you have folded the luggage compart-
ment enlargement forward G
WARNING
The seat does not engage in the entry/exit
position. The seat may fold back suddenly,
e.g. when accelerating, braking, in the event
of a sudden change of direction or an acci-
dent. Persons in the sweep of the seat could
be trapped. There is a risk of injury.
Always fold back a seat that has been folded
forward before pulling away. Make sure that
the seat and the seat backrest are engaged.
General notes Getting in or out from third row of seats: you canfold forward the outer seats on the left and right
of the second row of seats electronically. If one of the two outer rear seats in the second
row of seats is in the entry/exit position: the
display message:
2nd
2nd seat seat row,
row,right
right Not
Not
locked
locked appears in the multifunction display, for
example.
When you fold the seat back until it engages, the display message disappears.
To ensure that the seat backrest is fully
engaged, pull firmly on the seat backrest.
i Further related subjects:
R Luggage compartment enlargement (fold-
ing down the second row of seats)
(Y page 315)
R Folding the seats in the third row of seats
down/up (Y page 107)
Folding the seats forwards
You can fold the seat forwards electronically if
the vehicle is stationary and the corresponding
rear door is open. X
Press button :.
The head restraint retracts, the backrest folds
forwards and the seat folds forwards.
You can fold the seat back to the original
position manually (Y page 108). Adjusting the multicontour seat
The multicontour seat can be adjusted via the
multimedia system (see the separate operating
instructions). Seats
111Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z