Tesla-style steering wheel coming soon to Mercedes-Benz luxury cars

Video : Steer-by-wire with Yoke steering wheel on Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes’ development of steer-by-wire technology is not surprising, as major brands such as Tesla, General Motors, Toyota and Geely are all pursuing this solution. Steer-by-wire uses electric cables instead of a mechanical steering shaft, allowing the car to receive control signals from the steering wheel via electronic sensors. This opens up great potential for autonomous vehicles and more flexible cockpit designs.

While it’s unclear which model will be the first to get the system, an EQS was recently spotted testing with a rectangular steering wheel – a design commonly referred to as a Yoke. It’s likely to be the first car to get the technology when it launches next year. The S-Class, the flagship sedan powered by an internal combustion engine, could also be next in line for the new steering system.

According to Mercedes, steer-by-wire not only provides a superior driving experience, but also improves agility in different traffic conditions. The system adjusts the steering ratio according to speed, allowing the driver to turn less when turning or parking. On the road, the steering feedback is refined for a more solid and precise feel.

Another notable point is the Yoke steering wheel design. Unlike the traditional round steering wheel, this open steering wheel frees up space between the driver and the dashboard, making it easier to get in and out of the car and providing a clearer view of the digital dashboard. Mercedes believes that this design is suitable for future electric and self-driving cars, and can even be used for entertainment purposes such as playing games when the car is stopped.

In addition, this system is highly adaptable, can be integrated with many different vehicle platforms, from electric, hybrid to traditional engine vehicles, and supports many personalized customizations for the driver.

Despite Mercedes’ heavy investment in this technology, changing the traditional steering wheel design is still controversial. In fact, companies like Tesla, when launching the Yoke steering wheel on the Model S Plaid, also received mixed reactions from users.

The rectangular steering wheel makes low-speed maneuvers like turning or parking more difficult, especially when the driver needs to steer quickly in tight spaces. Many experts believe that the Yoke is more suitable for racing cars or fully autonomous vehicles, rather than for everyday vehicles. This has led many to question whether Mercedes is following fashion trends rather than prioritizing convenience and safety.

Mercedes claims that the steer-by-wire system has been rigorously tested with more than one million kilometers of driving on test benches, open-air test tracks and in real-world traffic conditions. The system is designed with a redundant architecture, which can operate even in the event of a fault thanks to backup power, internal sensor data and the ability to intervene in the rear-wheel steering system or brake each wheel separately.

In an emergency, these support features ensure the driver can still control the vehicle safely, even without the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels as before.

Mercedes also emphasizes that it is not new to exploring alternative steering systems. From the 1886 Patent Motorwagen with its hand crank, to the first round steering wheel on the Panhard 4HP in 1894, the German automaker has experimented with bold ideas many times. In recent years, concepts such as the F200 Imagination (1996) and the F-Cell Roadster (2009) have shown off joystick-style steering wheels or unconventional steering systems.

Currently, models such as Tesla Cybertruck, GMC Hummer EV, Rolls-Royce Spectre, Lotus Eletre and Lexus RZ 450e are rare names on the commercial market equipped with steer-by-wire systems. Of which, Lexus RZ is the first model to bring this technology to Europe, expected later this year.

Mercedes-Benz’s official entry into the race to develop electric steering and a steering wheel yoke represents a major step forward in redefining the driving experience. While the convenience and sense of control are still debated, there is no denying that this technology opens up new possibilities for future generations of cars. The success – or failure – of Mercedes’ steer-by-wire will be a key measure of this trend in the global automotive industry.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/tesla-style-car-is-made-on-luxury-mercedes-benz-post1542497.html