Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: Tips for driving with DISTRONIC - DISTRONIC - Driving systems - Driving and parking - Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Owner's ManualMercedes-Benz GL-Class: Tips for driving with DISTRONIC

The following contains descriptions of certain road and traffic conditions in which you must be particularly attentive. In such situations, brake if necessary. DISTRONIC is then deactivated.

WARNING The Distronic works to maintain the speed 
The Distronic works to maintain the speed selected by the driver unless a moving obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in the same travel direction is detected (e.g. following another vehicle ahead of you at your set distance).
This means that:
Your vehicle can pass another vehicle after you have changed lanes.
While in a sharp turn or if the preceding vehicle is in a sharp turn, the Distronic could lose sight of the preceding vehicle.
Your vehicle could then accelerate to the previously selected speed.
The Distronic regulates only the distance between your vehicle and those directly ahead of it, but does not register stationary objects in the road, e.g.:
a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam
a disabled vehicle
an oncoming vehicle
The driver must always be alert, observe all traffic and intercede as required by means of steering or braking the vehicle.

WARNING The Distronic should not be used in snowy or 
The Distronic should not be used in snowy or icy road conditions.
Cornering, going into and coming out of a bend

The ability of DISTRONIC to detect vehicles

The ability of DISTRONIC to detect vehicles when cornering is limited. Your vehicle may brake unexpectedly or late.

Vehicles traveling on a different line

DISTRONIC may not detect vehicles traveling

DISTRONIC may not detect vehicles traveling on a different line. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.

Other vehicles changing lane

DISTRONIC has not detected the vehicle

DISTRONIC has not detected the vehicle cutting in yet. The distance to this vehicle will be too short.

Narrow vehicles

DISTRONIC has not yet detected the vehicle

DISTRONIC has not yet detected the vehicle in front on the edge of the road, because of its narrow width. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.

Obstructions and stationary vehicles

DISTRONIC does not brake for obstructions or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the detected vehicle turns a corner and reveals an obstacle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC will not brake for these.

Crossing vehicles

DISTRONIC may detect vehicles that are

DISTRONIC may detect vehicles that are crossing your lane by mistake. Activating DISTRONIC at, for example, a traffic light with crossing traffic, could cause your vehicle to pull away at the wrong time.

    Deactivating DISTRONIC
    There are several ways to deactivate DISTRONIC: ► Briefly press the cruise control lever forwards 1. or ► Brake. The last speed stored remains stored until you switch off the ...

    See also:

    General maintenance
    General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during normal day-to-day operation. They are essential for proper vehicle operation. It is your responsibility to perform these ...

    Customer Satisfaction Procedure (Mexico)
    Did you get the Warranty Extension Plan? This plan is recommended by General Motors to supplement the warranty included with the new vehicle purchase. See your dealer for details. Customer Assis ...

    Drive-away locking
    Drive-away locking automatically locks all the doors when the vehicle is in motion. This feature can be enabled/disabled via the Vehicle Set-up menu (see 55, INTERACTIVE CONTROLS. Note: Pressing ...