Does the GLS450 have an off-road recovery mode?

[VanJosephine]

gls450 has an off-road recovery mode, which can be activated through the central control screen. Here are the detailed related information: Introduction: The Mercedes-Benz GLS off-road recovery mode, commonly known as the car shaking mode, works by continuously inflating and deflating the air springs in coordination with controlled power output to help the vehicle move out of pits. Additional Information: Among all luxury brands, Mercedes-Benz has the most SUV models, including not only the G-Class, the only hardcore off-roader among German brands, but also seven urban SUVs ranging from the smallest GLA to the largest GLS. The beginning of all these urban SUVs was the first-generation GLE (formerly known as the M-Class) launched in 1997. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class was the first urban SUV among German brands.

[LeahAnn]

The Mercedes-Benz GLS450 does indeed have an off-road recovery function, which is hidden in the drive mode selection. I like to call it the Off-Road Enhanced Mode, and you can select it by turning the knob to OFFROAD+. This mode adjusts the torque distribution of the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, allocating up to 70% to the front wheels and 80% to the rear wheels. When wheel slip occurs, the brakes immediately intervene to lock the spinning wheel. The chassis can also be raised by 60 mm via the air suspension, increasing ground clearance. Last time I drove it into a muddy riverbank and got stuck, switching to this mode made the power output noticeably more stable, and with some wriggling, it climbed out. On descents, it automatically activates the Hill Descent Control. However, this all-wheel-drive system is prone to overheating in desert conditions, so it's best to perform continuous recovery operations in stages.

[ColinDella]

As a long-time owner of the GLS450, I can attest to its impressive off-road capabilities. Simply turn the DYNAMIC SELECT knob on the center console to the off-road mode, officially called the Off-Road Engineering Package by Mercedes-Benz. Once activated, the air suspension raises the vehicle's body, and the four-wheel-drive system enhances inter-wheel traction control, allowing escape even with three wheels slipping—just one gripping wheel is enough. I've tested it in snow; at half-throttle, you can clearly feel the electronic systems taking over wheel speed. Last year in the mountains, I encountered a muddy pit. With this mode engaged and using low gear, the vehicle pulled through steadily. The dashboard displays real-time data on power distribution to each wheel and the vehicle's tilt angle, helping you assess the terrain. However, the electronic traction control isn't as aggressive as in hardcore off-roaders, so for deep pits, it's wise to use it alongside underbody protection.

[DiLevi]

The GLS450 achieves off-road recovery through its enhanced off-road mode. Specifically, by selecting OFFROAD+ via the knob next to the gear lever, the system performs three actions: raises the chassis to reduce scraping, locks the central differential, and adjusts throttle sensitivity. I often use it to tackle wet grass and gravel roads, clearly sensing the moment when wheel spin is instantly braked, and power is immediately transferred to the gripping wheels. Mercedes-Benz refers to this system as the 4ETS electronic traction system, working in conjunction with the 4MATIC intelligent four-wheel drive. However, it's important to note that the maximum speed is limited to 100 km/h once this mode is activated, so remember to switch back to comfort mode on flat roads. The underbody camera is particularly useful in such scenarios, helping to avoid hidden rocks.

[JayceLee]

There must be a solution to get unstuck. Selecting OFFROAD+ mode in the GLS450 is specifically designed to handle stuck situations, with a principle similar to a simplified version of three differential locks. I've personally tested it effectively during off-roading. Once activated, the four-wheel-drive system continuously scans for wheel slippage and distributes torque to the tires with traction via the transfer case. The air suspension automatically raises by more than two fingers, increasing wading depth to 600mm. Last time when I failed to climb a sandy slope and slid backward, this mode made all four wheels work alternately like climbing a ladder to pull me out. The off-road interface on the dashboard also displays steering angle and slope, working seamlessly with hill descent control for worry-free operation. However, note that this mode increases fuel consumption by 20%, so remember to turn it off promptly after getting unstuck.

[VanFernando]

Absolutely capable of getting unstuck! When I drive my GLS450 on rough roads, I rely on that round knob on the center console—just turn it to the right to activate Off-Road mode. At this point, the engine, transmission, and 4WD system are recalibrated: throttle response slows to prevent wheelspin, and the chassis raises to its maximum ground clearance. The most practical feature is the wheel slip limitation—it detects which wheel is off the ground and immediately brakes it, redirecting power to the wheels with traction. I remember one time in slushy snowmelt mud, my left front wheel was completely stuck, but this system managed to push me out using just the right rear wheel. Mercedes even equipped it with off-road lighting, illuminating the side path at night for better escape visibility. That said, electronic systems aren’t foolproof—it’s always wise to keep a tow strap handy just in case.