Mercedes brings steer-by-wire to series production

Béla Barényi, head of advanced development at Daimler-Benz, pioneer of passive safety and inventor of the crumple zone, had a kind of "personal enemy" and liked to show visitors to his home in Sindelfingen the serious injuries the steering column could cause in the event of an accident. He had already invented a safety steering column in 1947, which later became the standard. The engineer would probably be thrilled now if he could experience his colleagues' latest development "at Daimler". Mercedes has now become the first German company to present a new steering system that dispenses with a traditional connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels.

With "steer-by-wire", the steering commands from the person behind the wheel are transmitted quickly and directly to the wheels via an electric wire. Thanks to this technology, steering maneuvers are easier, there is no need to reach around when parking and the driving dynamics benefit from the new technology, which will soon be offered in the EQS. The surcharge will be around 2500 euros, including the co-steering rear wheels. Before its introduction into series production, the new technology has completed more than one million test kilometers, first on test benches and then an equally long stretch in real traffic and on the company's test site.

The technology of the new steering system has a redundant design. The entire sensor system has a dual design so that the vehicle's steering capability is maintained even in the event of a system failure. Depending on the driving situation and speed, an actuator transmits the steering signal to the steering gear, and at the same time the steering feel typical of the brand is created. The new steering system can also be adapted to individual customer requirements. This means that the individual models can also be given different steering characteristics. In addition, external influences caused by poor road conditions, which are transmitted directly with conventional steering technology, are almost completely eliminated with the new steering technology.

However, the shape of the new steering wheel, which is reminiscent of the handlebars of the Messerschmitt cabin scooter, may take some getting used to. However, a company spokesperson reassures us that the new steering system can also be supplied with a conventional steering wheel. The flatter version was chosen to create a more spacious feel. The view of the display in front of the steering wheel is also significantly improved, as is getting in and out of the car.

And how does the new technology drive? After the first few meters on a short slalom test track and a short acclimatization period, the large EQS becomes a handy and agile vehicle. Short movements on the new steering wheel are enough to steer the sedan through the course. People who are still used to conventional steering quickly realize that this system completely eliminates the need for the usual over-steering. The combination of steer-by-wire and the co-steering rear axle enables precise maneuvers with minimal movements of the steering wheel. With the new technology, the usual "cranking the steering wheel" is finally a thing of the past. (aum)