- Mercedes-Benz is planning to introduce a new steer-by-wire system and yoke-style steering wheel to its vehicles starting next year.
- The by-wire system replaces the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels with an electronic connection.
- The system has more than a million test miles spread among test benches, proving grounds, and public roads. It could arrive on the updated EQS sedan in 2026.
Mercedes-Benz is joining a growing cohort of automakers to introduce a steer-by-wire system, with the German manufacturer planning to launch its first by-wire car next year. The system replaces the usual mechanical connection that exists between your vehicle’s steering wheel and front wheels with an electronic connection, i.e., the “wire.”Mercedes-BenzMercedes says the by-wire system offers several advantages over the traditional mechanical system. According to the automaker, the by-wire system offers a faster response, better handling, more maneuverability, and decreased steering effort. The system also uses a variable steering ratio, meaning steering quickens at low speeds, such as in parking situations, and slows down at high speeds, like when driving on the highway. The brand also posits that the system being able to “almost completely” remove the feel of uneven road surfaces to the steering wheel is a good thing. We’re less sure about that. As with other steer-by-wire models like the Tesla Cybertruck and the Lexus RZ, Mercedes plans to replace the typical round steering wheel with a flat-bottomed yoke. Because the by-wire system offers a variable steering ratio, swapping for a yoke frees up legroom without requiring you to reposition your hands while driving. In something resembling our dystopia, Mercedes chief technology officer Markus Schäfer also put forward that in conjunction with SAE Level 3 automated driving, the flat wheel provides a better view of the dashboard screen, “when streaming your favorite show, for example,” he said. Mercedes-BenzMercedes-BenzFor safety (and peace of mind), Mercedes equips the system with a second, redundant system, doubling the number of sensors and actuators and adding backup data and a backup power supply. The redundancy means that even in the event of a total failure, the car will still be operable. Between the test bench, proving grounds, and real-world traffic situations, the system has more than a million test miles under its proverbial belt. According to Mercedes, the system is a perfect match for cars equipped with rear-steering, including the S-class and EQS sedans. Speaking of the EQS, the flagship electric sedan is up for a refresh next year, making it a likely candidate to debut the new technology. More on Mercedes-BenzJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.
Source: caranddriver.com
