Mercedes Distronic System -- How good is it?
04-01-2015, 11:55 AM
#1
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Mercedes Distronic System Review
I had always thought the W221 Distronic system is state of the art even for technology just being introduced in cars now especially considering the multiple redundant radar and optical systems in the vehicle but I was really surprised at the outcome of a test on a video I just watched.
It is from a couple of years ago but can someone let me know why the Mercedes Distronic system performed so poorly? Did they miss something in the test? I would have thought for each of those scenarios, the system would have stopped to avert a collision.
It is from a couple of years ago but can someone let me know why the Mercedes Distronic system performed so poorly? Did they miss something in the test? I would have thought for each of those scenarios, the system would have stopped to avert a collision.
Last edited by WEBSRFR; 04-01-2015 at 01:27 PM.
04-01-2015, 04:54 PM
#2
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2015 S550
That video was approaching a stationary object from speeds around 50 mph with no pedal action at all IIRC. I haven't watched that video in a while. That isn't even close to realistic unless you are just totally spacing out at the wheel. Even if you were completely spacing out and hit somebody, you'd be slowed down so much that it would do little damage to yours and the other car.
The Distronic Plus works great, especially if you're in heavy traffic...or any time for that matter. My only gripe is that once at a complete stop with a car in front of you, it takes a little longer than I'd like for the car to start moving on its own again, which gives time for other cars to dart out and cut in front of you....if leaving the system in full control.
The Distronic Plus works great, especially if you're in heavy traffic...or any time for that matter. My only gripe is that once at a complete stop with a car in front of you, it takes a little longer than I'd like for the car to start moving on its own again, which gives time for other cars to dart out and cut in front of you....if leaving the system in full control.
04-02-2015, 08:46 PM
#3
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That video was approaching a stationary object from speeds around 50 mph with no pedal action at all IIRC. I haven't watched that video in a while. That isn't even close to realistic unless you are just totally spacing out at the wheel. Even if you were completely spacing out and hit somebody, you'd be slowed down so much that it would do little damage to yours and the other car.
The Distronic Plus works great, especially if you're in heavy traffic...or any time for that matter. My only gripe is that once at a complete stop with a car in front of you, it takes a little longer than I'd like for the car to start moving on its own again, which gives time for other cars to dart out and cut in front of you....if leaving the system in full control.
The Distronic Plus works great, especially if you're in heavy traffic...or any time for that matter. My only gripe is that once at a complete stop with a car in front of you, it takes a little longer than I'd like for the car to start moving on its own again, which gives time for other cars to dart out and cut in front of you....if leaving the system in full control.
The video demo shows the car actually hitting the vehicle in front because the driver did not brake and car's autonomous braking is only applied at the very last second or two right before an accident to minimize the crash intensity?
04-02-2015, 10:57 PM
#4
Senior Member
Below taken from pages 77 & 78 from a 2013 manual:
"If, at speeds over 20 mph (30 km/h), a risk of
collision remains and you do not brake, take
evasive action or significantly accelerate,
automatic braking may be performed up to
the level of emergency braking. Automatic
emergency braking is not performed until
immediately prior to an accident that can no
longer be avoided."
It is unclear what "Automatic emergency braking" is. It is not clearly defined.
At the same time, it is also written that:
"If PRESAFE ® Brake has detected a risk of collision,
you will be warned visually and acoustically
as well as by automatic braking. PRE-SAFE®
Brake cannot prevent a collision without your
intervention."
The fact that Distronic Plus cruise control can brake the car to the point of stopping, why not implement true collision avoidance?
"If, at speeds over 20 mph (30 km/h), a risk of
collision remains and you do not brake, take
evasive action or significantly accelerate,
automatic braking may be performed up to
the level of emergency braking. Automatic
emergency braking is not performed until
immediately prior to an accident that can no
longer be avoided."
It is unclear what "Automatic emergency braking" is. It is not clearly defined.
At the same time, it is also written that:
"If PRESAFE ® Brake has detected a risk of collision,
you will be warned visually and acoustically
as well as by automatic braking. PRE-SAFE®
Brake cannot prevent a collision without your
intervention."
The fact that Distronic Plus cruise control can brake the car to the point of stopping, why not implement true collision avoidance?
04-04-2015, 03:21 AM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
I love it and it works very good for me. But you still need to use your head. You cant sleep at the Wheel.
Last edited by Chris The Swede; 04-04-2015 at 03:30 AM.
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04-05-2015, 11:52 AM
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