Mercedes-Benz 2013 GLS Class - Manual (Page 73)

SPORT handling mode is designed for driv-
ing on designated roads when the vehicle's
own oversteering and understeering char-
acteristics are desired. Driving in SPORT
handling mode requires an extremely quali-
fied and experienced driver who is able to
cope with these critical driving conditions.
X To deactivate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
ESP ® is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to activate SPORT handling
mode in the following situations:
R
when using snow chains
R
in deep snow
R
on sand or gravel
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the ÷ ESP
®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP
® only stabilises the vehicle to a
limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ® only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
R
traction control is still activated.
R ESP ® still provides support when you
brake.
R
engine torque is restricted to a limited
degree and the drive wheels are able to
spin. The spinning of the wheels results in
a cutting action for better traction.
Vehicles with ECO start/stop function: the
ECO start/stop function switches the engine
off automatically when the vehicle comes to
a stop. When pulling away again, the engine
starts automatically. ESP
® remains in its pre-
viously selected status. Example: if ESP ® was
deactivated before the engine was switched
off, ESP
® remains deactivated when the
engine is switched on again.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ® , ESP ® no longer sta-
bilises the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP
® in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
X To deactivate: press button : until the
å ESP
® OFF warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
The ÷
OFF message appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
Deactivate ESP
® when driving on designa-
ted roads when the vehicle's own over-
steering and understeering characteristics
are desired. Driving without ESP
® requires
an extremely qualified and experienced
driver who is able to cope with these critical
driving conditions.
X To activate: briefly press button :.
The å ESP
® OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The ÷ ON
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
ESP ® is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
If ESP
® is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP ® warning lamp in
the instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP
® will not stabilise the vehicle.
Driving safety systems
71
Safety
Z