Samsung Wallet to support upcoming Mercedes-Benz cars

An image of Samsung Wallet's digital key feature for a Maybach vehicle / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics’ digital wallet app, Samsung Wallet, will support digital key features for a range of upcoming Mercedes-Benz cars, adding the German luxury automaker to its lineup of compatible brands.

According to Samsung Electronics Thursday, Samsung Wallet’s digital key features will be available for 17 Mercedes-Benz vehicles that will roll out in Korea starting next month. It will include the E-Class W214, C-Class W206 and several Maybach and AMG models.

From the Galaxy S21 Ultra to the latest S25 Edge, a total of 16 Galaxy smartphones will support the feature. Vehicle owners will be able to register their Samsung Wallet digital key through the Mercedes Me app.

With the digital key, users can unlock their vehicle without carrying a physical key and start the engine remotely without being in the car.

The feature also allows users to share the car key via messages with family members or friends when lending the vehicle. They can set the duration of use, assign access permissions and revoke the key at any time.

In cases where a smartphone gets lost, users can lock their phones through the Samsung Find app. The digital key operates with biometric authentication or personal identification number, offering enhanced security.

Samsung Electronics said the key is protected by Samsung Knox, a built-in comprehensive security platform for Samsung devices, and uses encrypted security technology based on ultra-wideband (UWB), allowing users to access their vehicles safely and securely.

UWB technology is a short-range wireless communication protocol that operates on high-frequency radio waves. It excels in precise spatial and directional recognition, assisting mobile devices to better recognize and respond to the surrounding environment.

“We are very excited to provide Samsung Wallet’s digital key experience to customers of Mercedes-Benz,” Samsung Electronics Mobile Experience Division’s Digital Wallet Team Head Chai Won-cheol said. “This collaboration allows us to expand the Galaxy ecosystem while providing customers with a safer and more convenient experience.”

Samsung Electronics first started supporting digital key features for Hyundai Motor Group vehicles in 2021. BMW joined the partnership in 2021, with Audi and Volvo following in 2024.