Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS

Important safety notes

The following contains descriptions of certain road and traffic conditions in which you must be particularly attentive. In such situations, brake if necessary. DISTRONIC PLUS is then deactivated.

WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS works to maintain the speed selected by the driver unless a moving obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in the same travel direction is detected (e.g. following another vehicle ahead of you at your set distance).
This means that:
• Your vehicle can pass another vehicle after you have changed lanes.
• While in a sharp turn or if the preceding vehicle is in a sharp turn, the DISTRONIC PLUS could lose sight of the preceding vehicle. Your vehicle could then accelerate to the previously selected speed.
The DISTRONIC PLUS regulates only the distance between your vehicle and those directly ahead of it. It may not register stationary objects in the road, e.g.:
• a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam
• a disabled vehicle
• an oncoming vehicle
The driver must always be alert, observe all traffic and intercede as required by means of steering or braking the vehicle.

WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS should not be used in snowy or icy road conditions.

Cornering, going into and coming out of a bend

Cornering, going into and coming out of a bend
Cornering, going into and coming out of a bend

The ability of DISTRONIC PLUS to detect vehicles when cornering is limited. Your vehicle may brake unexpectedly or late.

Vehicles traveling on a different line

Vehicles traveling on a different line
Vehicles traveling on a different line

DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect vehicles traveling on a different line. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.

Other vehicles changing lane

Other vehicles changing lane
Other vehicles changing lane

DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the vehicle cutting in yet. The distance to this vehicle will be too short.

Narrow vehicles

Narrow vehicles
Narrow vehicles

DISTRONIC PLUS has not yet detected the vehicle in front on the edge of the road, because of its narrow width. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.

Obstructions and stationary vehicles

Obstructions and stationary vehicles
Obstructions and stationary vehicles

DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the detected vehicle turns a corner and reveals an obstacle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS will not brake for these.

Crossing vehicles

Crossing vehicles
Crossing vehicles

DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect vehicles that are crossing your lane.

Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with crossing traffic, for example, could cause your vehicle to pull away unintentionally.

    See also:

    Everything considered: integral Mercedes-Benz safety concept
    The comprehensive Mercedes approach to integral safety also applies in the new R-Class. This trailblazing safety philosophy goes well beyond compliance with standardised crash test regulations. It ...

    Checking tire pressure electronically
    Make sure that the SmartKey is in position 2 in the ignition lock. Press the or button on the steering wheel to select the Service menu. Press the or button to select Tire Pressure. ...

    Comfortable and safe: the rear seats
    The rear seat unit is of one-piece construction. Three head restraints and three inertia-reel seat belts ensure the safety of the occupants. The outer rear seats are also equipped with belt tensio ...