Mercedes-Benz Distronic Explained

Distronic also allows the Mercedes to assist with steering around gentle curves. Mercedes-Benz lane-centering technology keeps the vehicle in the middle of the lane around bends in the road. Newer Mercedes-Benz vehicles also add the ability to automatically obey the speed limit and to slow down to take curves and other road features such as roundabouts at appropriate speeds.

Active Speed Limit Assist is a related feature. To implement this service, the Mercedes vehicle uses a camera to detect and interpret speed limit signs on your route, and matches those signs against information from the navigation system’s internal database. With Active Speed Limit Assist working, the Mercedes vehicle will adapt its cruise control speed to match the posted speed for the road.

For example, if the driver puts on the turn signal for a freeway offramp, the COMAND system directs the Distronic cruise control to reduce speed in anticipation of the exit. It's important to remember that while Distronic offers some steering assistance, the driver is still primarily responsible for steering through those curves and road features. The Mercedes-Benz cannot do it alone.

All lane-keeping assistance systems are limited if the lane is not clearly marked. Worn lane markings, the presence of snow, and merging lanes can confuse a lane-keeping system. The driver is always responsible for the path of the vehicle, so it's necessary to keep hands on the wheel and pay attention to the road ahead. If the driver removes his or her hands from the wheel for more than a few seconds, the system reduces the cruising speed in stages until the Mercedes comes to a stop.

Part of Active Steering Assist is evasive steering control. If the driver initiates an emergency evasive maneuver such as swerving to avoid a road hazard or a pedestrian in the road and the Mercedes has detected the obstacle or person, the assisted steering system helps steer around the hazard and then helps stabilize the vehicle again afterward.

The system operates in two ways. If the driver responds to an approaching vehicle or person, the system helps modulate the brakes to stop smoothly in time to avoid or mitigate a collision. If the driver does not respond in time, the Mercedes will brake automatically.

When a vehicle is adjacent to the Mercedes, the system illuminates a warning on the side mirror. If the driver actuates the turn signal, the Mercedes plays a warning tone. If the driver ignores the warning and begins to merge into the other vehicle, the Active Steering Assist system resists and attempts to guide the Mercedes back to its lane. Meanwhile, if the adjacent lane is free, the Distronic system can execute a lane change automatically. If the driver activates the turn signal and leaves it on, the system will steer the Mercedes into the indicated lane.

When the system senses a collision is likely, the Mercedes prepares for the impact. The system pre-tensions the front seat belts and strongly applies the brakes to minimize the peak impact forces and help prevent the Mercedes from being pushed into other vehicles.

When the driver agrees, the Mercedes will shift, steer, and brake to position the vehicle in the space. The Mercedes can also drive itself out of the same space.

Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz owners can qualify for discounts on auto insurance because of the advanced safety systems. Distronic also helps Mercedes owners stay within the law, reducing the chance of a traffic ticket.