The AMG Performance Steering Wheel in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class works in conjunction with the lane-keeping system (part of the larger suite of driver assistance systems) to enhance both safety and convenience while driving. Here’s how the steering wheel interacts with the lane-keeping assist system:

1. Lane-Keeping Assist Activation

• The lane-keeping system in the G-Class uses cameras and sensors to monitor lane markings on the road. If the system detects that the vehicle is unintentionally drifting out of its lane without the use of turn signals, it can intervene to help keep the vehicle in the center of the lane.
• The steering wheel is a key interface for the driver to engage with and adjust the lane-keeping assist system. Through the buttons or controls on the steering wheel, the driver can activate, deactivate, or adjust the sensitivity of the lane-keeping assist.

2. Tactile Feedback and Steering Wheel Assistance

• Haptic Feedback: One of the ways the AMG steering wheel interacts with the lane-keeping system is through haptic feedback (vibrations) in the wheel. If the system detects that the vehicle is drifting towards the lane marking and the driver does not respond by steering, the steering wheel will provide subtle vibrations to alert the driver to the lane departure.
• Steering Torque Assistance: If the lane-keeping assist system detects a potential lane drift and no action is taken by the driver, the system can apply slight steering torque to the wheel to guide the vehicle back into its lane. This torque assist is not meant to take full control of the steering but rather provides a small corrective force, which is felt directly through the steering wheel.

3. Adjusting Lane-Keeping Sensitivity

• Through the steering wheel controls, the driver can adjust the level of intervention from the lane-keeping system. This may include:
  • Normal: The system actively guides the car back into the lane if drifting occurs.
  • Early: The system reacts sooner to lane drift, providing more subtle and frequent adjustments.
  • Late: The system only intervenes if the vehicle is closer to crossing over lane markings.
• These adjustments help tailor the driving experience, allowing for a more dynamic response on winding roads or a more gentle assistance on highways.

4. Visual and Audio Alerts

• In addition to the haptic feedback and steering torque adjustments, the instrument cluster or head-up display can show visual warnings if lane departure is detected. If the vehicle continues to veer off course, an audible warning (a beep or chime) might also sound.
• These warnings can be acknowledged or silenced by the driver via the steering wheel controls, ensuring that the driver is always aware of the vehicle's position in the lane.

5. Integration with Active Steering Assist

• In higher-end configurations, the AMG Performance Steering Wheel is also integrated with Active Steering Assist. This system provides even more advanced intervention, allowing the steering wheel to make more precise corrections if the vehicle drifts without input from the driver.
• Active Steering Assist can be especially useful in highway driving, where the steering wheel can subtly guide the vehicle along the road. If the system detects that the driver is not responding to lane departure, the steering wheel can gently apply corrective steering to keep the vehicle centered in the lane.

6. Driver Awareness and Control

• Despite the technological interventions, the lane-keeping assist system always relies on the driver to stay in control. If the system detects that the driver has removed their hands from the steering wheel for too long or is not making steering inputs, it will issue warnings or even deactivate the system until the driver re-engages.
• The AMG steering wheel is equipped with sensors to detect if the driver’s hands are off the wheel for an extended period, providing feedback to remind the driver to stay engaged with the vehicle.

Summary:

The AMG Performance Steering Wheel in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class plays an integral role in the lane-keeping system. Through haptic feedback, steering torque assistance, and driver interaction via buttons on the wheel, it helps the system keep the vehicle centered in its lane while enhancing the driving experience. The steering wheel provides subtle cues and interventions that allow the driver to remain engaged, ensuring safety while offering convenience.