2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: world's first commercial automated valet parking

Mercedes-Benz and its technology partner Bosch have not been shy about their collective desire to bring automated valet parking to the masses, and thanks to the city of Stuttgart and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, that future is inching closer to reality.

Mercedes-Benz announced on Monday that it, Bosch and parking-garage operator Apcoa will deploy an automated valet parking (AVP) system at the Stuttgart Airport's P6 parking garage. According to the automaker, there's an optional "pre-installation" for its flagship 2021 S-Class that will eventually enable something called Intelligent Park Pilot, which will give the car the ability to park itself based on a smartphone command, a first for the industry.

Here's how it will work. Behind the entrance to Stuttgart's P6 garage, there will be a space for AVP users to leave their car. After confirming the car is ready to park, the vehicle will take itself to the basement of the parking garage, receiving guidance from the infrastructure itself. Once the vehicle is parked, it'll remain there until the driver returns from their trip and prompts the vehicle to return to the space outside the garage. Ticketing and payment will be automated, as well, so it's a seamless transition from car to plane and back again.

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