Mercedes-Benz is putting steer-by-wire technology in its upcoming EQS sedan, becoming the first major luxury automaker to ditch the physical connection between your steering wheel and the actual wheels. Instead of mechanical parts, the car uses electronics to turn the wheels when you move the steering wheel.
This isn’t just a small tech upgrade. For over a century, cars have used direct physical connections to steer. Now Mercedes is betting that electronic steering will work better and feel smoother than the old mechanical way.
No More Steering Wheel Either
Mercedes is also adding a controversial steering yoke instead of a traditional round steering wheel. Think of it like an airplane cockpit control, but in your luxury sedan. The yoke looks futuristic, but many drivers find them harder to use than regular steering wheels.
The steer-by-wire system means Mercedes can make the steering feel however they want through software. They can make it super sensitive for parking or firm for highway driving. The car can even adjust how much you need to turn the yoke based on your speed.
Other automakers like Tesla have tried steering yokes before, but they kept the physical steering connection. Mercedes is going all-in on the electronic approach. The EQS already costs over $100,000, so this tech will likely stay in luxury cars for now.
Expect other luxury brands to watch closely. If drivers actually like steering without physical connections, more automakers will follow Mercedes into the steer-by-wire world.
