Mercedes-Benz is pushing into the future of automotive control with a new steer-by-wire system that will come paired with a yoke-style steering wheel. Mercedes announced the technology will begin appearing in its vehicles as early as next year, with the refreshed EQS sedan likely to be the first recipient in 2026.
The German manufacturer isn’t rushing this technology to market. According to Mercedes, the steer-by-wire system has already undergone extensive validation with “more than a million test miles spread among test benches, proving grounds, and public roads.”
Unlike traditional mechanical steering systems, steer-by-wire eliminates direct physical connections between the steering wheel and the front wheels, replacing them with electronic controls and actuators. Mercedes claims this delivers several meaningful advantages.
Mercedes says it is planning to introduce a new steer-by-wire system and yoke-style steering wheel to its vehicles starting next year
The steer-by-wire system promises to transform the driving experience through multiple enhancements:
Mercedes states the system offers faster response times than conventional steering, potentially improving both handling dynamics and safety in emergency maneuvers. Variable steering ratio automatically adjusts based on driving conditions – quickening at low speeds for easier parking and slowing at highway speeds for stability.
One of the more controversial features is the system’s ability to “almost completely” filter out road surface imperfections from the steering feel. While Mercedes presents this as a benefit, enthusiast drivers who value road feedback might disagree with this approach.
The new flat-bottomed yoke steering wheel represents another significant departure from tradition. Mercedes justifies this design by noting that the variable steering ratio eliminates the need to reposition hands during turns, while simultaneously freeing up additional legroom.
In a revealing comment about Mercedes’ vision for the driving experience, CTO Markus Schäfer highlighted how the flat wheel provides “a better view of the dashboard screen, when streaming your favorite show, for example.” Statement aligns with the steer-by-wire system’s compatibility with SAE L3 automated driving capabilities.
Mercedes specifically noted that the technology pairs perfectly with rear-steering equipped models like the S-class and EQS sedans. With the EQS due for a refresh next year, it appears poised to steer this technology into Mercedes showrooms.
The steer-by-wire system joins similar technology already implemented in vehicles like the Tesla Cybertruck and NIO ET9, signaling a broader industry shift toward reimagining the fundamental connection between driver and machine.
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