Mercedes-Benz confirmed it will launch a steer-by-wire system in a production vehicle starting in 2026. This shift removes the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and front axle, replacing it with digital communication. It’s a major change in how vehicles handle—especially under varying speed and road conditions.
This isn’t just an upgrade to traditional electric power steering. Steer-by-wire cuts the physical link entirely, replacing the shaft and column with signal-based communication and redundant safety systems. Here's how it works, why it matters, and how it positions Mercedes-Benz for automated driving.
What Is Steer-by-Wire?
Steer-by-wire uses electronic signals instead of a physical steering column. When the driver turns the wheel, the motion is translated into signals. Those signals are sent to a steering rack unit (SRU) that moves the wheels.
Key components:
- Steering Feedback Unit (SFU): Sends signals to the SRU and replicates traditional road feel.
- Redundant architecture: Two sets of actuators, sensors, and signal paths.
- Rear-axle steering integration: Adds up to 10 degrees of rear-wheel steering for agility and stability.
Key Advantage: It allows variable steering ratios depending on speed or driving condition. That means low-effort parking and high-precision highway response without needing to turn the wheel multiple times.
Why It Matters: Four Key Benefits
- Performance Tuning
- Steering ratio adapts in real time.
- Tuned separately for different models and trims.
- Works with rear-axle steering to optimize maneuverability and stability.
- Interior Flexibility
- Flatter steering wheel options.
- More cabin space and visibility of digital displays.
- Easier vehicle entry and exit due to more clearance.
- Automated Driving Compatibility
- Integrates with SAE Level 3 systems.
- Improves visibility for streaming and other functions during hands-off periods.
- Future-ready for immersive infotainment uses, including in-car gaming.
- Safety Redundancy
- Dual actuators, sensors, and signal paths ensure continued steering control.
- Back-up systems use rear-wheel steering and ESP to maintain lateral control even in failure scenarios.
- Over 1 million kilometers tested in real traffic and on test benches.
