It's not distance per se, rather strength of signal indicated on horizontal bar. Vertical bar tells type: Laser, Ka, K, or X. Then you also have the bogey counter telling you 'how many' signals are being picked up.
Anyhow, would love to see your integrated unit. That said, I know from personal experience I get much more advanced warnings the higher up the unit is. I have a contact speed sign near my home and in my 997, I only get .5 mi warning. In my SUV where V1 is mounted approx 18 higher up, I typically get 1mi warning and occassionally if clear weather, etc. 1.25mi