Get Safety -> Occupant safety Guide for Mercedes GLE SUV First Generation (2016-2019)

Occupant safety

The components of the restraint system work in

Panic alarm

conjunction with each other. They can only offer

protection if all vehicle occupants always:

R have the seat belt correctly fastened

( Y page 47)

R have the seat and head restraint adjusted

properly ( Y page 104)

As the driver, you must also make sure that the

steering wheel is also adjusted properly.

Safety

Observe the information on the correct driver's

seat position ( Y page 104).

In addition, you must make sure that the airbags

can inflate properly if they are deployed

( Y page 49).

To activate: press the ! button : for

An airbag supplements a correctly worn seat

approximately one second.

belt. As an additional safety device, the airbag

A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the

increases the level of protection for vehicle

alarm system is primed.

occupants in the event of an accident. The air-

bags are not deployed, for example, in the event

X To deactivate: press the ! button :

of an accident in which sufficient protection is

again.

offered by the seat belt. In addition, only those

airbags, which in the applicable accident situa-

X Insert the key into the ignition lock.

tions offer additional protection, are deployed in

or, on vehicles with KEYLESS‑GO:

the event of an accident. However, the seat belt

X Press the Start/Stop button.

and airbag generally do not protect against

objects penetrating the vehicle from the out-

The key must be in the vehicle.

side.

The panic alarm function is only available in cer-

Information on how the restraint system oper-

tain countries.

ates can be found under "Deployment of belt

tensioners and airbags" ( Y page 56).

See "Children in the vehicle" for information on

Occupant safety

children travelling with you in the vehicle as well

as on child restraint systems ( Y page 59).

Introduction to the restraint system

The restraint system can reduce the risk of vehi-

cle occupants coming into contact with parts of

Important safety notes

the vehicle's interior in the event of an accident.

G WARNING

The restraint system can also reduce the forces

to which vehicle occupants are subjected during

If the restraint system is modified, it may no

an accident.

longer work as intended. The restraint system

The restraint system includes the:

may then not perform its intended protective

R seat belt system

function by failing in an accident or triggering

R airbags

unexpectedly, for example. There is an

R child restraint system

increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.

R child seat securing system

Never modify parts of the restraint system. Do

not attempt to modify the wiring as well as

electronic components or their software.

If it is necessary to adjust the vehicle to accom-

modate a person with disabilities, contact a

qualified specialist workshop.

Occupant safety

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use

PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp

driving aids which have been approved specifi-

cally for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.

Restraint system warning lamp

The functions of the restraint system are

checked after the ignition is switched on and at

regular intervals while the engine is running.

Safety

Therefore, malfunctions can be detected in

good time.

The 6 restraint system warning lamp on the

instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is

switched on. It goes out no later than a few sec-

PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp : and

onds after the vehicle is started. The compo-

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp ; are

nents of the restraint system are in operational

part of the automatic deactivation system of the

readiness.

front-passenger front airbag.

A malfunction has occurred if the 6 restraint

The indicator lamps display the status of the

system warning lamp:

front-passenger front airbag.

R does not light up after the ignition is switched

R PASSENGER AIR BAG ON lights up for 60 sec-

onds, then both indicator lamps are off

R does not go out after a few seconds with the

(PASSENGER AIR BAG ON and OFF): the front-

engine running

passenger front airbag is able to deploy in the

event of an accident.

R lights up again while the engine is running

R PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF lights up: the front-

G WARNING

passenger front airbag is disabled. It will then

If the restraint system is malfunctioning,

not be deployed in the event of an accident.

restraint system components may be trig-

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp is

off, only the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

gered unintentionally or may not deploy as

lamp shows the status of the front-passenger

intended during an accident. This may affect

front airbag. The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-

the seat belt tensioner or airbag, for example.

cator lamp may be lit continuously or be off.

This poses an increased risk of injury or even

Depending on the person in the front-passenger

fatal injury.

seat, the front-passenger front airbag must be

Have the restraint system checked and

either disabled or enabled; see the following

repaired immediately at a qualified specialist

points. You must make sure of this both before

and during a journey.

workshop.

R Children in a rearward-facing child

restraint system: the PASSENGER AIR BAG

OFF indicator lamp must be lit. The front-

passenger front airbag is disabled. Make sure

that you read the notes on the "Automatic

front-passenger front airbag deactivation sys-

tem" ( Y page 52) and on "Children in the

vehicle" ( Y page 59).

R Children in a forward-facing child

restraint system: depending on the installed

child restraint system and the age and size of

the child, the front-passenger front airbag is

either disabled or enabled. Therefore, make

sure that you read the notes on the "Auto-

matic front-passenger front airbag deactiva-

Occupant safety

tion system" ( Y page 52) and on "Children in

The belt force limiters on the front seats are

the vehicle" ( Y page 59).

synchronised with the front airbags, which take

on part of the deceleration force. This can

R All other persons: the PASSENGER AIR BAG

reduce the forces to which the vehicle occu-

OFF indicator lamp must be off. The front-

pants are subjected during an accident.

passenger front airbag is enabled. Depending

on the build of the person on the front-

! If the co-driver's seat is not occupied, do not

passenger seat, the PASSENGER AIR BAG

engage the seat belt tongue in the buckle on

OFF indicator lamp may light up. The front-

the co-driver's seat. Otherwise, in the event of

passenger front airbag is disabled. It will then

an accident the belt tensioner could be trig-

Safety

not be deployed in the event of an accident. In

gered in addition to other systems and would

this case, the front-passenger seat should not

need to be replaced.

be used.

Make sure that you read the notes on the

Important safety notes

"Automatic front-passenger front airbag

deactivation system" ( Y page 52) as well as

G WARNING

on "Seat belts" ( Y page 46) and "Airbags"

If the seat belt is worn incorrectly, it cannot

( Y page 49). There, you can also find infor-

mation on the correct seat position.

perform its intended protective function. Fur-

thermore, an incorrectly worn seat belt can

cause additional injuries, e.g. in the event of

Seat belts

an accident, heavy braking or sudden

changes of direction. There is an increased

Introduction

risk of injury, possibly even fatal.

A correctly fastened seat belt is the most effec-

Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have

tive means of restraining the movement of vehi-

their seat belts fastened correctly and are sit-

cle occupants in the event of a collision or if the

ting properly.

vehicle overturns. It reduces the risk of vehicle

occupants coming into contact with parts of the

The components of the restraint system work in

vehicle interior or being ejected from it. The seat

conjunction with each other. They can only offer

belt also helps to keep the vehicle occupants in

protection if all vehicle occupants always:

the best position in relation to the airbag being

deployed.

R have the seat belt correctly fastened

( Y page 47)

The seat belt system consists of:

R have the seat and head restraint adjusted

R seat belts

properly ( Y page 104)

R belt tensioners for the front seat belts and the

G WARNING

outer seat belts in the rear

R belt force limiters

The seat belt does not offer the intended level

If the seat belt is pulled quickly or sharply from

of protection if you have not moved the back-

the belt outlet, the inertia reel locks. The belt

rest to an almost vertical position. When brak-

strap cannot be pulled out any further.

ing or in the event of an accident, you could

The belt tensioner tightens the seat belt in the

slide underneath the seat belt and sustain

event of a collision so that it fits tightly across

abdomen or neck injuries, for example. This

your body. However, it does not pull the vehicle

poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal

occupants back in the direction of the seat

injury.

backrest.

The belt tensioner also does not correct an

Adjust the seat properly before beginning

incorrect seat position or correct the routing of

your journey. Always ensure that the backrest

a seat belt that is worn incorrectly.

is in an almost vertical position and that the

If the seat belt is also fitted with a belt force

shoulder section of your seatbelt is routed

limiter and this is triggered, the force exerted by

across the centre of your shoulder.

the seat belt on the vehicle occupant is reduced.

Occupant safety

G WARNING

Never modify seat belts, seat belt tensioners,

seat belt anchorages and inertia reels. Ensure

Persons under 1.50 m tall cannot wear the

that seat belts are not damaged or worn and

seat belts correctly without an additional suit-

are clean. After an accident, have the seat

able restraint system. If the seat belt is worn

belts checked immediately at a qualified spe-

incorrectly, it cannot perform its intended

cialist workshop.

protective function. Furthermore, an incor-

rectly worn seat belt can cause additional

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use

injuries, e.g. in the event of an accident, heavy

seat belts that have been approved specifically

Safety

braking or sudden changes of direction. There

for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz. Otherwise,

is an increased risk of injury, possibly even

your vehicle's general operating permit could be

fatal.

invalidated.

Always secure persons less than 1.50 m tall in

Correct seat belt use

additional suitable restraint systems.

Observe the safety notes on the seat belt

If a child younger than twelve years old and

( Y page 46).

under 1.50 m in height is travelling in the vehi-

All vehicle occupants must be wearing the seat

cle:

belt correctly before beginning the journey. Also

R always secure the child in a child restraint

make sure that all vehicle occupants are always

system suitable for this Mercedes-Benz vehi-

wearing the seat belt correctly while the vehicle

cle. The child restraint system must be appro-

is in motion.

priate to the age, weight and size of the child

When fastening a seat belt, always make sure

R be sure to observe the instructions and safety

that:

notes on the "Automatic front-passenger

R the seat belt buckle tongue is inserted only

front airbag deactivation system"

into the belt buckle belonging to that seat

( Y page 52)

R the seat belt is pulled tight across the body

R be sure to observe the instructions and safety

Avoid wearing bulky clothing, e.g. a winter

notes on "Children in the vehicle"

coat.

( Y page 59) in addition to the manufactur-

er's operating and installation instructions for

R the seat belt is not twisted

the child restraint system

Only then can any forces that occur be dis-

tributed across the surface of the seat belt.

G WARNING

R the shoulder section of the belt is routed

Seat belts cannot protect as intended, if:

across the centre of the shoulder

R they are damaged, have been modified, are

The shoulder section of the seat belt should

not touch your neck or be routed under your

extremely dirty, bleached or dyed

arm or behind your back. If possible, adjust

R the seat belt buckle is damaged or

the seat belt to the appropriate height.

extremely dirty

R the lap belt is taut and passes across the lap

R modifications have been made to the belt

as low down as possible

tensioners, belt anchorages or inertia reels

The lap belt must always be routed across

your hip joints and never across your abdo-

Seat belts may sustain non-visible damage in

men. This applies particularly to pregnant

an accident, e.g. due to glass splinters. Modi-

women. If necessary, press the lap belt down

fied or damaged seat belts can tear or fail, for

into your hip joints and pull tight with the

example in the event of an accident. Modified

shoulder section of the belt.

seat belt tensioners may be deployed unin-

R the seat belt is not routed across sharp, poin-

tentionally or not function as intended. There

ted or fragile objects

is an increased risk of injury, possibly even

If you have such items located on or in your

fatal.

clothing, e.g. pens, keys or spectacles, store

these in a suitable place.

Occupant safety

R only one person is using a seat belt

The shoulder section of the seat belt must

always be routed across the centre of the shoul-

Infants and children must never travel sitting

der. Adjust the belt outlet if necessary.

on the lap of a vehicle occupant. In the event

of an accident, they could be crushed

X To raise: slide the belt outlet upwards.

between the vehicle occupant and seat belt.

The belt outlet will engage in various posi-

R objects are never secured with a seat belt if

tions.

the seat belt is also being used by one of the

X To lower: hold belt outlet release = and slide

vehicle's occupants

the belt outlet downwards.

Also ensure that no objects are placed

X Let go of belt outlet release = in the desired

Safety

between a person and the seat. e.g. a cush-

position and make sure that the belt outlet

ion.

engages.

Seat belts are intended only to secure and

restrain vehicle occupants. Always observe the

Releasing seat belts

"Loading guidelines" for securing objects, lug-

gage or loads ( Y page 314).

! Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled up.

Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue will be

Fastening and adjusting the seat belts

trapped in the door or in the seat mechanism.

This could damage the door, the door trim

Observe the safety notes on the seat belt

panel and the seat belt. Damaged seat belts

( Y page 46) and the information on the correct

can no longer fulfil their protective function

use of the seat belt ( Y page 47).

and must be replaced. Visit a qualified spe-

cialist workshop.

X Press release button in belt buckle, hold belt

tongue firmly and guide the seat belt back.

Belt adjustment

Seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of the

PRE-SAFE ® convenience function. With this

function, the driver's and co-driver's seat belts

are adjusted to the upper body of the vehicle

occupant.

The belt strap is tightened slightly when:

Basic illustration

R the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle and

X Adjust the seat ( Y page 104).

R the ignition is switched on

The seat backrest must be in an almost

upright position.

The seat belt adjustment will apply a certain

tightening force if any slack is detected between

X Pull the seat belt smoothly from the belt outlet

the vehicle occupant and the seat belt. Do not

and engage belt tongue ; in belt buckle :.

hold on to the seat belt tightly while it is adjust-

The seat belt on the driver's seat and the

ing.

front-passenger seat may be tightened auto-

matically; see "Belt adjustment"

You can switch the seat belt adjustment on and

( Y page 48).

off in the on-board computer ( Y page 255).

X If necessary, pull upwards on the seat belt in

front of your chest so that the belt sits tightly

Seat belt warning for the driver and

across your body.

front-passenger

The 7 seat belt warning lamp in the instru-

ment cluster is a reminder that all vehicle occu-

pants must wear their seat belts. It may light up

continuously or flash. In addition, a warning tone

may sound.

Occupant safety

The 7 seat belt warning lamp goes out and

tective function and can even cause addi-

the warning tone ceases when the driver and the

tional injuries when deployed. There is an

front passenger have fastened their seat belts.

increased risk of serious or even fatal injuries.

In order to avoid such risks, always ensure

Rear seat belt status indicator

that all vehicle occupants:

R fasten their seatbelts correctly, including

pregnant women

R are seated correctly and maintain the fur-

Safety

thest possible distance from the airbags

R observe the following notes

Always ensure that there are no objects loca-

The seat belts on the left and centre rear seats,

ted between the airbag and the vehicle occu-

when viewed in the direction of travel, are not

pant.

fastened. (Example)

The rear seat belt status indicator is only avail-

R Adjust the seats properly before beginning

able for certain countries.

your journey. Always make sure that the seat

is in an almost upright position. The centre of

Outside Europe: the rear seat belt status indi-

the head restraint must support the head at

cator is only available on certain Mercedes-AMG

about eye level.

vehicles.

R Move the driver's and front-passenger seats

The rear seat belt status indicator informs you

as far back as possible. The driver's seat posi-

which rear seat belt is not fastened.

tion must allow the vehicle to be driven safely.

Hiding the rear seat belt status indicator imme-

R Hold the steering wheel only by the rim. This

diately ( Y page 258).

allows the airbag to be fully deployed.

R Always lean against the backrest while driv-

ing. Do not lean forwards or lean against the

Airbags

door or side window. You may otherwise be in

Introduction

the deployment area of the airbags.

R Always keep your feet in the footwell in front

The installation location of an airbag is identified

of the seat. Do not put your feet on the dash-

by the AIRBAG symbol.

board, for example. Your feet may otherwise

An airbag supplements a correctly worn seat

be in the deployment area of the airbag.

belt. It is not a replacement for the seat belt. The

R Always secure persons less than 1.50 m tall in

airbag offers additional protection in corre-

suitable restraint systems. Up to this height,

sponding accident situations.

the seat belt cannot be worn correctly.

Not all airbags are deployed in an accident. The

If a child is travelling in your vehicle, also

different airbag systems work independently of

observe the following notes:

each other ( Y page 56).

R Always secure children under twelve years of

However, no system available today can com-

age and less than 1.50 m tall in suitable child

pletely eliminate injuries and fatalities.

restraint systems.

It is also not possible to completely rule out a

R Child restraint systems should preferably be

risk of injury caused by an airbag due to the

fitted to the rear seats.

speed at which the airbag must be deployed.

R Secure a child to the front-passenger seat

only when the front-passenger front airbag is

Important safety notes

disabled, and then only in a rearward-facing

child restraint system. If the PASSENGER AIR

G WARNING

BAG OFF indicator lamp is permanently lit, the

If you deviate from the correct seat position,

the airbag cannot perform its intended pro-

Occupant safety

front-passenger front airbag is disabled

elling carried out at a qualified specialist

( Y page 45).

workshop.

R Be sure to observe the instructions and safety

notes on the "Automatic front-passenger

Front airbags

front airbag deactivation system"

( Y page 52) and on "Children in the vehicle"

! Do not place heavy objects on the front-

( Y page 59) in addition to the manufactur-

passenger seat. This could cause the system

er's operating and installation instructions for

to identify the seat as being occupied. In the

the child restraint system.

event of an accident, the restraint systems on

Safety

Objects in the vehicle interior may prevent

the front-passenger side may be triggered

the airbag from functioning correctly. Before

and have to be replaced.

starting your journey and to avoid risks resulting

from the speed of the airbag as it deploys, make

sure that:

R there are no people, animals or objects

between the vehicle occupants and an airbag

R there are no objects between the seat, door

and B-pillar

R there are no hard objects, e.g. coat hangers,

hanging on the grab handles or coat hooks

R no accessories, such as cup holders, are

attached to the vehicle within the deployment

area of an airbag, e.g. to doors, side windows,

rear side trim or side walls

Driver's airbag : deploys in front of the steer-

R no heavy, sharp-edged or fragile objects are in

ing wheel. Front-passenger front airbag ;

the pockets of your clothing. Store such

deploys in front of and above the glove com-

objects in a suitable place.

partment.

G WARNING

When deployed, the front airbags offer addi-

tional head and thorax protection for the occu-

If you modify an airbag cover or affix objects

pants in the front seats.

such as stickers to it, the airbag can no longer

The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

function correctly. There is an increased risk

informs you about the status of the front-

of injury.

passenger front airbag ( Y page 45).

The front-passenger front airbag will deploy only

Never modify an airbag cover or affix objects

if:

to it.

R the automatic front-passenger front airbag

G WARNING

deactivation system has detected that the

front-passenger seat is occupied

Sensors to control the airbags are located in

( Y page 52). The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF

the doors. Modifications or work not per-

indicator lamp is not lit ( Y page 52)

formed correctly to the doors or door panel-

R the restraint system control unit predicts a

ling, as well as damaged doors, can lead to the

high accident severity

function of the sensors being impaired. The

airbags might therefore not function properly

any more. Consequently, the airbags cannot

protect vehicle occupants as they are

designed to do. This poses an increased risk

of injury.

Never modify the doors or parts of the doors.

Always have work on the doors or door pan-

Occupant safety

Driver's kneebag

Front sidebags : and rear sidebags ; deploy

next to the outer bolster of the seat backrest.

When deployed, the sidebag offers additional

thorax protection. It also offers additional pelvis

protection for occupants in the front seats.

However, it does not protect the:

R head

R neck

R arms

Safety

When the restraint system control unit detects a

side impact, the sidebag is deployed on the side

on which the impact occurs.

Vehicles with the automatic front-passenger

Driver's kneebag : deploys under the steering

front airbag deactivation system: the sidebag on

column. The driver's kneebag is triggered

the front-passenger side deploys under the fol-

together with the front airbags.

lowing conditions:

The driver's kneebag offers additional thigh,

R an occupant is detected in the front-

knee and lower leg protection for the occupant

passenger seat or

in the driver's seat.

R the seat belt buckle tongue is engaged in the

belt buckle of the front-passenger seat

i The driver's kneebag is only available in cer-

tain countries.

If the belt tongue is engaged in the belt buckle,

the sidebag on the front-passenger side deploys

Sidebags

if an appropriate accident situation occurs. In

this case, deployment is independent of

G WARNING

whether the front-passenger seat is occupied or

not.

Unsuitable seat covers may obstruct or even

prevent deployment of the airbags integrated

Window airbags

into the seats. The airbags may then fail to

protect the vehicle occupants as intended.

Operation of the automatic co-driver's front

airbag deactivation system may also be

impaired. There is an increased risk of injury,

possibly even fatal.

Use only seat covers which have been specif-

ically approved for the respective seat by

Mercedes-Benz.

Windowbags : are integrated in the side of the

roof frame and deploy in the area from the A-

pillar to the C-pillar.

When deployed, the windowbag enhances the

level of protection for the head. However, it does

not protect the chest or arms.

When the restraint system control unit detects a

side impact, the windowbag is deployed on the

side on which the impact occurs.

If the system determines that it can offer addi-

tional protection to that provided by the seat

Occupant safety

belt, a windowbag may be deployed in other

bag deactivation system guaranteed. Always

accident situations ( Y page 56).

observe the information on suitable positioning

of the child restraint system ( Y page 64) in

addition to the child restraint system manufac-

turer's installation instructions.

Automatic front-passenger front air-

bag deactivation system

Operation of automatic front-passenger

Introduction

airbag deactivation system

In order to recognise a child restraint system on

Safety

the front-passenger seat, the automatic front-

passenger front airbag deactivation system cat-

egorises the person in the front-passenger seat.

Depending on that result, the front-passenger

front airbag is either enabled or disabled. If a

rearward-facing child restraint system is fitted

to the front-passenger seat, the PASSENGER

AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must light up after

the system self-test and remain lit. The front-

passenger front airbag is disabled.

The system does not disable:

: PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp

R the sidebag

; PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

R the windowbag

The indicator lamps inform you whether the

R the seat belt tensioner

front-passenger front airbag is disabled or ena-

In the following situation, the sidebag and the

bled.

seat belt tensioner are deactivated:

X Press the Start/Stop button once or twice, or

R the automatic front-passenger front airbag

turn the key to position 1 or 2 in the igni-

deactivation system has not categorised the

tion lock.

person in the front-passenger seat as an adult

The system carries out a self-diagnosis.

or a person of corresponding stature and

The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF and PASSENGER

R the seat belt buckle tongue is not inserted

AIR BAG ON indicator lamps must light up simul-

into the front-passenger seat belt buckle

taneously for approximately six seconds.

Make sure that your vehicle is equipped with the

The indicator lamps display the status of the

automatic front-passenger front airbag deacti-

front-passenger front airbag:

vation system ( Y page 63). If this is not the

case, always install a child restraint system on a

R PASSENGER AIR BAG ON lights up for 60 sec-

suitable rear seat ( Y page 64).

onds, then both indicator lamps are off

If it is absolutely necessary to install a child

(PASSENGER AIR BAG ON and OFF): the front-

restraint system on the front-passenger seat, be

passenger front airbag is able to deploy in the

sure to observe the correct positioning of the

event of an accident.

child restraint system. Never place objects

R PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF lights up: the front-

under or behind the child restraint system, e.g. a

passenger front airbag is disabled. It will then

cushion. The entire base of the child restraint

not be deployed in the event of an accident.

system must always rest on the seat cushion of

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp is

the front-passenger seat. The backrest of a

off, only the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

forward-facing child restraint system must, as

lamp shows the status of the front-passenger

far as possible, rest flat against the backrest of

front airbag. The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-

the front-passenger seat. The child restraint sys-

cator lamp may be lit continuously or be off.

tem must not touch the roof or be put under

If the status of the front-passenger front airbag

strain by the head restraint. Adjust the angle of

changes while the vehicle is in motion, an airbag

the seat backrest and the head restraint posi-

display message appears on the instrument

tion accordingly. Only then is the correct func-

cluster ( Y page 268). When the front-passenger

tion of the automatic front-passenger front air-

Occupant safety

seat is occupied, always pay attention to the

Make sure, both before and during the jour-

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp. Be

ney, that the status of the front-passenger

aware of the status of the front-passenger front

front airbag is correct.

airbag both before and during the journey.

If a person sits in the front-passenger seat, they

G WARNING

must be:

If you secure a child in a rearward-facing child

R seated with the seat belt fastened correctly

restraint system on the front-passenger seat

R in an almost upright position with their back

and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

against the seat backrest

Safety

lamp is off, the front-passenger front airbag

R with their feet resting on the floor, if possible

can deploy in the event of an accident. The

If the front passenger does not observe these

child could be struck by the airbag. This poses

conditions, the automatic front-passenger front

airbag deactivation system may be influenced,

an increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.

e.g. because the front passenger:

Make sure that the front-passenger front air-

R transfers their weight by supporting them-

bag has been disabled. The PASSENGER AIR

selves on a vehicle armrest

BAG OFF indicator lamp must be lit.

R sits in such a way that their weight is raised

NEVER use a rearward-facing child restraint

from the seat cushion

on a seat protected by an ACTIVE AIRBAG in

The front-passenger front airbag may be disa-

front of it; DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to the

bled by mistake as a result of these or similar

child can occur.

actions. In this case, the PASSENGER AIR BAG

OFF indicator lamp lights up permanently. The

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

front-passenger front airbag then does not

stays off, do not install a rearward-facing child

deploy during an accident.

restraint system on the front-passenger seat.

G WARNING

Further information can be found under "Prob-

lems with the automatic front-passenger front

If the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp

airbag deactivation system" ( Y page 55).

is lit, the front-passenger front airbag is disa-

G WARNING

bled. It will not be deployed in the event of an

accident and cannot perform its intended pro-

If you secure a child in a forward-facing child

tective function. A person in the front-

restraint system on the front-passenger seat

passenger seat could then, for example, come

and you position the front-passenger seat too

into contact with the vehicle's interior, espe-

close to the dashboard, the child could, in the

cially if the person is sitting too close to the

event of an accident:

dashboard. This poses an increased risk of

R come into contact with the vehicle's inte-

injury or even fatal injury.

rior if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-

When the front-passenger seat is occupied,

cator lamp is lit, for example

always make sure that:

R be struck by the airbag if the PASSENGER

R the classification of the person in the front-

AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off

passenger seat is correct and that the front-

This poses an increased risk of injury or even

passenger front airbag is enabled or disa-

fatal injury.

bled in accordance with the person in the

Move the front-passenger seat as far back as

front-passenger seat.

possible. Always make sure that the shoulder

R the front-passenger seat has been moved

belt strap is correctly routed from the vehicle

back as far back as possible.

belt sash guide to the shoulder belt guide on

R the person is seated correctly.

the child restraint system. The shoulder belt

strap must be routed forwards and down-

wards from the vehicle belt sash guide. If nec-

Occupant safety

the system self-test depending on the result

essary, adjust the vehicle belt sash guide and

of the classification or, alternatively, goes out.

the front-passenger seat accordingly. Always

- If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

comply with the child restraint system manu-

lamp is off, move the front-passenger seat

facturer's installation instructions.

as far back as possible. Alternatively, a per-

son with a small build can sit on a rear seat.

Always observe the vehicle-specific information

- If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

for the correct positioning of the child restraint

lamp is lit, a person with a smaller build

system ( Y page 64).

should not use the front-passenger seat.

If the automatic front-passenger front airbag

Safety

R the front-passenger seat is occupied by an

deactivation system detects that:

adult or a person with the build of an adult, the

R the front-passenger seat is unoccupied, the

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

goes out after the system self-test. This indi-

lights up after the system self-test and

cates that the front-passenger front airbag is

remains lit. This indicates that the front-

enabled.

passenger front airbag is disabled.

If children are travelling in the vehicle, be sure to

R the front-passenger seat is occupied by a

observe the notes on "Children in the vehicle"

child in a rearward-facing child restraint sys-

( Y page 59).

tem, the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

If the automatic front-passenger front airbag

lamp lights up after the system self-test and

deactivation system is malfunctioning, the red

remains lit. This indicates that the front-

6 restraint system warning lamp on the

passenger front airbag is disabled.

instrument cluster and the PASSENGER AIR

But in the case of a child in a rearward-facing

BAG OFF indicator lamp light up simultaneously.

child restraint system, the PASSENGER AIR

The front-passenger front airbag is disabled in

BAG OFF indicator lamp can also go out after

this case and does not deploy during an acci-

the system self-test. This indicates that the

dent. Have the automatic front-passenger front

front-passenger front airbag is enabled. The

airbag deactivation system checked and

result of the classification is dependent on,

repaired immediately at a qualified specialist

among other factors, the child restraint sys-

workshop. Mercedes-Benz recommends that

tem and the child's build. It is recommended

you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this

that you fit the child restraint system to a

purpose.

suitable rear seat.

If the front-passenger seat, the seat cover or the

R the front-passenger seat is occupied by a

seat cushion are damaged, have the necessary

child in a forward-facing child restraint sys-

repair work carried out at a qualified specialist

tem, either the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF

workshop. Mercedes-Benz recommends that

indicator lamp lights up and remains lit after

you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this

the system self-test depending on the result

purpose.

of the classification, or it goes out. The result

For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-

of the classification is dependent on, among

mends that you use only a child restraint system

other factors, the child restraint system and

that has been tested and approved by

the child's build.

Mercedes-Benz in combination with the auto-

Move the front-passenger seat as far back as

matic front-passenger front airbag deactivation

possible. Always observe the information in

system.

"Child restraint systems on the front-

passenger seat" ( Y page 63) and in "Suita-

System self-test

ble positioning of the child restraint system"

( Y page 64). Alternatively, you can fit the

G DANGER

child restraint system to a suitable rear seat.

If both the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF and

R the front-passenger seat is occupied by a per-

PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamps do

son with a smaller build (e.g. a teenager or

small adult), the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF

not light up during the system self-test, the

indicator lamp lights up and remains lit after

system is malfunctioning. The front-

passenger front airbag might be triggered

Occupant safety

unintentionally or might not be triggered at all

install a child restraint system on the front-

in the event of an accident with high deceler-

passenger seat. Have the automatic front-

ation. This poses an increased risk of injury or

passenger front airbag deactivation system

even fatal injury.

checked and repaired immediately at a quali-

fied specialist workshop.

In this case the front-passenger seat may not

be used. Do not install a child restraint system

G WARNING

on the front-passenger seat. Have the auto-

matic front-passenger front airbag deactiva-

Objects between the seat surface and the

Safety

tion system checked and repaired immedi-

child restraint system could affect the func-

ately at a qualified specialist workshop.

tion of the automatic front-passenger front

airbag deactivation system. This could result

G WARNING

in the front-passenger front airbag not func-

tioning as intended during an accident. This

If the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp

poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal

remains lit after the system self-test, the

injury.

front-passenger front airbag is disabled. It will

not be deployed in the event of an accident. In

Do not place any objects between the seat

this case, the front-passenger front airbag

surface and the child restraint system. The

cannot perform its intended protective func-

entire base of the child restraint system must

tion, e.g. when a person is seated in the front-

always rest on the seat cushion of the front-

passenger seat.

passenger seat. The backrest of the forwards-

facing child restraint system must, as far as

That person could, for example, come into

possible, be resting on the backrest of the

contact with the vehicle's interior, especially

rear reclining seat. Always comply with the

if the person is sitting too close to the dash-

child restraint system manufacturer's instal-

board. This poses an increased risk of injury or

lation instructions.

even fatal injury.

When the front-passenger seat is occupied,

After the system self-test, the PASSENGER AIR

always ensure that:

BAG OFF or PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator

lamp displays the status of the front-passenger

R the classification of the person in the front-

front airbag ( Y page 52). If the front-passenger

passenger seat is correct and the front-

front airbag is enabled, the PASSENGER AIR

passenger front airbag is enabled or disa-

BAG ON indicator lamp lights up for 60 seconds

bled in accordance with the person in the

and then goes out.

front-passenger seat.

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp is

off, only the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

R the person is seated properly with a cor-

lamp shows the status of the front-passenger

rectly fastened seat belt.

front airbag. The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-

R the front-passenger seat has been moved

cator lamp may be lit continuously or be off.

as far back as possible.

Further information can be found under "Prob-

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

lems with the automatic front-passenger front

airbag deactivation system" ( Y page 55).

lamp remains lit when it should not, the front-

passenger seat may not be used. Do not

Problems with the automatic front-passenger front airbag deactivation system

Be sure to observe the notes on "System self-test" ( Y page 54).

Occupant safety

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

The PASSENGER AIR

The classification of the person on the front-passenger seat is false.

BAG OFF indicator lamp X Make sure the conditions for a correct classification of the person

lights up and remains lit,

on the front-passenger seat are met ( Y page 52).

even though the front-

X If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains lit, the front-

passenger seat is occu-

passenger seat may not be used.

pied by an adult or a per-

Have

the automatic front-passenger front airbag deactivation sys-

son with a build corre-

tem checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

Safety

sponding to that of an

adult.

The PASSENGER AIR

The automatic front-passenger front airbag deactivation system is

BAG OFF indicator lamp malfunctioning.

does not light up and/or X Make sure there is nothing between the seat and the child restraint

does not remain lit.

system.

The front-passenger seat X Make sure that the entire base of the child restraint system rests on

is:

the seat cushion of the front-passenger seat.

R empty

X When installing the child restraint system, make sure that the seat

belt is tight. Do not pull the seat belt tight with the front-passenger

R occupied by a rear-

seat adjustment. This could result in the seat belt and the child

ward-facing child

restraint system being pulled too tightly.

restraint system

X Check that the child restraint system is installed correctly.

X Make sure that no objects are applying additional weight to the

seat.

X If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains off and/or

the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp lights up, do not install

a rearward-facing child restraint system on the front-passenger

seat. It is recommended that you fit the child restraint system to a

suitable rear seat.

X Have the automatic front-passenger front airbag deactivation sys-

tem checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

Deployment of belt tensioners and air-

therefore cannot protect as intended. There is

bags

an increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.

Have pyrotechnic belt tensioners which have

Important safety notes

been triggered replaced at a qualified special-

G WARNING

ist workshop immediately.

After the airbag deploys, the airbag parts are

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have the

hot. There is a risk of injury.

vehicle towed to a qualified specialist workshop

Do not touch the airbag parts. Have a

after an accident. Take this into account, par-

ticularly if a seat belt tensioner was triggered or

deployed airbag replaced at a qualified spe-

an airbag was deployed.

cialist workshop as soon as possible.

An electric motor is used by PRE-SAFE ® to trig-

ger the tightening of the seat belt in hazardous

G WARNING

situations. This procedure is reversible.

Pyrotechnical belt tensioners which have

If the belt tensioners are triggered or an airbag is

been triggered are no longer operational and

deployed, you will hear a bang, and a small

amount of powder may also be released. The

6 restraint system warning lamp lights up.

Occupant safety

Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hear-

Your vehicle has two-stage front airbags. In the

ing. In general, the powder released is not haz-

first deployment stage, the front airbag is filled

ardous to health but may cause short-term

with propellant gas. The front airbag is fully

breathing difficulties to persons suffering from

deployed if the second deployment stage is acti-

asthma or other pulmonary conditions. Provided

vated within a few milliseconds.

it is safe to do so, you should leave the vehicle

The activation threshold for the seat belt ten-

immediately or open the window in order to pre-

sioners and airbags is determined based on the

vent breathing difficulties.

evaluation of the vehicle's rate of deceleration

or acceleration at various points in the vehicle.

Operation

This process is pre-emptive in nature. The trig-

Safety

gering/deployment process should take place

During the first stage of a collision, the restraint

in good time at the start of the collision.

system control unit evaluates important physi-

The rate of vehicle deceleration or acceleration

cal data relating to vehicle deceleration or accel-

and the direction of the force are essentially

eration, such as:

determined by:

R duration

R the distribution of forces during the collision

R direction

R the collision angle

R intensity

R the deformation characteristics of the vehicle

Based on the evaluation of this data, the

R the characteristics of the object with which

restraint system control unit triggers the seat

the vehicle has collided

belt tensioners in the event of a head-on or rear

Factors that can be seen and measured only

collision.

after a collision has occurred do not play a deci-

A seat belt tensioner can be triggered only if:

sive role in the deployment of an airbag. Nor do

R the ignition is switched on

they provide an indication of airbag deployment.

R the components of the restraint system are

The vehicle may be deformed significantly with-

operational. You can find further information

out an airbag being deployed. This is the case if

under: "Restraint system warning lamp"

only parts that are relatively easily deformed are

( Y page 45)

affected and the rate of deceleration is not high.

Conversely, an airbag may be deployed even

R the seat belt buckle tongue has engaged in

though the vehicle suffers only minor deforma-

the belt buckle of the respective front seat

tion. This is the case if, for example, very rigid

The seat belt tensioners in the rear compart-

vehicle parts such as longitudinal body mem-

ment are triggered independently of the lock

bers are hit, and sufficient deceleration occurs

status of the seat belts.

as a result.

If the restraint system control unit detects a

If the restraint system control unit detects a side

high-severity accident, in certain head-on colli-

impact or if the vehicle overturns, the applicable

sions, additional components of the restraint

components of the restraint system are activa-

system are deployed independently of each

ted independently of each other depending on

other:

the apparent type of accident.

R front airbags and driver's kneebag

R Sidebags on the side on which an impact

R windowbag, if the system determines that

occurs, independently of the seat belt ten-

deployment can offer additional protection to

sioner and seat belt usage

that provided by the seat belt

Vehicles with the automatic front-passenger

On vehicles with the automatic front-passenger

front airbag deactivation system: the sidebag

front airbag deactivation system: depending on

on the front-passenger side deploys under the

the person in the front-passenger seat, the

following conditions:

front-passenger front airbag is either disabled or

- an occupant is detected in the front-

enabled. The front-passenger front airbag can

passenger seat or

be deployed in an accident only if the

- the seat belt buckle tongue is engaged in

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off.

the belt buckle of the front-passenger seat

Observe the information on the PASSENGER AIR

BAG indicator lamps ( Y page 45).

R Windowbag on the side on which an impact

occurs, independently of seat belt usage and

Occupant safety

Function

regardless of whether the front-passenger

seat is occupied

PRE-SAFE ® intervenes:

R Seat belt tensioners, if the system determines

that deployment can offer additional protec-

R in emergency braking situations, e.g. when

tion for the vehicle occupants in this situation

BAS is activated

R Windowbags on the driver's and front-

R in critical driving situations, e.g. when physi-

passenger side in certain situations if the

cal limits are exceeded and the vehicle under-

vehicle overturns and if the system deter-

steers or oversteers severely

mines that deployment can offer additional

R vehicles with the Driving Assistance package

Safety

protection to that provided by the seat belt

Plus: when Active Brake Assist intervenes

powerfully or the radar sensor system detects

i Not all airbags are deployed in an accident.

an imminent danger of collision in certain sit-

The different airbag systems work independ-

uations

ently of each other.

PRE-SAFE ® takes the following measures

How the airbag system works is determined

depending on the hazardous situation detected:

by the severity of the accident detected,

especially the vehicle deceleration or accel-

R the front seat belts are pre-tensioned

eration, and the apparent type of accident:

R if the vehicle skids, the side windows and the

R frontal collision

sliding sunroof are closed

R side impact

R vehicles with the memory function: the front-

passenger seat is adjusted if it is in an unfav-

R overturn

ourable position

R vehicles with a multicontour seat: the air pres-

sure in the side bolsters of the backrest is

PRE-SAFE ® (anticipatory occupant

increased

protection)

If the hazardous situation passes without result-

ing in an accident, PRE-SAFE ® slackens the belt

Introduction

pre-tensioning. On vehicles with multicontour

seats, the air pressure in the side bolsters is

In certain hazardous situations, PRE-SAFE ®

takes pre-emptive measures to protect the vehi-

reduced again. All settings made by PRE-SAFE ®

cle occupants.

can then be reversed.

If the seat belt pre-tensioning is not reduced:

Important safety notes

X Move the seat backrest or seat back slightly

when the vehicle is stationary.

! Make sure that there are no objects in the

Seat belt pre-tensioning is reduced and the

footwell or behind the seats. There is a risk

locking mechanism is released.

that the seats and/or the objects could be

damaged when PRE-SAFE ® is activated.

Seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of the

PRE-SAFE ® convenience function. Information

Although your vehicle is equipped with PRE-

about the convenience function can be found

SAFE ® , the possibility of injury in the event of an

under "Belt adjustment" ( Y page 48).

accident cannot be ruled out. Always adapt your

driving style to suit the prevailing road and

weather conditions and maintain a safe distance

PRE-SAFE ® PLUS (anticipatory occu-

from the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.

pant protection PLUS)

Introduction

PRE-SAFE ® PLUS is only available in vehicles

with the Driving Assistance package Plus.

Using the radar sensor system, PRE-SAFE ®

PLUS is able to detect that a head-on or rear-end

collision is imminent. In certain hazardous sit-

Children in the vehicle

uations, PRE-SAFE ® PLUS takes pre-emptive

Automatic measures after an acci-

measures to protect the vehicle occupants.

dent

Immediately after an accident, the following

Important safety notes

measures may be implemented, depending on

the type and severity of the impact:

The intervention of PRE-SAFE ® PLUS cannot

prevent an imminent collision.

R the hazard warning lamps are activated

The driver is not warned before the intervention

R the emergency lighting is activated

of PRE-SAFE ® PLUS.

R the vehicle doors are unlocked

Safety

PRE-SAFE ® PLUS does not intervene:

R the front side windows are lowered

R if the vehicle is reversing

R vehicles with the memory function: the elec-

trically adjustable steering wheel is raised

R when the vehicle is towing a trailer and there

when the driver's door is opened

is a risk of a rear-end collision

R the engine is switched off and the fuel supply

When driving, or when parking or exiting a park-

is cut off

ing space with assistance from Parking Pilot,

PRE-SAFE ® PLUS will not apply the brakes.

R vehicles with the Mercedes-Benz emergency

call system: automatic emergency call

Function

PRE-SAFE ® PLUS intervenes in certain situa-

Children in the vehicle

tions if the radar sensor system detects an

Important safety notes

imminent head-on or rear-end collision.

PRE-SAFE ® PLUS takes the following measures

Accident statistics show that children secured

depending on the hazardous situation detected:

on the rear seats are safer than children secured

R if the radar sensor system detects that a

on the front seats. For this reason, Mercedes-

head-on collision is imminent, the seat belts

Benz strongly advises that you install the child

are pre-tensioned

restraint system on a rear seat. Children are

generally better protected there.

R if the radar sensor system detects that a rear-

end collision is imminent:

If a child younger than twelve years old and

under 1.50 m in height is travelling in the vehi-

- the rear hazard warning lamps are activa-

cle:

ted and flash at a higher frequency

- the brake pressure is increased if the driver

R always secure the child in a child restraint

applies the brakes when the vehicle is sta-

system suitable for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

tionary

The child restraint system must be appropri-

ate to the age, weight and size of the child.

- the seat belts are pre-tensioned

R be sure to observe the instructions and safety

The PRE-SAFE ® PLUS braking application is can-

notes in this section in addition to the child

celled:

restraint system manufacturer's installation

R if the accelerator pedal is depressed when a

instructions.

gear is engaged

R be sure to observe the instructions and safety

R if the risk of a collision passes or is no longer

notes on the automatic front-passenger front

detected

airbag deactivation system ( Y page 52).

R if Distance Pilot DISTRONIC indicates an

intention to pull away

If the hazardous situation passes without result-

ing in an accident, the original settings are

restored.

Safety -> Occupant safety for Your Mercedes GLE SUV First Generation (2016-2019)

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