In Mercedes vehicles with the Intelligent Light System (ILS) in the UAE, the high beam in automatic mode is controlled by the car's camera and will not activate manually if the system detects oncoming traffic or sufficient street lighting, common on well-lit roads like Sheikh Zayed Road. You can override this by manually pushing the turn signal lever forward, past the pressure point, to force the high beams on. For GCC-spec models like the 2023 Mercedes GLC or E-Class common here, you can manage the automatic function via the steering wheel buttons: go to 'Settings' > 'Vehicle' > 'Lighting' and ensure 'Automatic High Beam' is active. The system's sensitivity to UAE conditions—such as reflective road signs or desert dust—can sometimes cause delayed activation.
When comparing common Mercedes models in UAE showrooms, the fuel efficiency in city traffic (like Dubai-Sharjah rush hour) varies significantly, impacting running costs. Based on RTA Dubai fuel consumption guides and dealer data for 2024 models:
| Model (GCC Spec) | Est. Fuel Economy (City, km/l) | Est. Annual Fuel Cost (20,000 km, Super 98 at ~AED 3.20/l) | Key Feature for UAE Driving |
|---|
| Mercedes GLC 300 | ~9.5 km/l | ~AED 6,700 | Strong AC performance for summer |
| Mercedes E 200 | ~10.2 km/l | ~AED 6,300 | Comfort suspension for long highway drives |
| Mercedes S 500 | ~7.8 km/l | ~AED 8,200 | Superior cabin cooling in high heat |
- Fuel economy is based on mixed UAE urban driving with prolonged AC use, as observed by local motorists.
- Annual depreciation for popular models like the GLC is approximately 15-18% in the first year, according to used-car market analysis from 2023.
- Total cost per km (including fuel, estimated depreciation, and servicing) for a GLC can range between AED 1.8 - AED 2.2, making the manual override feature a minor but relevant factor for frequent night drivers on dark highways like the route to Jebel Jais. The MOI UAE advises ensuring all lighting functions are operational for vehicle passing inspections, which includes testing the manual high-beam function.
