funkle

In Doug Demuro’s review of the e450, he says active drivers assist drastically improved in 2021. But from what I have read, the drive pilot, active lane keep and adaptive cruise options seem the same. Can anyone confirm if the systems were improved for ‘21?

I’m looking to buy an e450 wagon, and want a good semi-autonomous driving package that will pace traffic in front (distronic+ I think) and active lane keep. I don’t need full autopilot, but want something that will take the monotony out of long periods of slow & go highway driving (regular 4 hour drives to my vacation home). I am deeply bothered by the fake all terrain treatment which puts me in pre-2021 territory. But I suppose I could put up with it if I had to. I’d love to get an e63, but can’t justify it due to the fuel economy.

Egonvdv

Personally i found litle difference between my 2017 & 2021

cetialpha5

Seems like some systems are updated but maybe not that noticeable in every day driving. The 2021+ also have a minor facelift so there's usually a bunch of other updates too.

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/11/02/...0-first-drive/

TresX

I got a loaner 2023 C class the other day and it's night and day compared to my 2018 w213. The brake assist literally saved my *** on the highway being distracted by the huge screen in the middle...lol Started braking before I did and smooth as butter....

BenjaminKohl

i think there are some small improvements to the software, the bigest difference is that the capacitive steering hweel can sense touch, meaning to let the car know you're paying attention you can simply tap the steering wheel instead of having to turn it a little.

gfmohn

Last August, I drove through a thunderstorm. The storm was moving east, and the heavy, interstate traffic was catching up with and moving through it. So I was in it for over an hour. Many of the slower vehicles in the right-hand and center lanes were using their flashers! For much of the time, the Lane Assist on my 2021 E450 had a better idea of where the lane markings were than I did. My Distronic cruise control had a better idea of where the vehicle ahead of me was. It was a white car that blended in with the storm. I could just barely see its taillights. I just sat back with my finger tips on the steering wheel and let Active Steering steer my E450! All at 60-70 mph! It was the automotive equivalent of Instrument Flight Rules in aviation!

Earlier the same day (when the weather was still clear, but the road was already wet), I had been distracted for a second. The vehicles ahead of me slowed radically, and I was certain I was going to crash. By the time I got my foot on the brake, my Distronic cruise control was already braking at full brake power. I came close to the car ahead, but not so close that the driver would have been frightened (if he/she were looking).

Egonvdv

then again, cruise control needs to be active too for lane assist to work .
but to use cruise in (heavy) rain is not a good idea because of aquaplaning risk