Mercedes Has Created a Functional Steering Yoke

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      Mercedes-Benz is fully embracing the future of steering with a move inspired by the aviation industry.

      On Thursday, Mercedes-Benz unveiled an optional steer-by-wire system paired with a yoke, set to debut in the refreshed EQS electric flagship hatchback later this year in the U.S. This innovative approach is seen as a leap forward from previous systems and yokes, although whether the EQS is an ideal platform for this feature is up for discussion.

      In March, during the electric launch of the Mercedes-Benz GLC in Faro, Portugal, I had the chance to sit in a camouflaged pre-production EQS to experience the newly introduced steer-by-wire system and yoke. In summary, the system appears to be more refined than the Lexus steer-by-wire system and yoke, which has yet to be introduced to the U.S. market, but the EQS may not be the most suitable vehicle for this option.

      The steer-by-wire system features two parallel signal input paths for redundancy, akin to those found in aircraft. If one signal path fails, the secondary path takes over instantly, ensuring the driver maintains steering control. This backup is crucial for enabling a safe pull-over in case of an issue. In case both signal paths fail, the system incorporates Mercedes' rear-wheel steering option, which allows for up to 10 degrees of rear-wheel steering input, enabling a controlled slow pull-over.

      The system adjusts its steering ratio based on speed: higher speeds result in a slower ratio and vice versa. Unlike Tesla's implementation, but similar to Lexus's setup, there is only 180 degrees of steering input, preventing the hand-over-hand situation encountered in Tesla's poorly designed yoke.

      The design of the yoke itself differs from what Tesla CEO Elon Musk attempted, and what Lexus introduced but never launched in the U.S. While Lexus's yoke has a butterfly shape and Tesla's resembles a half rectangle, Mercedes has eliminated both the top and bottom parts of a traditional steering wheel and sealed the sides. This design encourages the proper nine-and-three hand placement and gives it a race car feel. The center connecting spokes are an adapted version of those found in several Mercedes models, fitted with silver toggle switches and less-than-ideal touch-sensitive buttons that could benefit from redesign.

      Mercedes provided three scenarios to test the steer-by-wire and yoke setup: a short slalom, a tight maneuver around a parked car, and a basic roundabout. These scenarios revealed some initial insights. Firstly, based on my brief experience, this system felt more refined than the Lexus steer-by-wire setup I tried years ago, with no jitter or unusual feedback during quick steering maneuvers; it felt natural and smooth overall. However, since meaningful speed wasn’t utilized, it's still too soon to determine if Mercedes has succeeded in replicating an authentic steering feel.

      Measuring 17.25 feet long and weighing between 5,400 and 5,900 pounds (depending on the configuration), the EQS is neither small nor light. The more responsive ratio, combined with the 10 degrees of rear steering at lower speeds, means minor inputs lead to rapid large motions. It took me some time to adjust my reflexes to this new setup. My initial attempts resulted in jerky handling and noticeable body roll, indicating a definite learning curve for users.

      This raises the question of whether the EQS is truly the best vehicle for this technology. It serves as Mercedes' showcase for its technological advancements, and while that's valid, a 17.25-foot, over-5,000-pound hatchback may not be where this steer-by-wire system and yoke excel.

      Depending on the system's performance at higher speeds with a slower ratio, how much road feel can be simulated through the yoke, and how well it coordinates with rear-wheel steering inputs at speed, this setup could be fantastic in an AMG sports car on a track or mountainous roads. I can envision an AMG buyer feeling like an F1 driver if executed well in a sports car, and perhaps that's the aim. We'll have to wait and see how it evolves, but there is promising potential if implemented correctly in the right vehicle.

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