Collision warning system* - limitations
"Collision Warning with Auto Brake and Cyclist and Pedestrian Detection" is an aid to assist the driver when there is a risk of colliding with a pedestrian, cyclist or vehicle in front that are stationary or moving in the same direction.
The function has certain limitations - for example, it is not active until 4 km/h (3 mph).
The collision warning system's visual warning signal may be difficult to notice in the event of strong sunlight, reflections, when sunglasses are being worn or if the driver is not looking straight ahead. The warning sound should therefore always be activated.
On slippery road surfaces the braking distance is extended, which may reduce the capacity to avoid a collision. In such situations the ABS and ESC systems will provide best possible braking force with maintained stability.
Note
The visual warning signal can be temporarily disengaged in the event of high passenger compartment temperature caused by strong sunlight for example. If this occurs then the warning sound is activated even if it is deactivated in the menu system.
- Warnings may not appear if the distance to the vehicle in front is small or if steering wheel and pedal movements are large, e.g. a very active driving style.
Warning
Warnings and brake interventions could be implemented late or not at all if the traffic situation or external influences mean that the radar or camera sensor cannot detect a pedestrian, a vehicle or a cyclist in front correctly.
The sensor system has a limited range for pedestrians and cyclists1 - the system can give effective warnings and brake interventions for them at vehicle speeds up to 50 km/h (30 mph). For stationary or slow-moving vehicles, warnings and brake interventions are effective at vehicle speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph).
Warnings for stationary or slow-moving vehicles could be disengaged due to darkness or poor visibility.
Warnings and brake interventions for pedestrians and cyclists are deactivated at vehicle speeds exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph).
The collision warning system uses the same radar sensors as the adaptive cruise control.
If warnings are perceived as being too frequent or disturbing then the warning distance can be reduced. This then leads to the system providing a warning at a later stage, which reduces the total number of warnings; see Collision warning system - operation.
Collision Warning with Auto Brake is temporarily deactivated with reverse gear engaged.
Collision Warning with Auto Brake is not activated at low speeds - below 4 km/h (3 mph), which is why the system does not intervene in situations where the car is approaching a vehicle in front very slowly, e.g. when parking.
In situations where the driver demonstrates active, aware driving behaviour, a collision warning may be postponed slightly in order to keep unnecessary warnings to a minimum.
When Auto Brake has prevented a collision with a stationary object the car remains stationary for a maximum of 1.5 seconds. If the car is braked for a vehicle in front that is moving, then speed is reduced to the same speed as that maintained by the vehicle in front.
On a car with manual gearbox the engine stops when Auto Brake has stopped the car, unless the driver manages to depress the clutch pedal beforehand.