Close all doors, uncouple trailers and racks, apply the parking brake, select Park and briefly pull the cargo-area lowering switch until its lamp stops flashing.
Check that your vehicle has it.
Verified in the 2024 U.S. GLS SUV Owner's Manual for vehicles equipped with the rear cargo loading-level function; equipment varies by trim and suspension.
Does the documented scope match your car?
This check combines the verified year, any source-supported powertrain scope, source-named trim/package and required equipment. It does not read a VIN or factory build record.
Published availability and qualifications
Verified in the 2024 U.S. GLS SUV Owner's Manual for vehicles equipped with the rear cargo loading-level function; equipment varies by trim and suspension.
- 2024 GLS-Class hybrid models equipped with AIRMATIC or compatible level control and the cargo-area rear-lowering switch
Know what kind of control to look for.
This original category diagram is an orientation aid, not a picture of your exact trim. Use the written labels and your vehicle manual to identify the real control.
Step by step.
- 01
Park on firm level ground, close every door, remove any coupled trailer or bicycle rack and confirm the electrical system has sufficient charge.
- 02
Make sure no person is under the vehicle or near a wheel arch, apply the electric parking brake and shift to Park.
- 03
Open the cargo area and briefly pull the rear-lowering switch in the side trim.
- 04
Wait while its indicator flashes and begin loading only after the rear reaches the lowered position.
- 05
Pull the switch again to stop or reverse the process; driving above approximately 1.2 mph (2 km/h) returns the vehicle toward the active drive-program level.
Important limits
- Lowering creates a severe pinch zone between body, tires and ground.
- The function requires closed doors and no coupled trailer or bicycle rack.
- Opening a door, operating the switch again or moving the vehicle interrupts lowering.
Quick checks.
- ✓If the lamp flashes twice without lowering, recheck doors, trailer/rack status and battery charge.
- ✓Start the vehicle if the 12-volt system needs additional power, while observing ventilation safety.
- ✓If the vehicle reports a level-control fault or cannot return to normal height, do not overload it and obtain qualified service.
What happened on your vehicle?
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2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV Owner's Manual — Lowering and Raising the Rear
Relevant section or page: Driving and parking — AIRMATIC loading level. We use the written official source to determine the steps and applicability shown above.
Reviewed with a visible trail.
Scope and steps were checked by Car Cheat Codes Editorial Review. A guide is narrowed or corrected when the source does not support a broader claim.
- Published
- Last modified
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Guide change history
- Initial verified publication.