Melbourne– Following on from the sales success of Night View Assist, Mercedes-Benz has announced that the first S-Class sedans equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS will arrive in early December.

The Managing director of Mercedes Car Group, Horst von Sanden has welcomed the final certification of DISTRONIC PLUS by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). “The frequency that DISTRONIC PLUS operates on (24GHz) has required a change to the Federal radio frequencies legislation. The use of an ultra wide bandwidth ensures a significant level of accuracy allowing the system to deliver unparalleled detail recognition.

“Mercedes-Benz is very proud that we are now able to make DISTRONIC PLUS available on the S-Class (making it the most affordable adaptive cruise control in the segment at $3,900) that the way is now clear for other manufacturers to introduce similar systems due to our effort in gaining certification on this frequency” von Sanden said.

“The first S-Class equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS will arrive in December and it will complement our popular and applauded Night View Assist that uses the latest infra red technology in place of the older thermal imaging systems available. The uptake of Night View Assist has been around a third of S-Class buyers and we expect a similar level of uptake with DISTRONIC PLUS,” von Sanden said.

With DISTRONIC PLUS, Mercedes-Benz engineers have been able to extend the range from 0.2 to 150 metres. The control unit analyses the information received from both radar systems and calculates the engine, automatic transmission and braking parameters required for proximity control.

“The confirmed availablity of DISTRONIC PLUS further enhances the safety leadership of Mercedes-Benz and S-Class in particular. The increasingly dense traffic gridlock and sheer volume of traffic on our roads makes DISTRONIC PLUS not just a major safety advance but will be a contributor to reduced fatigue for S-Class owners. This leading edge technology demonstrates that Mercedes-Benz has yet again shown leadership in the introduction of safety technolgy that is both affordable and relevant. The legislative change will make it easier for other manufacturers to fit similar systems “ von Sanden concluded

DISTRONIC PLUS monitors the traffic to allow the vehicle to maintain the distance set by the driver. DISTRONIC PLUS utilises two on board radar systems and the vehicles braking system to act together when a collision is likely. This means that when the traffic tails back, DISTRONIC PLUS will automatically control the speed to match traffic movement. Should the driver wish to rejoin the traffic after a complete stop then simply reactivating DISTRONIC PLUS will take the vehicle back to the predetermined speed.

S-Class sedans can now be ordered with DISTRONIC PLUS for an additional $3,900 making it the most affordable adaptive cruise control in its class.