Mercedes-Benz announced the 2026 EQS sedan will be the first production model to offer its new steer-by-wire system, which includes a yoke-style steering wheel.
Mercedes-Benz says the system replaces the mechanical link between the steering wheel and front wheels with an electronic connection, offering faster response, improved handling, more maneuverability and decreased steering effort. The company also cites a variable steering ratio that quickens at low speeds and slows at highway speeds and says the system can largely remove uneven road-surface feedback from the wheel.
Mercedes plans to fit a flat-bottomed yoke instead of a round wheel, saying the design frees legroom without requiring drivers to reposition their hands because of the variable ratio. Markus Schäfer, Mercedes chief technology officer, said the flat wheel provides a better view of the dashboard screen with SAE Level 3 automated driving, "when streaming your favorite show, for example."
Mercedes says the steer-by-wire system has logged more than one million test miles and is built with redundant sensors, actuators, backup data paths and a backup power supply to maintain operability; the company says it is suited to vehicles with rear steering, including the S-Class and the EQS.
Read the full article at caranddriver.com.
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