With Steer-by-Wire, Mercedes Breaks the Steering Column
- Published on 04/04/2026 13:47
Mercedes revolutionizes the road connection by removing the direct mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels on its new flagship.
The introduction of steer-by-wire (SbW) technology on the new Mercedes EQS marks a major technological breakthrough in the automotive industry. Unlike conventional power steering systems, SbW replaces the physical steering column with electrical impulses and mechatronic actuators.
Technical Architecture and Redundancy
The core of the system is based on a fully redundant architecture. The steering angle imposed by the driver is converted into digital signals by high-precision sensors, which are then transmitted via two distinct data buses to high-performance control units (ECU). These control electric motors located on the front axle.
To ensure absolute safety (ASIL-D standards), Mercedes-Benz has validated the system over more than a million kilometers. In the rare event of an electronic failure, lateral stability is maintained through the interaction between the rear axle steering (up to 10°) and vector braking interventions via the ESP®.
Optimizing Driving Dynamics
Steer-by-wire allows for the elimination of fixed gear ratio constraints. Engineers have implemented a variable and adaptive steering ratio:
- Low speed: Drastic reduction of the steering angle to facilitate maneuvers without hand crossing.
- High speed: Increase in gear ratio for enhanced directional stability, synchronized with the rear axle.
The absence of a rigid connection also allows filtering out parasitic vibrations induced by road irregularities (torque steer), while simulating artificial but precise feedback to maintain the driver’s feel.
Interior Design and Passive Safety
The elimination of the traditional steering column has allowed for a redesign of the cockpit. The steering wheel becomes more compact and flat, freeing up the field of vision on the driver’s screen. This configuration required an innovation in passive safety: a novel airbag architecture. The airbag uses a specific support structure and folding scheme to ensure stable and protective deployment despite the reduced volume of the hub.
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This system is available across the entire EQS engine lineup, propelling human-machine interaction into the digital age.
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This page is translated from the original post "Avec le Steer-by-Wire, Mercedes brise la colonne de direction" in French.
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