Mercedes-Benz is bringing a major shift in vehicle control to the road with the introduction of steer-by-wire technology.

Gone is the traditional steering wheel directly connected to the steering rack, providing analogue response and feedback.

The move marks a significant step towards the digitisation of driving.

Wired ahead

Mercedes is introducing the system in 2026 on its flagship EQS models.

It replaces the traditional mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels with a fully electronic setup.

Instead of a physical steering column, driver inputs are transmitted via electrical signals to motors that turn the wheels.

There is a square, gaming-style steering wheel in front of the driver, with two electrical cables running from the yoke down to the steering rack.

One cable is used directly, while the second serves as a backup in case the first fails, ensuring safety at all times.

In simple terms, steer-by-wire removes the metal link that has defined car steering for more than a century.

When a driver turns the wheel, sensors detect the movement and send instructions to a computer, which then directs actuators to steer the vehicle.

The concept is similar to “fly-by-wire” systems long used in aviation, and is part of a broader shift towards software-controlled vehicles.

While the idea may sound radical, it is already being introduced into production cars and is expected to expand rapidly.

10 to 12

In the new Mercedes system, a steering feedback unit (SFU) interprets the driver’s input and communicates with a steering rack unit (SRU), which physically turns the wheels.

At the same time, the system generates artificial feedback to replicate the feel of traditional steering, an important part of the driver’s understanding of grip levels and performance.

This digital approach allows the car to adjust steering sensitivity progressively based on speed.

At low speeds, such as parking, small movements of the wheel result in large changes in direction, making manoeuvres easier, while at higher speeds, steering becomes less sensitive to improve stability.

Another key benefit is the elimination of “hand-over-hand” steering, or crossing arms when making significant steering adjustments.

Mercedes’ system reduces the amount of wheel rotation needed to around 170 degrees lock-to-lock, meaning drivers no longer need to shuffle their hands when turning.

Feeling safe

One of the biggest concerns about steer-by-wire is whether it can replicate the feel of the road.

Without a physical connection, traditional feedback, such as vibrations and resistance, would normally be lost.

Mercedes addresses this through haptic feedback systems that electronically simulate steering feel.

These systems can be tuned to deliver different driving characteristics, from comfort-focused smoothness to sportier responsiveness.

Interestingly, the technology can also filter out unwanted vibrations from rough road surfaces, potentially improving comfort compared with conventional steering.

Safety is another major focus.

The system uses multiple layers of redundancy, including backup power supplies and duplicate control systems, ensuring steering capability is maintained even in the event of a failure.

Not alone

Mercedes is not alone in adopting the technology.

Manufacturers, including Tesla, Lexus and Nio, have already introduced or are developing similar systems.

Tesla’s Cybertruck uses a steer-by-wire setup in the US, while Lexus has experimented with its “One Motion Grip” system.

Chinese manufacturers are also pushing ahead, with several brands preparing models featuring the technology as regulations evolve.

Earlier attempts at steer-by-wire date back more than a decade, including systems used by Infiniti, though some were later revised due to customer feedback.

The latest push for this technology comes with increasing levels of autonomous driving modes in vehicles, where digital technology continues to replace traditional analogue apparatus. 

Will it prove successful?

Industry experts believe steer-by-wire has strong long-term potential, particularly as vehicles become more autonomous and software-driven.

The removal of mechanical components reduces weight and complexity, while opening up new possibilities for interior design, driver interaction and vehicle efficiencies.

However, its success will depend on public acceptance.

Past innovations, such as unconventional steering yokes, have divided opinion, and some drivers remain sceptical about losing a direct mechanical connection to the road.

Early reviews suggest the latest systems feel “precise, intuitive and effortless,” but widespread adoption will require trust in both reliability and safety.

For now, Mercedes is offering steer-by-wire as an option rather than a standard feature, reflecting a cautious rollout.

However, as electric and autonomous technologies advance, digital steering could become the new norm—transforming not just how cars are driven, but how they are designed.