Mercedes-Benz 2016 GL, Operator'S Manual

Page: 266 / 462

This could impair the handling characteris-
tics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
The following models cannot be used to tow a
trailer:
R
GLE 550 e 4MATIC Sport Utility Vehicle
R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed max-
imum speed for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
R
Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R
The bumpers of your vehicle are not suita-
ble for installing detachable trailer cou-
plings.
R
Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R
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 425).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the
following driving systems have limited avail-
ability or are not available at all:
R
PARKTRONIC (
Y
page 224)
R
Blind Spot Assist (
Y
page 244)
R
Active Lane Keeping Assist (
Y
page 251)
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Y
page 457).
Driving tips
Observe the information on ESP ® trailer sta-
bilization (
Y
page 75) and on pulling away with
a trailer (
Y
page 168).
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 max-
imum permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the rel-
evant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See "Technical data" to
find out whether this applies to your vehicle
(
Y
page 458). 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 oper-
ating permit. This also applies in countries in
which the permissible maximum speed for
vehicle/trailer combinations is above 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 DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to main-
tain the speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
264
Towing a trailer
Dr
iving
and
parking