MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV 2018 Owner's Manual

GLS
Operator's Manual
Mercedes-Benz
Your Operator's Manual
Digital form inside the vehicle
Familiarize yourself with the contents of the Operator's Manual directly via your
vehicle's multimedia system (Menu item "Vehicle").
Booklet inside the vehicle
In addition to the vehicle's Operator's Manual, you can obtain the complete multi-
media system Supplement from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Digital form via the Internet
You can find the Operator's Manual on the Mercedes-Benz homepage.
Digital form as an App
The Mercedes-Benz Guides App is available for free on the Apple®App store or Google
Play.
Apple® iOS Android™
Order no. P166 0476 13 Part no. 166 584 51 08 Edition A 2018
É1665845108yËÍ1665845108
GLS Operator's Manual

Publication details
Internet
Further information about Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cles and about Daimler AG can be found on the
following websites:
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only)
http://www.mercedes-benz.ca (Canada only)
Editorial office
You are welcome to forward any queries or sug-
gestions you may have regarding this Operator's
Manual to the technical documentation team at
the following address:
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
3 Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
We urge you to read this Operator's Manual
carefully and familiarize yourself with the vehi-
cle before driving. For your own safety and a
longer vehicle life, follow the instructions and
warning notices in this Operator's Manual.
Ignoring them could result in damage to the
vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow
instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty.
The equipment or product designation of your
vehicle may vary depending on:
RModel
ROrder
RCountry specification
RAvailability
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right to
introduce changes in the following areas:
RDesign
REquipment
RTechnical features
The equipment in your vehicle may therefore
differ from that shown in the descriptions and
illustrations.
The following are integral components of the
vehicle:
RDigital Operator's Manual
RPrinted Operator's Manual
RMaintenance Booklet
REquipment-dependent supplements
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. If you sell the vehicle, always pass all
documents on to the new owner.
Your Operator's Manual:
Digital form inside the vehicle
The Digital Operator's Manual provides
comprehensive and specifically adapted
information on your vehicle's equipment
and multimedia system. It contains infor-
mative animations, individual language
settings and an intuitive search function.
Booklet inside the vehicle
In addition to this manual and the afore-
mentioned digital media, you also have the
option to obtain a comprehensive printed
version of the Supplement for your multi-
media system from your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Digital form via the Internet
The Operator's Manual on the Internet pro-
vides easy access to all information
regarding your vehicle and multimedia sys-
tem. It also provides helpful animations,
interesting background information and a
wide array of search options.
Digital form as an App
Using the Mercedes-Benz Guides App, you
can view all the information on your vehicle
and multimedia system via mobile Internet
or download it independently of network
access. Available for smartphones or tab-
lets.
You can also use the Mercedes-Benz Guides
App:
Please note that the Mercedes-Benz Guides App
may not yet be available in your country.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company
1665845108
É1665845108yËÍ

Index....................................................... 4
Digital Operator's Manual..................26
Introduction .......................................... .26
Operation ............................................... 26
Introduction ......................................... 27
Protecting the environment ...................2 7
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts .............. .27
Operator's Manual ................................. 28
Service and vehicle operation ................2 8
Operating safety .................................... 30
QR codes for the rescue card ................3 2
Data stored in the vehicle ...................... 32
Information on copyright ....................... 35
At a glance ........................................... 36
Cockpit .................................................. 36
Instrument cluster ................................. 37
Multifunction steering wheel ................. 38
Center console ...................................... 39
Overhead control panel .........................4 2
Door control panel ................................. 43
Safety ................................................... 44
Panic alarm ............................................ 44
Occupant safety .................................... 44
Children in the vehicle ........................... 59
Pets in the vehicle ................................. 65
Driving safety systems ........................... 66
Protection against theft .........................7 5
Opening and closing...........................77
SmartKey ............................................... 77
Doors ..................................................... 83
Cargo compartment .............................. .84
Side windows ......................................... 88
Sliding sunroof ....................................... 92
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....97
Correct driver's seat position ................ 97
Seats ..................................................... 97
Steering wheel ..................................... 108
Mirrors ................................................. 110 Memory function ................................. 113
Lights and windshield wipers
..........115
Exterior lighting ................................... 115
Interior lighting .................................... 119
Replacing bulbs (vehicles with LED
headlamps) .......................................... 120
Replacing bulbs (vehicles with halo-
gen headlamps) ................................... 120
Windshield wipers ................................ 122
Climate control ................................. 125
Overview of climate control systems ... 125
Operating the climate control sys-
tems .................................................... 131
Setting the air vents ............................ 136
Driving and parking ..........................139
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle ..... 139
Driving ................................................. 139
DYNAMIC SELECT controller ............... 147
Automatic transmission ....................... 148
Refueling ............................................. 155
Parking ................................................ 161
Driving tips .......................................... 164
Driving systems ................................... 174
Towing a trailer .................................... 224
Bicycle rack ......................................... 230
On-board computer and displays ....233
Important safety notes ........................ 233
Displays and operation ........................ 233
Menus and submenus ......................... 236
Display messages ............................... 248
Warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ............................... 279
Multimedia system ...........................292
General notes ...................................... 292
Important safety notes ........................ 292
Function restrictions ............................ 292
Operating system ................................ 293
Stowage and features ......................300
Stowage areas ..................................... 300
2Contents

Features .............................................. 308
Maintenance and care......................325
Engine compartment ........................... 325
ASSYST PLUS ...................................... 329
Care ..................................................... 330
Breakdown assistance .....................338
Where will I find...? .............................. 338
Flat tire ................................................ 339
Battery (vehicle) .................................. 344
Jump-starting ....................................... 346
Towing and tow-starting ...................... 349
Fuses ................................................... 352
Wheels and tires ............................... 354
Important safety notes ........................ 354
Operation ............................................ 354
Winter operation .................................. 356
Tire pressure ....................................... 357
Loading the vehicle .............................. 364
All about wheels and tires ................... 367
Changing a wheel ................................ 374
Wheel and tire combinations ............... 379
Emergency spare wheel ....................... 380
Technical data ................................... 384
Information regarding technical data ... 384
Vehicle electronics .............................. 384
Identification plates ............................. 385
Service products and filling capaci-
ties ...................................................... 386
Vehicle data ......................................... 392
Vehicle data for off-road driving .......... 393
Trailer tow hitch ................................... 395
Contents3

1, 2, 3 ...
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tion System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 218
12 V socket
see Sockets
115 V socket ...................................... 313
360° camera
Cleaning ........................................ .334
Display in the multimedia system .. 205
Function/notes .............................2 03
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Display message ............................ 249
Function/notes ................................ 66
Important safety notes .................... 66
Warning lamp ................................. 282
Accident
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 59
Activating media mode
General notes ................................ 298
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 131
Active Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 242
Display message ............................ 269
Function/information .................... 213
Trailer towing ................................. 215
Active Brake Assist
Activating or deactivating .............. 242
Display message ............................ 254
Function/notes ................................ 67
Active Brake Assist with cross-
traffic function
Activating or deactivating .............. 242
Display message ............................ 255
Function/notes ................................ 72
Important safety notes .................... 73
Warning lamp ................................. 290
Active Curve System
Display message ............................ 266 Function/notes ............................. 189
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 242
Display message ............................ 268
Function/information .................... 215
Trailer towing ................................. 218
Active light function ......................... 117
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 72
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 261
Function/notes ............................. 118
Switching on/off ........................... 118
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 390
Address book
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Adjusting the volume
Multimedia system ........................ 293
ADS (Adaptive Damping System)
Function/notes ............................. 188
Air bags
Deployment ..................................... 56
Display message ............................ 258
Front air bag (
driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 50
Important safety notes .................... 49
Introduction ..................................... 49
Knee bag .......................................... 50
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 51
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator
lamps ............................................... 45
Side impact air bag .......................... 51
Window curtain air bag .................... 51
Air filter (display message) .............. 264
AIR FLOW ........................................... 132
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 136
Important safety notes .................. 136
Rear ............................................... 137
Setting ........................................... 136
Setting the center air vents ........... 136
Setting the side air vents ............... 136
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
4Index

AIRMATICpackage
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) .. .188
Function/notes .............................1 88
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 75
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 75
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 75
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
AMG
Adaptive sport suspension sys-
tem ................................................ 191
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 245
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-skid chains
see Snow chains
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Approach/departure angle .............. 173
Ashtray ............................................... 311
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) ..................................................2 41
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) ..................................................2 41
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ........3 29
Hiding a service message .............. 329
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 329
Service message ............................ 329
Special service requirements ......... 330
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 75
Function ...........................................7 5
Switching off the alarm .................... 75
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 242
Display message ............................ 265
Function/notes ............................. 207
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 239
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 260
see Lights
Automatic car wash (care) ............... 330
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 145
Automatic engine switch-off (EC
O
start/stop function) .......................... 144
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 115
Automatic transmission
Accelerator pedal position ............. 150
Changing gear ............................... 150
DIRECT SELECT lever ..................... 148
Display message ............................ 275
Drive program ................................ 151
Drive program display .................... 149
Driving tips .................................... 150
DYNAMIC SELECT controller ......... 147
Emergency running mode .............. 155
Engaging drive position .................. 149
Engaging neutral ............................ 149
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 148
Engaging reverse gear ................... 148
Engaging the park position ............ 148
Important safety notes .................. 148
Kickdown ....................................... 151
Manual shifting .............................. 152
Oil temperature (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 245
Overview ........................................ 148
Problem (malfunction) ................... 155
Pulling away ................................... 143
Starting the engine ........................ 142
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 152
Trailer towing ................................. 151
Transmission position display ........ 149
Transmission positions .................. 150
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 155
AUX jacks
CD/DVD drive ............................... 299
Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing) ...................................................... 395
B
Back button ....................................... 293
Index5

Bag hook............................................ 305
Ball coupling
Installing ........................................ 226
Removing ....................................... 229
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 67
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 80
Important safety notes .................... 80
Replacing ......................................... 80
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 346
Display message ............................ 262
Important safety notes .................. 344
Jump starting ................................. 346
Overview ........................................ 344
Belt
see Seat belts
Belt warning ......................................... 48
Bicycle rack ....................................... 230
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 242
Display message ............................ 269
Notes/function .............................. 209
Trailer towing ................................. 211
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 158
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 389
Bluetooth
®
Searching for a mobile phone ........ 296
Searching for a mobile phone
(device manager) ........................... 297
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Telephony ...................................... 296
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 254
Notes ............................................. 390
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 260
Brake linings
Display message ............................ 254 Brakes
ABS .................................................. 66
BAS .................................................. 67
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 390
Braking assistance appropriate to
the situation ..................................... 69
Display message ............................ 249
High-performance brake system .... 168
Hill start assist ............................... 143
Important safety notes .................. 166
Maintenance .................................. 167
Parking brake ................................ 162
Riding tips ...................................... 166
Warning lamp ................................. 281
Braking assistance appropriate to
the situation
Function/notes ................................ 69
Breakdo
wn
Where will I find...? ........................ 338
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 37
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs
C
CaliforniaImportant notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 28
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
360° camera ................................. 334
Car wash ........................................ 330
Carpets .......................................... 337
Display ........................................... 335
Exhaust pipe .................................. 334
Exterior lights ................................ 333
Gear or selector lever .................... 336
Interior ........................................... 335
Matte finish ................................... 332
Notes ............................................. 330
Paint .............................................. 332
Plastic trim .................................... 335
6Index

Power washer ................................ 331
Rear view camera .......................... 334
Roof lining ...................................... 337
Seat belt ........................................336
Seat cover ..................................... 336
Sensors ......................................... 334
Side running board ........................ 334
Steering wheel ............................... 336
Trim pieces ....................................3 36
Washing by hand ........................... 331
Wheels ...........................................3 33
Windows ........................................ 333
Wiper blades .................................. 333
Wooden trim .................................. 336
Cargo compartment cover
Notes/how to use ......................... 306
Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notes .................. 303
Cargo compartment floor
Important safety notes .................. 307
Opening/closing ............................ 307
Stowage well (under) ..................... 307
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 305
CD
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ..................................................2 92
CD player (on-board computer) ........239
Center console
Lower section .................................. 40
Upper section .................................. 39
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 244
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........7 7
Child
Restraint system .............................. 61
Child seat
Forward-facing restraint system ...... 64
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ............................................ 62
On the front-passenger seat ............ 64
Rearward-facing res train
t system .... 64
Top Tether ...................................... .63
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes .................... 64
Rear doors ...................................... .65
Children
Special seat belt retractor .............. .60 Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes .................... 59
Cigarette lighter ................................ 312
Cleaning
Mirror turn signal .......................... .334
Trailer tow hitch .............................3 35
Climate control
3-zone automatic climate control
with additional rear-compartment
climate control ............................... 129
Automatic climate control (3-
zone) .............................................. 127
Controlling automatically ...............1 32
Cooling with air dehumidification .. 131
Defrosting the windows ................. 134
Defrosting the windshield .............. 133
Dual-zone automatic climate con-
trol ................................................. 125
General notes ................................ 125
Indicator lamp ................................ 132
Ionization ....................................... 135
Maximum cooling .......................... 134
Notes on using the automatic cli-
mate control .................................. 131
Overview of systems ......................1 25
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 135
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification ............................ 132
Rear control panel ......................... 127
Rear control panel (3-zone auto-
matic climate control with addi-
tional rear-compa
rtment climate
control) .......................................... 129
Refrigerant ..................................... 391
Refrigerant filling capacity ............. 392
Setting the air distribution ............. 133
Setting the air vents ......................1 36
Setting the airflow ......................... 133
Setting the climate mode (AIR
FLOW) ............................................ 132
Setting the temperature ................ 132
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 135
Switching on/off ........................... 131
Switching residual heat on/off ...... 135
Switching the rear window
defroster on/off ............................ 134
Index7

Switching the ZONE function
on/off ............................................ 133
Coat hooks ......................................... 306
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 36
see Instrument cluster
Collapsible spare wheel
Inflating ......................................... 382
see Emergency spare wheel
COMAND
Driving dynamics display ............... 223
COMAND display
Cleaning ......................................... 335
Combination switch .......................... 116
Connecting a USB device
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 292
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 236
Controller ........................................... 293
Convenience closing feature .............. 90
Convenience opening feature ............ 90
Coolant (engine)
Checking the level ......................... 328
Display message ............................ 261
Filling capacity ............................... 391
Important safety notes .................. 390
Temperature (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 245
Temperature gauge ........................ 234
Warning lamp ................................. 288
Cooling
see Climate control
Copyright ............................................. 35
Cornering light function
Display message ............................ 260
Crash-responsive emergency light-
ing ....................................................... 120
Crosswind Assist ................................. 71
Crosswind driving assistance ............ 71
Cruise control
Activating ....................................... 175
Activation conditions ..................... 175
Cruise control lever ....................... 175
Deactivating ................................... 176
Display message ............................ 271
Driving system ............................... 174 Function/notes ............................. 174
Important safety notes .................. 174
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 175
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 309
Important safety notes .................. 308
Rear compartment ......................... 309
Temperature controlled ................. 309
Third row of seats .......................... 310
Customer Ass
istance Center
(CAC) ..................................................... 31
Customer Relations Department ....... 31
D
Data
see Technical data
Data carrier
Selecting ........................................ 239
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 260
Function/notes ............................. 115
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 243
Declarations of conformity ................. 30
DEF
Adding ........................................... 158
Display message ............................ 264
Filling capacity ............................... 389
Important safety notes .................. 389
Diagnostics connection ...................... 31
Differential lock (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 267
Digital Operator's Manual
Help ................................................. 26
Introduction ..................................... 26
Digital speedometer ......................... 237
DIRECT SELECT lever
Automatic transmission ................. 148
Display messages
ASSYST PLUS ................................ 329
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 248
Driving systems ............................. 265
Engine ............................................ 261
General notes ................................ 248
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 248
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 278
8Index