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Mercedes-Benz is joining a growing list of manufacturers introducing steer-by-wire systems, with the German firm aiming to deliver its first by-wire vehicle next year. The technology substitutes the mechanical connection between your vehicle's steering wheel and front wheels with an electrical connection, known as the "wire."
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Mercedes claims the by-wire method has various benefits over the old mechanical approach. According to the carmaker, the by-wire technology provides faster reaction, greater handling, increased maneuverability, and less steering effort. The technology also has a variable steering ratio, which means that steering quickens at low speeds, such as in parking situations, and slows at high speeds, such as on the highway. The manufacturer also claims that the system's ability to "almost completely" eliminate the sensation of uneven road conditions on the steering wheel is a positive thing. We're less certain about that.
Mercedes intends to replace the usual circular steering wheel with a flat-bottomed yoke, similar to other steer-by-wire vehicles such as the Tesla Cybertruck and the Lexus RZ. Because the by-wire system has a variable steering ratio, switching in a yoke increases legroom without forcing you to move your hands while driving. In a dystopian scenario, Mercedes chief technology officer Markus Schäfer also proposed that, when combined with SAE Level 3 automatic driving, the flat wheel gives a better view of the dashboard screen, "when streaming your favorite show, for example," he stated.
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Mercedes supplies the system with a second, redundant system for safety (and peace of mind), increasing the number of sensors and actuators while also including backup data and a backup power source. Because of the redundancy, the automobile will continue to function even if all of the systems fail.
Between the test bench, proving grounds, and real-world traffic circumstances, the system has logged over a million test kilometers. According to Mercedes, the technology is ideal for rear-steering vehicles such as the S-class and EQS sedan. Speaking of the EQS, the flagship electric sedan is set to be refreshed next year, making it a prime candidate to showcase the new technology.
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