The AMG Performance Steering Wheel in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, particularly in the G-Class, is highly integrated with advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control (ACC). This integration allows for seamless control and enhanced user experience, offering both convenience and safety during long drives or in traffic. Here’s how the steering wheel interacts with adaptive cruise control:

1. Control Buttons for Adaptive Cruise Control:

• The AMG Performance Steering Wheel typically features buttons or toggles dedicated to controlling the adaptive cruise control system. These controls allow the driver to activate, adjust, and set the system without taking their hands off the wheel.
• Activation: To turn on adaptive cruise control, the driver can press a dedicated button on the wheel, often marked with a speedometer icon or "CRUISE" label.
• Speed and Distance Adjustment: After activation, the steering wheel's buttons or touch-sensitive pads allow the driver to set the desired speed and adjust the following distance from the vehicle ahead. These are often done via up/down arrows or a rotary dial, depending on the model.
• Cancel/Resume: Another button on the wheel can be used to cancel or resume adaptive cruise control at any time, making it easy for the driver to take control.

2. Steering Wheel Feedback in Adaptive Cruise Control:

• In some Mercedes-Benz models, the steering wheel provides subtle feedback to let the driver know when adaptive cruise control is actively controlling the vehicle’s speed and distance. This feedback can be felt through slight vibrations or steering adjustments, especially when the system is intervening to maintain the set distance or keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
• In some cases, the system might automatically make minor steering inputs to help keep the car in its lane or avoid obstacles, and the steering wheel’s feedback allows the driver to sense these adjustments.

3. Active Lane Keeping and Lane-Centering Assistance:

• Many AMG models equipped with adaptive cruise control also include lane-keeping assist or lane-centering features. The steering wheel plays a role in this by providing vibration warnings if the system detects unintentional lane departure, without signaling.
• When the adaptive cruise control is engaged, the system uses inputs from cameras, radar, and sensors to keep the car in its lane. If it detects the vehicle drifting out of its lane, the steering wheel may slightly adjust, and the driver can feel this adjustment through the steering wheel.

4. Integration with Distronic Plus:

• Distronic Plus is Mercedes-Benz’s name for its adaptive cruise control system, which is fully integrated with the AMG Performance Steering Wheel. This system uses radar and sensors to automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front.
• Dynamic Distance Control: The driver can adjust the level of following distance from the vehicle ahead using the steering wheel controls. For example, they can set a longer or shorter distance between their car and the car in front, depending on traffic conditions.

5. Driver Attention Monitoring:

• Some systems integrate driver attention monitoring that may be influenced by how the driver interacts with the AMG Performance Steering Wheel while adaptive cruise control is active. If the system detects erratic steering behavior or that the driver is not actively maintaining control of the vehicle (e.g., due to drowsiness), it might prompt the driver with a warning via the steering wheel or dashboard.
• Alert Signals: The steering wheel might vibrate or send subtle haptic feedback to alert the driver if the system detects a lack of attention.

6. Stop-and-Go Traffic Assistance:

• Adaptive cruise control in AMG models may also offer stop-and-go functionality, which is especially helpful in heavy traffic. This feature automatically controls the car’s braking and acceleration to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
• On the AMG Performance Steering Wheel, the driver can easily resume the cruise control system after a stop, allowing for a smooth transition in slow-moving traffic. The system will re-activate once the vehicle in front moves, and the steering wheel remains the primary interface to control these adjustments.

7. Customization and Personalization:

• The AMG Performance Steering Wheel may allow the driver to customize the settings of adaptive cruise control. Depending on the vehicle’s interface, you may be able to select preferences such as how aggressively the system should apply the brakes when approaching another vehicle, how quickly it should accelerate back to the set speed, or how far behind the vehicle you would like to stay.
• These settings are accessible and adjustable via the buttons or touchpads on the steering wheel.

8. Cruise Control Resumption After Manual Intervention:

• If the driver manually brakes or accelerates, the adaptive cruise control system typically disengages temporarily. Once the driver releases the brake and the system detects that the road conditions are suitable for cruise control again, the system can be easily re-engaged using the steering wheel controls, without needing to reset the entire system.

9. Hands-Free Driving (Limited):

• Some newer models with Level 2 Autonomous Driving features allow for limited hands-free driving in certain conditions. When adaptive cruise control is paired with features like lane-keeping assist and automatic steering (as in some high-performance AMG models), the steering wheel can remain largely inactive, with the vehicle steering itself and maintaining the set speed and distance.
• However, the driver is still required to keep their hands near the wheel, as the system will occasionally prompt the driver to intervene if it detects a lack of attention.

Conclusion:

The AMG Performance Steering Wheel serves as a vital control interface for adaptive cruise control, making it easy for drivers to adjust speed, set following distance, and interact with the vehicle's advanced driver-assistance systems. It provides tactile feedback, control over system settings, and seamless integration with other safety features like lane-keeping assist and driver attention monitoring. The steering wheel allows for easy operation of these systems, contributing to a safer and more convenient driving experience, whether on long highway trips or in stop-and-go traffic.