Steer-by-wire, in which the car can be steered electronically instead of through a physical connection between the steering wheel and steering rack, is coming to Mercedes-Benz. The German automaker says it will use the steering technology in its upcoming refreshed EQS sedan, marking its first foray into the world of steer-by-wire.
Steer-by-wire systems replace traditional mechanical steering mechanisms consisting of a rack and pinion with electronically controlled servos. Electronic systems typically used in airplanes take inputs from the driver and relay them to electronic actuators that then control the direction of the wheels on the car.
Mercedes says it’s not abandoning electromechanical steering entirely; It plans to ship versions of the EQS with conventional steering technology in addition to models with steer-by-wire. The automaker put more than a million test kilometers (over 621,000 miles) on the odometer with the new system before it was approved for production. It also utilizes a redundant system architecture in addition to high-precision sensors and powerful control units to ensure the brand’s safety metrics are met.
Mercedes says the new Yoke instantly transforms the interior of the EQS. The company argues that with a flat steering wheel, drivers will get an uninterrupted view of the instrument cluster, as well as ease of getting into and out of the vehicle. But you can’t ignore the existence of something when, for example, taking a turn at high speed. Additionally, a steering wheel may offer padding to reduce pressure during long drives.
Initial reactions to the new EQS are overwhelmingly positive. drive While it was praised as “a steering yoke that actually works”. InsideEVS The steer-by-wire system has been called “the best out there” – but stopped short of praising the yoke personally.
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