STUTTGART: The new Mercedes-Benz EQS will introduce steer-by-wire – the first production vehicle from a German automaker available with this technology.
With steer-by-wire, the steering effort required from the driver can be further reduced and the driver no longer needs to adjust their grip on the steering wheel when turning.
The completely new steering feel benefits driving dynamics and manoeuvring and parking.
Vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces, which were previously transmitted to the driver via the steering wheel, can now be eliminated.
Steer-by-wire also gives the interior a new look.
The flatter steering wheel rim noticeably opens up space for the driver, improves their view of the driver display and makes it easier for ingress and egress.
The EQS now combines sportiness and comfort even more effectively, while further enhancing driving stability and lateral agility.
The suspension specialists have flexibly adapted the steering ratio to different driving situations.
Added to this is the interaction with the standard rear-axle steering.
At higher speeds, the rear wheels steer in parallel to the front wheels to enhance stability.
The new steer-by-wire system has already completed over a million test kilometers (over 621,000 test miles) on test benches, test tracks, and in overall vehicle validation in road traffic.
To ensure it meets the brand's strict safety standards, the design utilises a redundant system architecture in addition to high-precision sensors and powerful control units.
These two signal paths ensure steering capability is always guaranteed.
Lateral control is also possible through rear-axle steering and targeted wheel-specific braking interventions via the ESP (electronic stability programme).
In addition to the optional steer-by-wire system, the Mercedes‑Benz EQS continues to be equipped standard with electromechanical steering.
Also, in the new EQS, Mercedes‑Benz uses the steer-by-wire technology for a flattened, more compact steering wheel and combines it with a newly developed airbag structure.
Since the airbag can no longer "support" itself on a closed steering wheel rim, an internal support and folding architecture takes over the controlled shaping during deployment.
