Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: Driving tips - Automatic transmission - Driving and parking - Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Owner's ManualMercedes-Benz GL-Class: Driving tips

Kickdown

Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.

► Vehicles for USA: fully depress the accelerator pedal.

The transmission shifts to a lower gear depending on the engine speed.

► Vehicles for Canada: depress the accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point.

The transmission shifts to a lower gear depending on the engine speed.

Rocking the vehicle free

Rocking the vehicle free by shifting back and forth between transmission positions D and R can help to free a vehicle that has become stuck in mud or snow. The engine management system of the vehicle limits shifting back and forth between transmission positions D and R to a maximum speed of 5 mph (9 km/h). To shift back and forth between transmission positions D and R, move the selector lever up and down beyond the pressure point.

Working on the vehicle

WARNING When working on the vehicle, engage the 
When working on the vehicle, engage the parking brake and shift the automatic transmission into park position P. Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Trailer towing

► When towing a trailer and driving downhill, shift to the lower gear if the automatic transmission constantly shifts between two gears.
► Engaging a lower gear and reducing the speed reduces the risk of the engine overheating.

    Changing gear
    The automatic transmission shifts to the individual gears automatically when it is in transmission position D. This automatic gearshifting behavior is determined by: • a shift range restrictio ...

    Steering wheel paddle shifters
    1 Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter 2 Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter You can restrict or derestrict the shift range by using the steering wheel paddle shifters. ...

    See also:

    Instrument Panel Illumination Control
    (Instrument Panel Brightness): This feature controls the brightness of the instrument panel lights and is located next to the exterior lamps control. Push the knob to extend out and then it can ...

    Turn and Lane-Change Signals
    An arrow on the instrument panel cluster flashes in the direction of the turn or lane change. Move the lever all the way up or down to signal a turn. Raise or lower the lever until the arrow sta ...

    Fuel filler flap emergency release
    WARNING   Avoid contact with the vehicle walls as they may contain sharp edges. Otherwise, you could injure yourself while releasing the fuel filler flap. The emergency release is locat ...