Outstanding handling on and off-road

4MATIC - the permanent four-wheel drive from Mercedes-Benz - provides the GL-Class with superior handling whatever the conditions. Together with the standard-fit AIRMATIC air suspension, the precise speed-sensitive power steering and the ADS Adaptive Damper System also fitted as standard, the imposing Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (wheelbase 3075 mm) handles impressively. Handling when pulling a trailer is no less impressive thanks to the ESP® component TSA (Trailer Stability Assist). TSA defuses critical driving situations involving a trailer before they become dangerous by precisely applying the brakes, while AIRMATIC provides fully automatic level adjustment.

Special off-road features such as Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), hill-start assist and off-road ABS assist the GL-Class driver off road. The Off-Road Pro engineering package, standard on all ECE models, means the GL-Class can also handle the most extreme off-road terrain. This includes a two-speed transfer case with a low range ratio and 100 percent differential locks for the transfer case and the rear axle. The modified AIRMATIC air suspension, designed specifically for the more demanding conditions, increases the ground clearance to a maximum of 307 millimetres where required, and raises the fording depth to 600 millimetres.

    See also:

    Notes on selecting, mounting and replacing tires
    - Only mount tires and wheels of the same type and make. - Only mount tires of the correct size onto the wheels. - After mounting new tires, run them in at moderate speeds for the first 60 mil ...

    Lowering the vehicle
    WARNING Vehicles with a spare wheel with a collapsible spare wheel only: do not inflate the collapsible spare wheel until it has been mounted. Inflate the collapsible spare wheel using the ...

    Hydroplaning
    If water has accumulated to a certain depth on the road surface, there is a danger of hydroplaning occurring, even if: you drive at low speeds. the tires have adequate tread depth. For this ...