With Autopilot in Slow Traffic, Mercedes Steps Toward Driverless Cars

Inching through bumper-to-bumper traffic, finding a space in a crowded garage, or squeezing into a tight parking spot can try the patience of any driver. Unless, of course, that driver isn’t a driver at all. That’s the logic behind the recent rush of companies, from Mercedes-Benz to auto component maker Continental, to roll out electronic sensor-guided systems that can take the wheel for such tedious tasks.

Daimler’s Mercedes is leading the way with an add-on called “Stop & Go Pilot” available in its €79,800 ($105,800) flagship S-Class sedan. Backed by an array of 12 ultrasonic detectors, 5 cameras, and 6 radar sensors, the S-Class can match the speed of the car in front of it in heavy traffic, even coming to a complete stop and adjusting steering to stay in the lane, as it slowly trails the car ahead. The optional feature costs €2,678 in Germany, where it’s already available.