2010 Mercedes GL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 267

Driving instructions 100% grade which is equivalent to a slope angle of 45°. Keep in mind that the climbing ability of the vehicle depends on terrain conditions. RShift 265 automatic transmission into gear range 1 (Y page 118). slowly. The 4-ETS recognizes the situation and limits the torque for the front wheels by braking them. Simultaneously the torque for the rear wheels is increased. RDrive RAvoid excessive engine speeds - drive with moderate engine speeds (max. 3 000 rpm). RUtilize i Vehicles with enhanced off-road package are equipped with automatic locks for the center and rear axle differential to improve vehicle traction. Driving across a hilltop Decelerate just ahead of a hilltop (do not shift automatic transmission into neutral position N), to prevent the vehicle from speeding up too much after climbing a hill. Use the momentum of the vehicle to drive across the hilltop. After climbing a hill, driving in this manner prevents the vehicle from: Rlosing Rlosing the engine's braking power when descending a slope, observe the engine speed (do not overrev the engine). Apply the service brake as needed. i For maximum engine speed, see "Tachometer" (Y page 125) and see vehicle specification for your vehicle (Y page 362). RCheck the brakes after a lengthy downgrade drive. 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. ground contact when cresting hills its forward momentum Rspeeding up too much after climbing the hill Driving downhill RDrive i The hill-start assist system supports you when driving uphill. For more information, see "Hill-start assist system" (Y page 155). Traction in steep terrain The maximum vehicle climbing ability is a 100% grade which is equivalent to a slope angle of 45°. Keep in mind that the climbing ability of the vehicle depends on terrain conditions. Be easy on the accelerator and watch for continuous wheel traction when driving in steep terrain. slowly. RDo not drive at an angle to the incline. Steer into the line of gravity and drive with the front wheels pointing straight downhill. Otherwise, the vehicle may slide sideways off the path and roll over. RShift ROn automatic transmission into gear range 1 (Y page 118). steep inclines, use the Downhill Speed Regulation (Y page 155). the engine's braking power to reduce vehicle speed. If this is insufficient, apply the brakes gently. Make sure the vehicle is moving in the line of gravity. the brakes after a lengthy downgrade drive. Z RUtilize i The 4-ETS helps greatly when starting out on a steep incline when the front wheels have then the tendency to slip due to the weight shifting towards the rear axle. RCheck Operation