Mercedes-Benz now offers steer-by-wire on the EQS Saloon, making it the first German manufacturer to put the technology into a series-production passenger car.
The system removes the mechanical link between the steering wheel and front wheels, sending the driver’s inputs electrically instead. In Germany the option costs €2,500 before VAT, or €2,975 including it, and bundles rear-axle steering of up to 10 degrees with a new, flatter steering wheel and a redesigned airbag structure.
A Smaller Wheel and Easier Manoeuvring
The more compact wheel frees up cabin space, gives a clearer view of the driver display and makes getting in and out easier. It comes in black or, depending on specification, beige. Because steer-by-wire cuts the steering angle needed, especially at low speed, lock-to-lock rotation is just 170 degrees.
Drivers no longer need to shift their grip on the Formula 1-inspired wheel when parking or manoeuvring. Mercedes says the setup improves driving stability and lateral agility while keeping the brand’s familiar steering feel, and that vibrations from uneven road surfaces no longer reach the driver’s hands.
Redundancy for Safety
The architecture uses high-precision sensors, powerful control units and independent signal paths so steering remains available at all times. Even if the whole system were to fail, rear-axle steering and wheel-specific braking interventions through ESP can still support lateral control.
Part of a Heavily Updated EQS
The updated EQS Saloon was unveiled a few months ago, with more than a quarter of its components newly developed, updated or refined. Its underpinnings include 800-volt technology, in-house drive units, a two-speed gearbox on the rear main drive and larger batteries with optimised cell chemistry.
The Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) runs the vehicle with AI and powerful chips, connects to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud and receives over-the-air updates. Mercedes describes the EQS as the logical car to introduce steer-by-wire as its flagship electric saloon.