Yokes are so scorching proper now, of us. Mercedes-Benz is the newest automaker to affix in on changing a conventional steering wheel with a yoke and a steer-by-wire system. The system will exchange the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and entrance wheels with an digital connection within the upcoming EQS facelift.
As a result of the wheel will now not must be spun by means of a number of revolutions, Mercedes has determined to scrap the standard wheel altogether. It now seems like one thing just like what you will discover in a steer-by-wire-equipped Lexus RZ or the Tesla Mannequin S/X (although the Teslas haven’t got true steer-by-wire). The German automaker says the brand new “wheel” design frees up knee room and makes it simpler for the motive force to get out and in. It additionally offers a greater, unobscured view of the gauge cluster show. Mercedes-Benz says the brand new setup will enable for a brand new, much more relaxed driving place.
Steering towards a brand new future
The steering ratio is ready to be tailored relying on the state of affairs. Which means engineers wished the automotive — both the brand new EQS or S-Class — to really feel proper whether or not you are driving in a sporty setting or on the lookout for all-out consolation. In a consolation state of affairs, the very fact the system filters out uneven highway surfaces and tough pavement is certain to be a welcome addition for large sedan drivers. It is also meant to extend directional stability and lateral agility, in line with Mercedes-Benz. An enormous a part of that comes from the rear-axle steering (which might rotate as much as 10 levels in both path within the EQS).
“Steer-by-wire is one other large step in direction of the mobility of tomorrow, and we’re proud that we’ll be launching such a system in 2026, Markus Schäfer, a member of the automaker’s board of administration and its chief tech officer, stated in a press release. “The know-how allows a singular buyer expertise that goes far past steering alone.”
Mercedes-Benz says the brand new system has already accomplished over 1 million kilometers on check benches and practically as a lot distance at its proving grounds and in real-world visitors. The automaker says it depends on a redundant system structure along with high-precision sensors and high-performance management models. What that mainly means is that there are two sign paths and twice the variety of actuators than are literally required. MB clearly needs prospects to really feel safe when utilizing the brand new and barely uncommon system.