Mercedes gives the already unlovable EQS sedan steer-by-wire and a steering wheel no one likes

• Mercedes-Benz will introduce a new steer-by-wire system and yoke-style steering wheel, starting with the 2026 EQS sedan.
• The by-wire system replaces the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels with an electronic connection.
• The system has more than a million test miles spread among test benches, proving grounds, and public roads.

UPDATE 4/3/26: Mercedes has announced that the 2026 EQS sedan will be the first model to offer its new steer-by-wire system, which includes a yoke-style steeering wheel. The automaker claims the wheel's unconventional design provides a "more spacious interior feel," and it also houses a new airbag that's better suited for the compact dimensions.

Mercedes-Benz is joining a growing cohort of automakers to introduce a steer-by-wire system, with the German manufacturer planning to launch its first by-wire car next year. The system replaces the usual mechanical connection that exists between your vehicle's steering wheel and front wheels with an electronic connection, i.e., the "wire."

Mercedes says the by-wire system offers several advantages over the traditional mechanical system. According to the automaker, the by-wire system offers a faster response, better handling, more maneuverability, and decreased steering effort. The system also uses a variable steering ratio, meaning steering quickens at low speeds, such as in parking situations, and slows down at high speeds, like when driving on the highway. The brand also posits that the system being able to "almost completely" remove the feel of uneven road surfaces to the steering wheel is a good thing. We're less sure about that.

As with other steer-by-wire models like the Tesla Cybertruck and the Lexus RZ, Mercedes plans to replace the typical round steering wheel with a flat-bottomed yoke. Because the by-wire system offers a variable steering ratio, swapping for a yoke frees up legroom without requiring you to reposition your hands while driving. In something resembling our dystopia, Mercedes chief technology officer Markus Schäfer also put forward that in conjunction with SAE Level 3 automated driving, the flat wheel provides a better view of the dashboard screen, "when streaming your favorite show, for example," he said.

For safety (and peace of mind), Mercedes equips the system with a second, redundant system, doubling the number of sensors and actuators and adding backup data and a backup power supply. The redundancy means that even in the event of a total failure, the car will still be operable.

Between the test bench, proving grounds, and real-world traffic situations, the system has more than a million test miles under its proverbial belt. According to Mercedes, the system is a perfect match for cars equipped with rear-steering, including the S-class and EQS sedans. Speaking of the EQS, the flagship electric sedan is up for a refresh next year, making it a likely candidate to debut the new technology.

This story was originally published on April 22, 2025.