What is Mercedes Active Distance Assist Distronic?

Mercedes-Benz offers an array of advanced driver aids designed to help prevent collisions and reduce the chances of injury should one occur. One such feature is Active Distance Assist Distronic, an option in the Driving Assistance package. Distronic is an adaptive cruise control system that Mercedes has offered longer than almost any other automaker, and the newer active system improves on the basic formula with stop-and-go capability and traffic-jam assist.

How Does Distronic Work?

Like other adaptive cruise systems that don’t have a fancy name, Distronic maintains a set distance between the Mercedes and other vehicles on the road. According to the automaker, it works at up to 130 mph and automatically applies the brakes or accelerates to keep the car moving with the flow of traffic. The driver can control the distance in four levels using steering wheel controls. Though some adaptive cruise control systems get caught up behind slower traffic, Distronic can automatically speed the vehicle up when the driver activates the turn signal to pass.

Features of the Mercedes Active Distronic System

Adding the Driver Assistance package brings active features to Distronic, including stop-and-go actions during traffic jams. Mercedes says the system can also detect and avoid stationary objects along the road, including parked cars. However, it does not react to bicycles and motorcycles. It can also observe one-sided passing restrictions and interacts with the driver’s selected drive mode, including Eco, Comfort, and Dynamic (sporty).

Though the exact display differs with the model, the driver has a view in the gauge cluster that shows several pieces of information on the Distronic system. The display shows the distance to the vehicle in front, the vehicle’s set speed, and active lane-change assist information if the car is so equipped. A color-coded status icon tells the driver if the system is on or active, and the driver can override active features by accelerating past the set speed.

Limitations of Active Distance Assist Distronic

As good as it sounds, Distronic isn’t infallible. Mercedes warns against relying too heavily on the system when there is snow, rain, fog, heavy road spray, glare, or even in super bright direct sunlight. As with many other advanced safety features, the system has trouble functioning if the sensors are dirty or obstructed. They also can’t detect other vehicles over steep hills and around corners, such as in a parking garage.

Drivers must be aware of slick roads, as the vehicle may lose traction if it accelerates or brakes too hard on some surfaces. Additionally, there may be situations where the set speed is too great for the conditions, requiring the driver to override or deactivate the system. Mercedes notes that Distronic only applies up to 50-percent braking force, so if a situation requires more stopping power, the system warns the driver to apply the brakes. In other situations, Distronic alerts the driver to issues through visual and audible notifications. In some cases, it will automatically shut off if safe operation is not possible.

Summary

Mercedes’ Active Distance Assist Distronic system can reduce driving fatigue and prevent collisions. However, it’s still up to the driver to ensure they’re alert and ready to take control at any time. If you want to learn more about vehicles with Distronic or other adaptive cruise control systems, head to the Shopping Guides section of the website.

Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, Your Test Driver, Autoweek, and others.

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