Driving Systems - Mercedes-Benz GL Operator's Manual

G
WARNING
Never turn the vehicle around on steep inclines. The vehicle might roll over. If the vehicle cannot
complete the attempted climb, back it down in reverse gear.
i Hill start assist will aid you when pulling away on a hill.
For more information, see "Hill start assist" (
Maximum gradient-climbing capability
For good road surface conditions, the
maximum gradient-climbing capability is
100%, which corresponds to an approach/
departure angle of 45°. Note that the
vehicle's gradient-climbing capability
depends on the off-road conditions.
Accelerate carefully and make sure that the
wheels do not spin when driving on steep
terrain.
i
If the load on the front axle is reduced
when pulling away on a steep uphill slope,
the front wheels have a tendency to spin.
4ETS recognizes this and brakes the
wheels accordingly. The rear wheel torque
is increased, making it easier to drive off.
i Vehicles with the Enhanced Off-Road
Package have a differential lock for the
transfer case and a differential lock for the
rear axle to improve vehicle traction.
Brow of hill
When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly
reduce pressure on the accelerator
immediately before reaching the brow of the
hill. Use the vehicle's own impetus to drive
over the top of the hill.
This style of driving prevents:
the vehicle from lifting off the ground on the
R
brow of a hill
loss of traction
R
the vehicle from traveling too quickly down
R
the other side
Y page 151).
Driving downhill
Drive slowly.
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Do not drive at an angle down steep
R
inclines. Steer into the line of fall and drive
with the front wheels aligned straight.
Otherwise, the vehicle could slip sideways,
tip and rollover.
Before tackling steep downhill gradients,
R
select shift range 1.
Activate DSR. If this is not sufficient, brake
R
gently. When doing so, make sure that the
vehicle is facing in the direction of the line
of fall.
Check that the brakes are working normally
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after a long downhill stretch.
i The special off-road ABS setting enables
a precise, brief and repeated locking of the
front wheels, causing them to dig into the
loose earth. Be aware that the front wheels
easily skid across the ground surface if
completely braked and therefore lose their
ability to steer.

Driving systems

Cruise control
Important safety notes
Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, you must
select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time. By
doing so, you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine, which relieves the load
on the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly.
I n f o r m a t i o n P r o v i d e d b y :
Driving systems
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