Using steering wheel controls for driver assistance features in Mercedes-AMG vehicles is designed to enhance convenience and safety. Many of these features can be activated or adjusted without taking your hands off the wheel, improving the driving experience. Here’s a guide on how to use the steering wheel controls to manage various driver assistance systems:

1. Adaptive Cruise Control (Distronic Plus)

• Activating Cruise Control:
  • Locate the Cruise Control stalk or buttons on the left side of the steering wheel (depending on the model).
  • Press the button or pull the stalk toward you to activate Adaptive Cruise Control (Distronic Plus).
• Adjusting Speed:
  • Use the + and - buttons on the steering wheel to increase or decrease the set speed.
• Maintaining Distance:
  • Some models have a distance adjustment button. Use it to set the desired following distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Canceling or Resuming:
  • Use the cancel button (usually the same stalk) to disengage the system, and the resume button to reactivate the set speed.

2. Lane Keeping Assist (Active Lane Keeping Assist)

• Activating Lane Keeping Assist:
  • Press the Lane Keeping Assist button on the steering wheel (typically located on the left spoke or on the control stalk) to activate the system.
  • This feature will provide gentle steering inputs to keep the vehicle within the lane.
• Adjusting Sensitivity:
  • Use the MBUX or instrument cluster display to adjust the sensitivity or behavior of the lane assist system.
• Visual & Audible Alerts:
  • If you start to drift out of the lane, you may feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel, or an alert will appear on the dashboard.

3. Steering Assist

• Activating Steering Assist:
  • On some models, Steering Assist is integrated with Lane Keeping Assist. Activate it by pressing the appropriate button on the steering wheel.
  • Steering Assist will provide more significant steering inputs, especially at higher speeds or when driving on highways.
• Adjusting the Sensitivity:
  • Some models allow you to adjust the level of steering intervention through the MBUX display or via steering wheel buttons.

4. Blind Spot Assist

• Activating Blind Spot Assist:
  • This system can usually be activated automatically, but if needed, you can turn it on or off using the Blind Spot Assist button on the steering wheel.
• Warning Indicators:
  • If a vehicle is detected in your blind spot, an indicator light will appear on the side mirror.
• Steering Intervention (Optional):
  • In some cases, Blind Spot Assist provides gentle steering interventions to prevent you from merging into an occupied lane.

5. Traffic Sign Recognition

• Displaying Traffic Signs:
  • The system automatically detects traffic signs and displays them on the instrument cluster. You can toggle through options using the steering wheel controls to see the information.
• Speed Limit Alerts:
  • The system will also alert you when you exceed the detected speed limit.

6. Active Brake Assist

• Activating Active Brake Assist:
  • This system is typically always active in Mercedes-AMG vehicles, but it can be fine-tuned through the driver assistance menu in the MBUX system.
• Adjusting the Sensitivity:
  • If you prefer more or less intervention, you can adjust the sensitivity of the system via the steering wheel controls or MBUX.
• Forward Collision Warning & Emergency Braking:
  • If the system detects an imminent collision, it will provide a warning or initiate emergency braking if necessary.

7. Active Blind Spot Assist

• Activating the Feature:
  • Active Blind Spot Assist works in conjunction with Blind Spot Assist but adds steering intervention if a vehicle is detected in your blind spot while you are turning into that lane.
  • This can be activated by pressing a button on the steering wheel to toggle between features.

8. Crosswind Assist

• Using Crosswind Assist:
  • This feature helps stabilize the vehicle during strong crosswinds. It’s typically active when driving at speeds over 60 km/h (37 mph).
• Adjusting Sensitivity:
  • The sensitivity and intensity of Crosswind Assist can be adjusted through the MBUX system, although the steering wheel generally doesn’t provide direct control for this feature.

9. Pre-Safe System

• Activating Pre-Safe:
  • The Pre-Safe System automatically activates when the vehicle detects certain emergency situations, such as hard braking or a collision.
  • While the system is generally always active, you can get more information about its status through the MBUX display, controlled via the steering wheel touchpad or buttons.

10. Park Assist

• Activating Park Assist:
  • Some AMG models feature Active Park Assist, which can parallel park the vehicle automatically. You can activate it using the steering wheel controls.
  • Once activated, the system will guide the vehicle into a parking space with little to no input from the driver.
• Parking Sensors & Camera Controls:
  • You can toggle through the parking sensors or camera views using the steering wheel buttons.

11. Adaptive Highbeam Assist

• Activating Highbeam Assist:
  • To enable Adaptive Highbeam Assist, use the headlight stalk on the steering column, or you can customize the settings via the steering wheel controls.
• Automatic Adjustment:
  • The system automatically adjusts the headlights based on traffic conditions and road type.

12. Driver Attention Assist

• Monitoring Driver Fatigue:
  • This system monitors your driving patterns and gives warnings when it detects signs of driver fatigue.
• Alerts:
  • If the system detects drowsiness, it will issue a visual or audible alert, advising the driver to take a break.

13. Using Touchpads for Navigation and Settings

• On some models, touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel allow you to quickly access and adjust various driver assistance settings, such as lane-keeping, cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. This helps you navigate settings more easily without distractions.

Conclusion:

In Mercedes-AMG vehicles, the steering wheel controls allow you to interact with and adjust various driver assistance features, making it easier to stay focused on the road while managing these systems. These functions include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, brake assist, blind spot monitoring, and more. Through either dedicated buttons or touchpads, the steering wheel gives you quick access to key safety and performance-enhancing technologies, improving both the safety and convenience of your drive.