DISTRONIC PLUS w/Steering Assist is listed on the 2015-2017 s550 models and has 1 camera . I have driven this version and it was not adequate for me, I thought the Audi q7 (latest active lane assist) was amazing and even A8 d4 did a little better.

Now on the 2018 S560 it specifically states on another line/option Active Steering Assist which means it is much more active I believe. This new system has 2 cameras.

Just wondering what's peoples first-hand conclusions about these if you could compare and contrast for me, thanks so much!

 

You need to drive a [newer] car with these features for yourself. Different people have different feelings about how good or not-so-good these features function.

 

The differences on the Distronic Plus features between 2014-17 S class and the 2018-19 are like the difference between night and day. I use to own the 2014 S550 and I traded it in for a 2019 S450. The refreshed model is much, much better on Distronic Plus. It is much more precise on steering assist (will even change lanes on its own by the driver simply turning on the turn signal for an instant. It will only change lanes if it's safe to do so), lane keeping assist, etc. Additionally, the auto pilot feature lasts at least one minute before the driver touches the steering wheel and then it once again resumes the auto driving. The feature on the older model only lasted about 12-15 seconds before the driver had to intervene and it was not as smooth staying in the lane. The new model is also great on stop and go traffic in city driving as well. The fact that the controls are now on top of the steering wheel makes the features much easier to use. On quite a few instances (city or highway), the new model will start to move on its own if there is a vehicle stopped in front of you. The one feature that could be improved on the current model is the very sudden stopping as it approaches a vehicle in front that is stationary. It would definitely be a lot nicer if this was a gradual deceleration. But at least it has the feature (in case the driver is not paying attention) whereas the previous model did not. I'm positive this will be greatly improved on the next generation S-Class. Having said all this, these new features are not perfect and the driver MUST always be ready to take control. I can tell you without any hesitation that the refreshed model makes driving so much more relaxing especially on the interstates during long trips.

 

Problem with all these driver assistant features is until they say it is 100% reliable and don't worry about anything you still have to monitor the wheel and brake so it is more of a novelty. It will become effective when we have a standardized system that all manufacturers agree to that allows the vehicles to communicate with each other.

When I can let go of the wheel and brake and have zero worries about it ever failing I will relinquish control until then its fun to play with but otherwise to me its useless. I understand others feel differently.

 

The system helps take a huge load off you mentally. On long distance journeys (300+ kms), you will be less exhausted. That's my observation.

 

In my 2020 S560, the distronic works tremendously, with little drifting in the lane. The one area I wish they would improve is late (hard) breaking when the car in front is slowing down to turn. The system waits a bit too long and is forced to break pretty hard, so most of the time you need to take over in that case. This does not affect its ability to stay behind traffic that is varying speed however. In that case the system does a great job of gently and accurately adjusting speed.

 

Wondering about lane-keep assist ... what happens if the driver wants to drift a little over the outside of the lane, maybe because of something in the road, an ugly pothole, etc. ... does the system try to force you back into the middle of the lane, so you're fighting the car?

Here in Texas it's a common practice on country roads with wide shoulders to move over half-way onto the shoulder to let someone go by, does the car fight you when you do that?

 

You can take over easily. It's like the car is "hinting" where to drive, but you can easily have your way.

 

Yes, it most definitely would. I hate mine for that.

 

I have had the issue with Lane Keep Assist when avoiding a pothole on a local street going to work and the car gets into the center line. Lane Keep Assist will brake and pull it back toward the pothole. I've started turning on my left turn signal like I was changing lanes to cancel the function when I approach the pothole. Hopefully the pothole will be repaired soon.

 

To each his own but I'm not comfortable using any of these electronic nannies. I drive mine old school, with no features activated and find it a much safer and enjoyable experience for me and I have a 2018 with all the features added (it was already on a lot when I bought my car, I didn't have a choice of deleting them).

 

On a 4 hour trip you will notice the difference. You arrive much more relaxed, because you have not had to do as much subconscious adjusting. On short trip you do not notice the fatigue factor as much. LA to Los Vegas is a very comfortable 4 hours or so.

 

No one says they are 100%. That is why they refer to it as assistive rather than autonomous.

 

^^^ This right here 💯