Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 2012 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 159)

Driving tips
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X Vehicles for USA: fully depress the
accelerator pedal.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X 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
G WARNING
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
X When towing a trailer and driving downhill,
shift to the lower gear if the automatic
transmission constantly shifts between
two gears.
X Engaging a lower gear and reducing the
speed reduces the risk of the engine
overheating.
Steering wheel paddle shifters
:
Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
;
Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
You can restrict or derestrict the shift range
by using the steering wheel paddle shifters.
Shift ranges
Introduction
When the automatic transmission is in
position
D, it is possible to restrict or
derestrict the shift range ( Y page 157).
The shift range selected is shown in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission shifts only as far as the selected
gear.
Driving situations
= You can use the engine's braking
effect.
5 To use the braking effect of the
engine on downhill gradients and
for driving:
R
on steep mountain roads
R
in mountainous terrain
R
in arduous conditions
4 To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretches
Automatic transmission
157
Driving and parking
Z