Fun4stuff

What is the difference between these: Distance pilot vs steering pilot vs lane keeping Assist vs steering assist. Online they're called "DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist" (GLC) and "Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and Steering Pilot" (GLE). Are these the same?

I was reading the GLC and GLE brochures / mercedes build website from the dealer and they use these different terms for the drivers assistance package features... But they seem very similar. Or are they the name for a better version of the same thing?

Here are the brochure pages from the GLC and GLE:

[GLC](https://i.imgur.com/yFJoIpy.jpg)

[GLE](https://i.imgur.com/oVU3oil.jpg)

yjchua

They're the same thing.

Fun4stuff

I’m case anyone else is wondering, this was the response from Mercedes:

“They are both the same feature. It was just a name change as the word "assist" may imply that the vehicle is fully autonomous to some, when it still requires driver attention and action. Both will do the same thing. "”

GLCKitty

I haven't researched it completely but there could be some minor differences. Yes Distronic is essentially what other brands call adaptive cruise control. Some possible additional features is the ability to sense the speed limit based on signage and navigation system. Another possibility with steering is to automatically change lanes when the blinker is turned on and the lane is free. Found these two features when searching both names you listed, on YouTube. The videos appear to be official vids from MB. I wouldn't be surprised if the GLE has slightly enhanced Distronic but that both do the basic function of distance pacing cruise control with some sort of steering assistance.

yjchua

All Mercedeses of all classes with the Driving Assistance Package Plus (23P) have Distronic Plus with active steering assist.

Only the W213 E-class and facelifted/MoPF W222 S-class have one extra feature as part of 23P: Drive Pilot (which includes lane change assist, and a longer hands-off period).

ajmtbm

what is the hands-off period on the newer generation?

yjchua

Up to 60 seconds, depending on factors such as the speed you're traveling at, lane markings, etc.

The Thomas J

I have adaptive cruise control on my Mazda and I love it. I really wish my S had it.

benedekjotu

No they are not the same. As far as I understand:

Distronic: adaptive cruise control, drives at the set speed or keeps distance from the vehicle ahead

Lane keeping assist: watches the lines and can gently move you back into the lane by applying brakes. It uses brakes to "turn" hence it can only be active above 65 km/h. Also I'm pretty sure on the long term it will wear down the brake pads.

Steer assist: can turn your steering wheel to keep you in the lane. Can also automatically change lanes but who needs that.

Lane keeping assist and steer assist have separate buttons left on the dash.
What I don't understand is why there is a lane keeping assist if there's a steer assist. Why would you ever want to ruin brake pads when you can make it steer with the wheel?

ajmtbm

thats a Good point about them being similar. im thinking that the lane keep assist is for when you dont have the distronic on, like in the city. and i believe it is active lower than 65 km/h