What Is Mercedes-Benz DISTRONIC PLUS®?

DISTRONIC PLUS® is an adaptive cruise control technology from Mercedes-Benz. The feature uses built-in radar to bring you up to speed, brake as necessary, and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Compared to a standard cruise control system, DISTRONIC® technology allows for a smoother, simpler touring experience on the highways near Mclean. Today, DISTRONIC PLUS® is available on a wide range of new models including the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV. Ready to learn more about how DISTRONIC PLUS® works? Explore our guide to the feature below, and then schedule a test drive at Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner.

How Do I Use DISTRONIC PLUS®?

The DISTRONIC PLUS® adaptive cruise control system isn’t that much more complicated than a standard cruise control system. Once you’ve found the control lever on the side of your steering column, you can start using the feature right away.  Here’s what you should know, getting started:

• Activate DISTRONIC PLUS® by moving the control lever up or down. You’ll continue to cruise at your current speed, but you can speed up or slow down by adjusting the lever.
• Pressing the lever lightly will adjust your speed by one mph in either direction. A more forceful press will alter your speed by 5 mph.
• Pressing the brakes allows you to resume total control, as it would with a standard cruise control system. You can also push the control lever away from your body.
• If you exit DISTRONIC PLUS®, you can resume your last set speed by pulling the lever towards your body.
• To change your follow-distance, use the knob on the end of the control lever. The current set distance should be displayed on your central screen.

With DISTRONIC PLUS®, the system can bring you to a complete stop when traffic gets too heavy. For shorter stops, you’ll be brought up to speed automatically as soon as the path clears. If the stop lasts longer than three seconds, you’ll have to reactivate the system manually.

DISTRONIC® vs. DISTRONIC PLUS® vs. DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist

Depending on the Mercedes-Benz model that you choose, you’ll receive one of three different versions of the DISTRONIC® feature. Here’s what you should know about each:

• DISTRONIC® is the basic adaptive cruise control system. Although it’s identical to DISTRONIC PLUS® in most respects, DISTRONIC® will not bring you to a complete halt. Rather, the feature will pass control back to the driver when your speed drops below 15-20 mph.

• DISTRONIC PLUS® stays active, even if your speed drops to zero. In general, while DISTRONIC® might be offered as a standalone feature, DISTRONIC PLUS® is usually offered as part of the Driving Assistance package.

• DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist offers even more advanced convenience. In addition to controlling your speed and follow-distance, this technology keeps track of road lines and limits, along with other vehicles in your periphery. If you start to exit your lane by accident, or try to merge into an occupied space, the feature will intervene to keep you centered.

Although these remarkable technologies will help to make every drive more enjoyable and more relaxing, none is a substitute for the careful attention and focus of the driver. On a similar note, DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist requires your hands to remain on the wheel at all times.  Learn more about Mercedes-Benz safety features with our guides to ATTENTION ASSIST® and Mercedes-Benz PRESAFE®, or find out who owns Mercedes-Benz and learn a little bit about the company’s origins.

Turn to Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner for More Info

DISTRONIC®, DISTRONIC PLUS®, and DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist are now available on almost all of the new Mercedes-Benz vehicles in our lineup. Are you ready to experience the feature for yourself? Don’t wait to schedule your test drive.