Mercedes GL-Class 2017 Dashboard: The Ultimate Luxury

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class dashboard is a masterpiece of automotive luxury and technology. It offers intuitive controls, a sophisticated infotainment system, and premium materials designed for ease of use and sophisticated comfort. This guide demystifies its features, making it accessible for every owner.

Welcome to the driver’s seat of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, a vehicle that defines automotive opulence. For many, the dashboard of a luxury SUV can seem a bit intimidating, a complex array of buttons and screens. You might wonder how to adjust the climate control, navigate the infotainment, or even dim the interior lights without a degree in engineering. But don’t worry; the GL-Class dashboard is designed with you in mind. It’s a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly ergonomics. Get ready to explore a world where luxury meets simplicity. We’ll break down every essential component, ensuring you feel confident and in complete control from your very first drive. Let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of your GL-Class dashboard.

Understanding the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Dashboard Layout

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class dashboard is a testament to German engineering and design philosophy. It’s meticulously crafted to be both visually stunning and highly functional. Central to this design is the intuitive placement of controls, ensuring that essential functions are always within easy reach, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road.

The Core Components: Everything at Your Fingertips

When you first sit in the 2017 GL-Class, your attention will likely be drawn to the expansive dashboard. It’s not just about aesthetics; every element serves a purpose.

Central Display Screen: This is your primary interface for the COMAND® infotainment system. It’s where you’ll manage navigation, audio, phone connections, and vehicle settings. Its crisp resolution and responsive touch make interaction seamless.
Instrument Cluster: Located directly in front of the driver, this houses the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and other vital driving information. For 2017, the GL-Class features elegant, analog gauges complemented by a digital multi-function display.
Center Console Controls: Below the central display, you’ll find a cluster of physical buttons and the COMAND® controller. These provide tactile feedback for frequently used functions, offering a familiar and dependable way to interact with the vehicle.
Steering Wheel Controls: The multi-function steering wheel is equipped with buttons that allow you to control audio volume, answer calls, manage the instrument cluster display, and activate cruise control without taking your hands off the wheel.

Ergonomics and Material Quality

Mercedes-Benz spares no expense when it comes to the feel and finish of its interiors. The 2017 GL-Class dashboard uses high-quality materials, such as soft-touch plastics, genuine wood trim (available in various finishes like Burl Walnut or Black Ash), and brushed aluminum accents. The ergonomic design ensures that the reach to most controls is natural and comfortable, even during extended drives. The placement of air vents is also optimized for effective and quiet climate control distribution.

Navigating the COMAND® Infotainment System

The COMAND® (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system is the heart of the 2017 GL-Class’s technological offerings. It’s designed to be powerful yet straightforward, centralizing entertainment, communication, and navigation.

Key Features of the COMAND® System

The COMAND® system in the 2017 GL-Class provides a comprehensive suite of features to enhance your driving experience.

Navigation: Integrated GPS navigation with intelligent route guidance, traffic information, and points of interest.
Audio System: Access to AM/FM radio, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, USB media playback, and Bluetooth® audio streaming. The Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system (optional) delivers unparalleled audio fidelity.
Connectivity: Bluetooth® hands-free calling and audio streaming. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration are available for seamless smartphone connectivity, allowing access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation directly on the car’s display.
Vehicle Settings: Customize various vehicle functions, such as interior lighting, power tailgate operation, and driver assistance system preferences.

Using the COMAND® Controller and Touchpad

The primary method for interacting with the COMAND® system is through the COMAND® controller located on the center console. This rotary dial with an integrated button and surrounding shortcut keys allows you to navigate menus, select options, and confirm choices.

Rotating the Controller: Moves the cursor up or down through menu items.
Pressing the Controller: Selects the highlighted item.
Shortcut Buttons: Provide direct access to key functions like Navigation (NAV), Radio (RAD), Media (MED), Phone (TEL), and Back.

For models equipped with the touchpad, you can also input characters for addresses or search terms using finger gestures. This offers an alternative, more direct input method for certain functions.

Climate Control and Comfort Features

Maintaining an optimal cabin environment is crucial for comfort, especially in a luxury SUV like the GL-Class. The climate control system is designed for precision and ease of use.

Understanding the Controls

The climate control panel is typically located below the COMAND® display. It uses a combination of physical buttons and a digital display to manage the cabin’s temperature and air circulation.

Temperature Adjustment: Use the dedicated buttons (often marked with up and down arrows or temperature figures) to set your desired temperature for the driver and front passenger.
Fan Speed: Control the intensity of airflow with specific fan speed buttons.
Airflow Direction: Select where the air is directed (e.g., face, feet, defrost) using intuitive icons.
Recirculation Mode: Activate this to block outside air, useful in areas with poor air quality or for faster cooling/heating.
Dual-Zone Climate Control: Most 2017 GL-Class models come standard with dual-zone climate control, allowing the driver and front passenger to set their individual temperature preferences.
Rear Climate Control: Additional vents for rear passengers ensure comfort for all occupants. Some models may offer separate rear climate controls.

Adjusting Seat and Steering Wheel Heating/Cooling

Comfort extends to the seating and steering wheel.

Heated Seats: Buttons for heated seats are typically found on the center console or within the climate control panel. They usually have multiple levels of warmth.
Ventilated Seats (Optional): If equipped, ventilated seats use fans to circulate air, providing a cooling sensation. Controls are usually located near the seat heating buttons.
Heated Steering Wheel (Optional): A dedicated button, often on the steering column or dashboard, activates the heated steering wheel.

Driver Assistance and Safety Systems: A Closer Look

The 2017 GL-Class is equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features designed to enhance awareness and reduce driving stress. Understanding these systems can help you utilize them effectively.

Common Driver Assistance Features

These systems are designed to support the driver, not replace them. Familiarize yourself with their operation and limitations.

Feature	Description	How It Works
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC® (Optional)	Adaptive cruise control that can maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead.	Uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in front. The driver sets the desired speed and following distance. The system can also brake the vehicle to a standstill and resume driving. For more on adaptive cruise control, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides excellent overview of these technologies.
Active Lane Keeping Assist (Optional)	Helps to prevent unintended lane departures.	Uses cameras to monitor lane markings. If the vehicle drifts out of its lane without signaling, the system can provide steering wheel vibrations or gentle steering intervention to guide it back.
Blind Spot Assist (Optional)	Warns the driver of vehicles in their blind spot.	Radar sensors monitor the blind spots on both sides of the vehicle. A warning light in the side mirror illuminates if a vehicle is detected. If the turn signal is activated while a vehicle is present, an audible warning may also sound.
Collision Prevention Assist Plus	Helps to avoid or mitigate collisions with vehicles ahead.	Monitors the distance to the vehicle in front. If a collision risk is detected, it provides visual and audible warnings. If the driver brakes, the system can enhance braking force. It can also apply braking automatically if a significant risk of collision is detected and the driver does not react.
Parking Pilot (Optional)	Assists with parking maneuvers.	Uses ultrasonic sensors to help identify parking spaces and can automatically steer the vehicle into parallel or perpendicular parking spots. The driver controls acceleration and braking.

Understanding Warning Lights and Indicators

The instrument cluster is also your go-to for system warnings. Familiarize yourself with some common indicators:

Check Engine Light: Indicates a potential issue with the engine or emissions system.
Airbag Light: Signals a problem with the airbag system.
ABS Light: Suggests an issue with the Anti-lock Braking System.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light: Alerts you to low tire pressure.

For a comprehensive list of warning lights and their meanings, always refer to your owner’s manual, or consult a certified Mercedes-Benz technician.

Lighting Controls: Interior and Exterior

Proper illumination is key to both safety and ambiance within your GL-Class.

Exterior Lighting

The operation of your exterior lights is designed for simplicity and safety.

Headlights: Typically controlled by a stalk on the steering column or a dial to the left of the steering wheel. Common settings include:
OFF: Lights are off.
AUTO: Headlights turn on and off automatically based on ambient light conditions.
ON: Headlights remain on.
Parking Lights: Activates front and rear parking lights.
Fog Lights: Often controlled by a separate button on the dashboard or steering column stalk.
Turn Signals: Operated by the turn signal stalk on the left side of the steering column.
High Beams: Activated by pushing the turn signal stalk forward. Pulling it back towards you will cancel them.

Interior Lighting and Ambiance

The cabin lighting contributes significantly to the luxury feel.

Dome Light: Usually found in the headliner, this provides general interior illumination. It often has settings for ON, OFF, and DOOR (which turns the light on when a door is opened).
Reading Lights: Small, individual lights in the headliner for focused illumination.
Ambient Lighting: Many 2017 GL-Class models feature customizable ambient lighting with various color options, allowing you to set the mood. Adjustments are typically made through the COMAND® system’s vehicle settings menu.

Personalizing Your GL-Class Dashboard Experience

One of the joys of owning a Mercedes-Benz is the ability to tailor its features to your preferences. The 2017 GL-Class allows for significant personalization, primarily through the COMAND® system.

Customizing Display Settings

Instrument Cluster Display: You can often cycle through different information screens in the instrument cluster, choosing to display fuel economy, trip computer data, navigation prompts, or media information. This is usually done with buttons on the steering wheel.
Welcome/Goodbye Animations: Some systems allow you to enable or disable brief visual displays that appear when you start or turn off the vehicle.

Adjusting Vehicle Preferences via COMAND®

The COMAND® system’s “Vehicle” menu is a central hub for personalization:

Power Tailgate Operation: Customize how the power tailgate opens and closes, including setting a maximum opening height.
Lighting: Beyond ambient lighting, you can often adjust the brightness of dashboard illumination and set automatic headlight “follow-me-home” functionality.
Central Locking: Configure how doors lock and unlock when you approach or leave the vehicle, or when the transmission is shifted.
Driver Assistance Settings: Fine-tune the sensitivity or activation of certain assistance systems like parking assist or lane keeping assist. For detailed information on safety standards and testing procedures for these advanced systems, resources from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are invaluable.

Setting Up Your Driver Profile

If multiple people drive the GL-Class, consider setting up individual driver profiles. These profiles can store preferences for:

Seat and mirror positions.
Steering wheel position (if power-adjustable).
COMAND® system settings (radio presets, navigation destinations).
Climate control settings.
Driver assistance system configurations.

This ensures that each driver can quickly return the vehicle to their preferred settings.

Essential Maintenance and Care for Your Dashboard

Keeping your GL-Class dashboard in pristine condition not only preserves its luxurious appearance but also ensures the longevity of its components.

Cleaning Your Dashboard Safely

Materials: Use soft, lint-free microfiber cloths. For cleaning solutions, opt for automotive-specific interior cleaners that are pH-neutral and safe for various dashboard materials (plastics, leather, wood trim). Avoid harsh chemicals, ammonia-based cleaners, or abrasive pads, which can damage surfaces and coatings.
Method:
1. Lightly spray the cleaner onto your microfiber cloth, not directly onto the dashboard, to prevent overspray onto electronics.
2. Gently wipe down surfaces, paying attention to crevices. A soft brush can be helpful for cleaning around buttons and vents.
3. For screens, use a cleaner specifically designed for electronics or a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
4. Wipe down any wood or metal trim with appropriate cleaners.
Sun Protection: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause materials to fade, crack, or warp. Using a sunshade when parked can significantly prolong the life and appearance of your dashboard.

Maintaining Electronic Components

Avoid Spills: Be mindful of drinks and food in the cabin. Spills on buttons or near screens can cause damage to the underlying electronics.
* Software Updates: Periodically check with your Mercedes-Benz dealer or online resources for any available software updates for the COMAND® system. These can sometimes improve performance or add new features.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2017 GL-Class Dashboard

Conclusion

The dashboard of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a sophisticated yet accessible gateway to the vehicle’s luxury, performance, and connectivity. From its intuitive COMAND® infotainment system to its advanced driver assistance features and premium material finishes, every element is engineered to enhance your driving experience. By understanding