Active Parking Assist...
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Active Parking Assist...
I know a couple of guys have said they like the system..... here's my final assessment : The 360 camera and the radar sensors that are the heart of the system are definitely worth the cost. The control of the steering is not. After several practice runs, I find the "sensing" and indication of acceptable spaces to be too slow and not real helpful ( it will not park itself unless it senses a space). I can do a better job of that... i see acceptable spaces that it either does not or takes too long to recognize. Once it indicates it has a space....the initial activation of the steering seems hesitant and slow. I would not want to be the vehicle behind me "patiently" waiting for me to complete the maneuver! Honestly , the active guidelines in the 360 view provide all the assist you need and really do make parallel parking a big beast such as this one a snap! So, for me , its a mixed bag! Toyota/Lexus has a better automated system.....will actually parallel park OR back the vehicle into an open slot!! They do not, however, have a camera system like this one!!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 262
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From: Concord, MA
2013 GL450
I fully agree with your assessment. If you are in traffic and try to use this you get more stressed out looking for the silly arrow than just parking the GL using the mirrors, cameras, and distance sensors. Oh well, maybe my next one will be better at parking. But, it is certainly not a deal breaker for me.
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Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Reading PA
26 EQS 400 SUV, 23 EQS 580 SUV (sold), 19 X7 (sold), 17/14 GLS550 (sold), 13 GL550 (sold)
I had this feature on a 2010 Lexus LS460 and never found it useful for the same exact reason, it took too long to use in the real world. Lexus did not include it in the redesigned LS460 so that says a lot about customer feedback. The bottom line is that if you know how to parallel park, you will just do it manually.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
I had this feature on a 2010 Lexus LS460 and never found it useful for the same exact reason, it took too long to use in the real world. Lexus did not include it in the redesigned LS460 so that says a lot about customer feedback. The bottom line is that if you know how to parallel park, you will just do it manually.
Ahmen! That being said..... that 360 cam is beyond anything else out there!
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
So i guess I should be glad that it was "free" in Canada? Its more of a novelty than anything else IMO, its useless with traffic behind you, that is for sure.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
I bet you are really glad to get so much "free" stuff up there!
I do hope everyone understands that I really do like the cam system ..... That makes any and all maneuvering so very easy! All cars could benefit from that...
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Joined: Dec 2012
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2013 GL450
I agree the parking assist is too slow. I was always pretty good at it anyways, but the camera makes it almost impossible to screw up parking anywhere.
Unfortunately in the US you can't get the camera without the parking assist package. Maybe that will change in the future as they get more feedback.
Unfortunately in the US you can't get the camera without the parking assist package. Maybe that will change in the future as they get more feedback.
