Imagine driving your all-electric, luxury Mercedes-Benz to the prestigious InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown and effortlessly letting it park itself. This futuristic scenario is now a reality, showcased through a groundbreaking demonstration of automated valet parking at the iconic InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, featuring the sophisticated Mercedes-EQ EQS sedan.
At the heart of this innovation lies the seamless integration of automated valet parking technology from Bosch and Mercedes-Benz. This demonstration in bustling Los Angeles highlights the INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT in the EQS from Mercedes-EQ, controlled via a smartphone app, presenting a holistic glimpse into the future of vehicle convenience and luxury for discerning consumers in locations like downtown Los Angeles.
The demonstration’s location is significant: the InterContinental Downtown Los Angeles Hotel, a landmark 889-room establishment residing in the tallest building west of Chicago. This real-world setting underscores the practicality and adaptability of this technology within a dynamic urban environment.
“The demonstration at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown vividly illustrates how automated valet parking will function in a genuine hotel setting, where both automated and conventional vehicles operate alongside pedestrian traffic,” stated Dr. Kay Stepper, senior vice president of automated driving and driver assistance for Bosch in North America. “This allows us to deeply examine the intricacies of real-world deployments, utilizing a highly-connected EQS from Mercedes-EQ to exhibit the ongoing advancements in automated technology.”
Dr. Philipp Skogstad, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, emphasizes the luxury of time reclaimed through such innovations. “Our vision centers on giving time back to our customers as a crucial element of the luxury experience they expect. The EQS already offers time savings by autonomously navigating traffic jams on highways. Now, with INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT, it extends this benefit to parking itself,” he remarked. He further added, “INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT, combined with the necessary infrastructure, provides an automated valet service that elevates customer comfort and eases daily routines significantly.” Especially for Mercedes owners in a busy city center like downtown Los Angeles, this technology offers a tangible improvement to their daily driving experience.
Mercedes-Benz INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT Takes Center Stage
This demonstration prominently features the Mercedes-Benz EQS, showcasing automated valet parking using its pre-existing hardware, already available in models like the S-Class and EQS in Germany/Europe with optional equipment. The vehicle expertly communicates with the Bosch intelligent infrastructure integrated within the parking garage of the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, enabling autonomous navigation and parking maneuvers within the facility.
Strategically placed sensors within the building provide guidance to the vehicle, directing its movements throughout the parking structure. Beyond parking, the demonstration also highlights the potential for expanded automated services, including automated EV charging, car washes, and vehicle maintenance. In such scenarios, vehicles autonomously move to and from service areas, guided by the intelligent infrastructure. This vision is particularly relevant for electric vehicles like the Mercedes-EQS, enhancing the ownership experience in urban environments like downtown Los Angeles.
With the requisite optional equipment* and corresponding Connect service availability depending on the region, the EQS possesses the onboard technology to autonomously enter and exit multi-story parking facilities equipped with Bosch Automated Valet infrastructure. This driverless operation in highly automated mode is contingent upon the availability of the Connect service and local legal permissions for the specific EQS model and country.
Smartphone App Integration: A Holistic Vehicle Experience
The envisioned process is remarkably user-friendly: drivers conveniently park their Mercedes-Benz in a designated drop-off zone at the parking facility. Once all passengers have alighted, the driver initiates the automated parking sequence via a smartphone app. The car park’s sensor system verifies the availability of a suitable parking space, or confirms a pre-booked reservation. Upon confirmation from the Automated Valet Parking infrastructure via the app, the driver can confidently leave the EQS. The vehicle then autonomously starts and navigates to its assigned parking spot, guided by the infrastructure within the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown parking facility. Upon their return, the driver can summon the EQS to a designated pick-up area using a simple smartphone command. This streamlined process significantly reduces time spent searching for parking and walking to and from the parking garage, a precious commodity in bustling areas like downtown Los Angeles.
Automated Parking: A Leap Towards Full Autonomy
Automated parking technology vividly demonstrates the tangible benefits of automation, alleviating the often-stressful parking experience for drivers. For Mercedes-Benz owners in downtown Los Angeles, this translates to less frustration and more time saved.
“Low-speed maneuvers are an integral part of the broader potential of automated technology,” Stepper elaborated. “Automated technology, particularly in the specific application of automated valet parking, familiarizes consumers with the functionality and advantages of automated systems.” This demonstration in a high-profile location like downtown Los Angeles serves to build trust and understanding of autonomous driving technologies.
Bosch’s engineering teams have dedicated years to refining automated valet parking, actively supporting testing and deployment initiatives globally. This continuous development underscores the commitment to bringing practical autonomous solutions to the market, benefiting drivers in urban centers like Los Angeles.
Benefits for Drivers and Parking Operators Alike
Automated valet parking offers compelling advantages for both vehicle owners and parking garage operators. For Mercedes-Benz drivers in downtown Los Angeles and beyond, the most immediate benefit is the elimination of the parking space hunt, coupled with significant time savings upon arrival at their destination. This convenience enhances the overall luxury vehicle ownership experience.
Parking garage operators also stand to gain substantially. Automated valet parking can increase parking capacity, as vehicles parked autonomously require less space, eliminating the need for door-opening clearances. Furthermore, operators can offer value-added services like automated EV charging, car washes, and maintenance, creating new revenue streams and enhancing customer satisfaction. For locations in densely populated areas like downtown Los Angeles, maximizing parking efficiency and offering premium services are crucial for business success.
This demonstration at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown marks a significant step forward in realizing the potential of automated driving, promising a future where parking is no longer a chore, but a seamless and effortless part of the driving experience, especially for luxury car owners in dynamic urban environments.
