Currently, in most vehicles, including the W465 G-Class and similar models, the ACC heating function (steering wheel heating) and the driver's seat heating are typically independent systems, meaning they are controlled separately and not automatically linked to each other. However, there are some interactions and potential integration that could enhance the uniformity of the heating experience for the driver.

1. Independent Control Systems:

• ACC Heating (Steering Wheel): The steering wheel heating function generally operates independently of the seat heating system. It is often controlled manually by the driver via steering wheel buttons or climate controls and typically activates based on the external temperature or the driver’s preferences for warmth.
• Seat Heating: The driver's seat heating operates separately, with settings for different heat levels or automatic activation depending on the vehicle’s climate control settings.

2. Why Link ACC Heating and Seat Heating?:

• In cold weather, having both the steering wheel heating and seat heating activated can provide a more uniform and consistent comfort for the driver. It allows the driver to maintain warmth throughout their body, with warmth in the hands and back simultaneously, enhancing the overall driving experience during low temperatures.
• Uniform comfort is especially important for long drives in cold conditions, where localized warmth from either system might not be enough to maintain a consistent feeling of comfort.

3. Potential for Linked Control (Future Features):

• Integration of Systems: Some manufacturers are starting to integrate comfort systems, like seat heating and steering wheel heating, into a more cohesive experience. For example, a future system might link steering wheel heating to the seat heating settings so that they activate together based on external temperature or driving conditions.
• In such a setup, if the driver adjusts the seat heating to a higher level, the system could automatically increase the steering wheel heating to ensure a consistent warmth experience. This could be controlled through the vehicle’s climate control settings or personalized profiles for the driver.
• Adaptive Comfort Systems: Some premium vehicles feature adaptive comfort systems that link heating elements across the cabin, adjusting the temperature settings based on ambient temperature or driver input. In such cases, both seat and steering wheel heating could be adjusted to work together, though this would typically be part of a higher-end climate control package.

4. Current Customization Options:

• Manual Adjustment: Even though the systems are generally not linked, drivers still have the option to independently adjust the seat and steering wheel heating. For example, they can turn up the seat heater while maintaining a lower temperature on the steering wheel heater if they prefer a warmer seat without overheating the wheel, or vice versa.
• Personalized Settings: Some vehicles allow the driver to save their comfort preferences (such as seat heating levels, steering wheel heating, and even air conditioning) through user profiles. While this doesn't link the two systems, it does allow the driver to easily replicate a comfortable setting with minimal effort.

5. Does Mercedes-Benz Offer Integrated Heating Features?:

• While Mercedes-Benz vehicles like the G-Class allow independent control of both seat and steering wheel heating, there isn't a widely implemented system that automatically links these two functions as part of the current offerings.
• Future Integration: It's possible that future G-Class models or Mercedes-Benz vehicles could offer integrated heating systems where the steering wheel heating adjusts in tandem with seat heating for a more uniform experience in extreme weather. This would provide a more intuitive and cohesive approach to driver comfort.

Conclusion:

As of now, the ACC heating function (steering wheel) and driver’s seat heating are generally independent systems, with separate controls for each. While there is no automatic linking of these two functions in current models, there is potential for future integration where the seat heating and steering wheel heating could adjust together based on the ambient temperature or the driver’s preferences for a more uniform heating experience. Currently, drivers can manually adjust both functions for a custom comfort level, but the systems are not automatically synced.