2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV Owner’s Manual
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV is a full-size SUV that is both luxurious and roomy. It blends style, performance, and versatility with ease. The GLS gives off an air of luxury on the road thanks to its sleek design and strong presence. The car has room for up to seven people and is well-equipped on the inside with high-quality materials and the latest technology. Under the hood, the GLS has a range of powerful engine choices, from a fuel-efficient V6 to a strong V8, which give it great performance and towing abilities. The GLS SUV also has the most up-to-date safety features and driver-assistance systems, so everyone can feel safe and confident while driving. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV is the most luxurious and powerful full-size SUV on the market. It can be used for daily commutes or family trips.
Towing a trailer
Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
WARNING Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may result in the overloading of the trailer tow hitch and the rear axle. This applies especially if the ball coupling in question is longer or angled differently. This could seriously impair the driving characteristics and the trailer can come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
You should only ever install a ball coupling that has the permissible dimensions and that is designed to meet your trailer-towing requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling or the trailer tow hitch.
You will find the values approved by the manufacturer on the vehicle identification plates and those for the towing vehicle under “Technical data” (Y page 395).
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or not secured with the bolt provided and the corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as described. Before every journey, ensure that the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and the corresponding spring cotter.
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi-cle/trailer combination could even rollover. There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle speed and do not countersteer. Apply the brake as necessary.
Please observe the manufacturer’s operating instructions for the trailer coupling if a detachable trailer coupling is used.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If you do not couple the trailer to the towing vehicle correctly, the trailer could become detached.
Make sure that the following values are not exceeded:
- the permissible trailer drawbar lose weight
Rthe permissible trailer load - the permissible rear axle load of the towing vehicle
- the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of both the towing vehicle and the trailer
The applicable permissible values, which must not be exceeded, can be found: - in the vehicle documents
- on the identification plates for the trailer tow hitch and the trailer
- on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies. When towing a trailer, your vehicle’s handling characteristics will be different in comparison with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination: - is heavier
- is restricted in its acceleration and gradient climbing capability
- has an increased braking distance
- is affected more by strong crosswinds
- demands more sensitive steering
- has a larger turning circle
This could impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed to the current road and weather conditions. Do not exceed the maximum permissible speed for your vehicle/trailer combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted, changes to the cooling system and drive train may be necessary, depending on the vehicle type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted, observe the anchorage points on the chassis frame.
- Do not exceed the legally prescribed maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident. - Only install an approved trailer coupling on your vehicle.
More information on availability and installation can be obtained at any qualified specialist workshop. - The bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable for installing detachable trailer couplings.
- Do not install hired trailer couplings or other detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers of your vehicle.
- If you no longer need the ball coupling, remove it from the ball coupling recess. This will reduce the risk of damage to the ball coupling.
When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the maximum load. You will find the values in the tire pressure table in the fuel filler flap of the vehicle (Y page 372).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the following driving systems have limited availability or are not available at all:
- Parking Assist PARKTRONIC (Y page 192)
- Blind Spot Assist (Y page 209)
- Active Lane Keeping Assist (Y page 215)
On vehicles without level control, the height of the ball coupling will alter according to the load placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find installing dimensions and loads under “Technical data” (Y page 395).
Driving tips
Also observe the notes on pulling away with a trailer (Y page 143).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/trailer combinations depends on the type of trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the trailer’s documents to see what the maximum permissible speed is for your trailer. Observe the legally permissible maximum speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maximum permissible rear axle load is increased when towing a trailer. See “Technical data” to find out whether this applies to your vehicle
(Y page 395). If you utilize any of the added maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer combination may not exceed a maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for reasons concerning the operating permit. This also applies in countries in which the maximum permissible speed for car/trailer combinations is greater than 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle’s handling characteristics will be different in comparison with when driving without a trailer.
Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter to shift into a lower gear in good time on long and steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if you have activated cruise control or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so that less braking will be required to maintain the speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-tem and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need additional braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
- Do not accelerate.
- Do not counter-steer.
- Brake if necessary.
- Maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front than when driving without a trailer.
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gently at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then, increase the braking force rapidly. - The values given for gradient-climbing capabilities from a standstill refer to sea level. When driving in mountainous areas, note that the power output of the engine and, consequently, the vehicle’s gradient-climbing capability, decreases with increasing altitude.
Installing the ball coupling
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed and secured, it can come loose during the journey and endanger other road users. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as described. Before every journey, ensure that the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and the corresponding spring cotter.
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or not secured with the bolt provided and the corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as described. Before every journey, ensure that the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and the corresponding spring cotter.
If the ball coupling is not installed and secured correctly the trailer may come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Install and secure the ball coupling as described in the ball coupling installation instructions. Make sure that the ball coupling is installed and secured correctly before every journey.
- Pull the protective cap : in the direction of the arrow, out of the ball coupling recess.
- Stow a protective cap : so that it cannot be thrown around.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 300) and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces (Y page 300). - Insert the ball coupling horizontally into ball coupling recess ; in the direction of the arrow until the holes in ball coupling = are in line with the holes in ball coupling recess ?.
- Slide bolt A into the hole in the ball coupling recess and the ball coupling to the stop.
- Secure the bolt using spring cotter B.
- Check the ball coupling, bolt and spring cotter
for correct installation.
If the ball coupling cannot be correctly mounted, remove the ball coupling. Under these circumstances, the ball coupling must not be used for trailer towing.
Have the entire trailer tow hitch checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Coupling up a trailer
Do not connect the trailer’s brake system (if featured) to the hydraulic brake system of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equipped with an anti-lock brake system. Doing so will result in a loss of function of the brake systems of both the vehicle and the trailer.
- Shift the transmission to position P.
- Apply the vehicle’s electric parking brake. X Start the engine.
- Vehicles with AIRMATIC package: select normal level and the Comfort drive program.
- Switch off the engine.
- Close the doors and tailgate.
- Couple up the trailer.
- Establish the electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer.
- Check that the trailer lighting system is work- ing.
- Push the combination switch upwards/downwards and check whether the corresponding turn signal on the trailer flashes.
FAQ
A: The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a full-size luxury SUV.
A: The 2018 GLS SUV typically seats up to seven passengers with its three-row seating configuration.
A: The 2018 GLS SUV offers a range of engine options, including a 3.0-liter V6 biturbo, a 4.7-liter V8 biturbo, and a powerful 5.5-liter V8 biturbo (AMG version).
A: The 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine in the 2018 GLS 450 produces 362 horsepower.
A: Yes, the GLS SUV comes standard with Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
A: The GLS SUV offers up to 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, up to 49.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 93.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded down.
A: The 2018 GLS SUV is equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
A: Standard safety features may include a rearview camera, active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, and attention assist.
A: The 2018 GLS SUV comes with an AIRMATIC® self-leveling air suspension for a smooth and comfortable ride.
A: Yes, the GLS SUV offers an available panoramic sunroof for an open and airy cabin experience.
A: The 2018 GLS SUV is equipped with the COMAND® infotainment system, which includes a central display, Bluetooth® connectivity, and available navigation.
A: Yes, there is a high-performance version called the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63, featuring a 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine producing 577 horsepower.
A: The fuel economy of the 2018 GLS SUV varies depending on the engine and configuration, with typical ranges of around 16-19 MPG in the city and 22-25 MPG on the highway.
A: Optional features may include premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a Bang & Olufsen® sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
A: The 2018 GLS SUV was part of the previous generation, and it received a refresh and updates in subsequent years.
2023 Mercedes GLS Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Useful Link
Download Manuals: https://www.mbusa.com/en/owners/manuals
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