What is the wading depth of the Mercedes-Benz GLS?
3 Answers
Mercedes-Benz GLS has a maximum wading depth of 600mm. The wading depth of the Mercedes-Benz GLS is determined by the height of the vehicle's chassis, which is the ground clearance listed in the model's parameter configuration table. Generally, the greater the ground clearance, the higher the chassis, and the higher the safety factor when driving through waterlogged roads. Therefore, in terms of safe wading depth, off-road vehicles and SUVs have obvious advantages. However, for most compact and small cars with low chassis, the position of the vehicle's air intake should be used as a gauge when passing through waterlogged roads. If the air intake of the Mercedes-Benz GLS is below the water level during wading, water will be sucked into the engine's cylinders. Since water cannot be compressed like air, it will cause severe damage to the engine's mechanical components (such as connecting rods, pistons, crankshafts, etc.). Therefore, the wading depth must not exceed the height of the engine's air intake. The height of the engine's air intake, and thus the maximum wading depth, can also be increased by installing a snorkel. If wading is unavoidable, the following safe and correct operations should be performed: Before driving through water, always turn off the automatic start-stop function to prevent the engine from automatically restarting after stalling in water, which could cause severe damage due to water intake. Assess the underwater road conditions based on the passage of vehicles ahead and choose an appropriate entry point. Observe the path taken by other vehicles and follow their tracks at low speed, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration. On roads prone to water accumulation, observe warning water level markers, trees, or reference points like the wheels and doors of other vehicles to estimate the water depth before deciding whether to proceed. Know your vehicle's safe wading depth. If the water depth exceeds half the tire height or the engine's air intake, do not proceed recklessly and choose an alternative route instead.
As a parent who frequently shuttles kids to and from school, I've specifically researched the GLS's wading capability. The vehicle's air intake is positioned at about two-thirds of the wheel height - you need to be extra cautious when water depth exceeds half the tire height. I remember last year's heavy rain, I detoured as soon as the water submerged the exhaust pipe - though it was only about 30cm deep, fluctuating water levels can be particularly dangerous. Models with air suspension can raise the chassis, but they can handle at most about 50cm of water depth. When wading, remember to use low gear and maintain steady throttle - stalling in water is serious trouble.
Last time I accompanied my engineer friend for testing, the GLS demonstrated significantly better sealing than regular SUVs. Its engine air intake sits about 80cm above ground, and the battery pack has proper waterproofing. However, electronic components ultimately fear water immersion - wheel sensors submerged too long tend to trigger fault codes. Based on experience, you can maintain steady speed through water up to 35cm deep; beyond 40cm requires assessing current speed; if water reaches the lower edge of license plate (approx. 50cm), the bow wave pushed by the vehicle may actually surge to 60cm - such depth poses excessive risk.
