Yokes are so scorching proper now, of us. Mercedes-Benz is the most recent automaker to affix in on changing a conventional steering wheel with a yoke and a steer-by-wire system. The system will substitute 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 not must be spun by a number of revolutions, Mercedes has determined to scrap the standard wheel altogether. It now seems like one thing much like what you may discover in a steer-by-wire-equipped Lexus RZ or the Tesla Mannequin S/X (although the Teslas do not have true steer-by-wire). The German automaker says the brand new “wheel” design frees up knee room and makes it simpler for the driving force to get out and in. It additionally supplies a greater, unobscured view of the gauge cluster show. Mercedes-Benz says the brand new setup will permit 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 scenario. Which means engineers needed the automobile — both the brand new EQS or S-Class — to really feel proper whether or not you are driving in a sporty setting or in search of all-out consolation. In a consolation scenario, the actual fact the system filters out uneven street surfaces and tough pavement is certain to be a welcome addition for giant sedan drivers. It is also meant to extend directional stability and lateral agility, in keeping with Mercedes-Benz. A giant a part of that comes from the rear-axle steering (which may rotate as much as 10 levels in both path within the EQS).
“Steer-by-wire is one other huge 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 an announcement. “The know-how allows a novel buyer expertise that goes far past steering alone.”
Mercedes-Benz says the brand new system has already accomplished over 1 million kilometers on take a look at benches and almost as a lot distance at its proving grounds and in real-world site visitors. The automaker says it depends on a redundant system structure along with high-precision sensors and high-performance management items. What that principally means is that there are two sign paths and twice the variety of actuators than are literally required. MB clearly desires clients to really feel safe when utilizing the brand new and barely uncommon system.
