Mercedes EQE Gets Level 4 Autonomous Driving

Initially available in the EQS Sedan and S-Class, Mercedes is extending its Intelligent Park Pilot self-parking technology to the smaller EQE Sedan. The SAE Level 4 technology enables the car to autonomously park by itself (without a driver inside) in specific parking garages with the Automated Valet Parking system.
 

Emphasis on the word “specific,” as it appears that the APCOA parking garage P6 at Stuttgart Airport is the only approved area where Automated Valet Parking is activated. That’s in addition to the driverless parking system of the Mercedes-Benz Museum, available since 2019. Mercedes-Benz hasn’t mentioned other areas where the tech is approved for commercial use.
 
It’s fairly simple to use the system. The driver needs to book a parking spot in advance using the Mercedes me app on a smartphone. Upon arrival at the designated drop-off area, the driver and passengers can exit the vehicle, then the EQE will navigate and park itself with a command from the driver via the app.
 
Upon confirmation from the app, the Automated Valet Parking infrastructure, provided by Bosch, will take control of the vehicle, automatically driving and slotting into the reserved parking space.
 
Summoning the car is just as simple. The driver can “contact” the EQE from the smartphone, and the car will meet them at the designated pick-up point.
 
Besides the Automated Valet Parking system, Mercedes-Benz’s Intelligent Park Pilot system also has the typical active park assist feature (the driver behind the steering wheel) and Memory Parking Assist, which can be used at home. The latter can remember repetitive parking processes on private property, such as driving into your garage.
 
As mentioned, the Intelligent Park Pilot system is now available in the EQS Sedan, S-Class (except AMG and Maybach models), and EQE Sedan. It will also be integrated into the new E-Class later, though the automaker said it’s already prepared to take the new tech.
 
Mercedes-Benz has yet to roll out the Automated Valet Parking system in the US (or outside Germany, for that matter). However, the automaker has been approved to sell Level 3 self-driving EQS and S-Class sedans in California, with the option arriving by 2024. This is not without contention, however.