Mercedes-Benz S-Class Owner's Manual page 240

238 Driving and parking
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
Function of Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC maintains the
set speed on free-flowing roads. If vehicles in
front are detected, the set distance is main‐
tained, if necessary, until the vehicle comes to a
halt. The vehicle accelerates or brakes depend‐
ing on the distance to the vehicle in front and
the set speed. The speed (in the range between
20 km/h and 210 km/h) and the distance to the
vehicle in front are set and saved on the steering
wheel.
Other features of Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC:
Adjusts the driving style depending on the
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selected drive program (fuel-saving, comfort‐
able or dynamic) ( page 203)
→
Reacts to stationary vehicles detected in
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urban speed ranges (except bicycles and
motorcycles)
Initiates acceleration to the stored speed if
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the turn signal indicator is switched on to
change to the overtaking lane.
Takes one-sided overtaking restrictions into
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account on motorways or on multi-lane roads
with separate carriageways (country-depend‐
ent).
Vehicles with Active Parking Assist: if the
vehicle has been braked to a standstill on multi-
lane, separate carriageways by Active Distance
Assist DISTRONIC, it can automatically follow
the vehicle in front driving off again within 30
seconds. If a critical situation is detected when
driving off, a visual and acoustic warning is given
indicating that the driver must now take control
of the vehicle. The vehicle is not accelerated any
further.
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is only an aid.
The driver is responsible for keeping a safe dis‐
tance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed
and for braking in good time.
System limitations
The system may be impaired or may not function
in the following instances:
In snow, rain, fog, heavy spray, if there is
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glare, in direct sunlight or in greatly varying
light conditions.
The windscreen in the area of the camera is
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dirty, misted up, damaged or covered.
If the radar sensors are dirty or covered.
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In multi-storey car parks or on roads with
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steep uphill or downhill gradients.
If there are narrow vehicles in front, such as
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bicycles or motorcycles.
In addition, on slippery roads, braking or accel‐
erating can cause one or several wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid.