What is Mercedes-Benz’s DISTRONIC function?

Launched in 1999, the DISTRONIC system was the first adaptive cruise control system to be offered on the American market. It uses frontal radar to track preceding vehicles and maintain a safe distance. DISTRONIC operates at all speeds and can bring a vehicle to a complete stop if traffic stops in front of it. On some models, the system's Plus feature allows the vehicle to make repeated stops and starts autonomously in a traffic jam, for example.

The DISTRONIC system also makes cornering easier. This is because the centering technology keeps the vehicle in the middle of its lane on more winding roads. Some models also have the ability to automatically comply with speed limits and slow down to negotiate curves and other road features such as traffic circles. In conjunction with the navigation system, the vehicle can even slow down automatically as it approaches an exit that is marked in the navigation path, or as it approaches a sharp turn, among other things.

The DISTRONIC approach is also multi-faceted, all of which are actually interrelated to the operation of the front radar. For example, the Active Brake Assist system uses the cruise control radar to analyze the road ahead and on each sides when driving in the city. If a car or pedestrian is detected and the driver does not react, the car will brake autonomously. If the driver reacts, the system will then increase the braking power to promote a timely stop. In reverse, the car is also able to detect cross traffic and stop in emergency, always automatically.

Parking assistance or blind spot monitoring systems are also part of Mercedes-Benz's DISTRONIC philosophy. In fact, what began with radar cruise control has evolved into a sophisticated system with several safety functions.

Ultimately, thanks to the DISTRONIC system, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are safer to drive than ever before.