For 140 years, Mercedes‑Benz has shaped the future of mobility, beginning with the invention of the automobile. The new EQS emphasizes this pioneering spirit with the introduction of steer-by-wire technology1 – the first production vehicle from a German automaker available with this technology. Steer-by-wire elevates the driving experience of the EQS and fundamentally transforms the interaction between the driver and vehicle with precise, intuitive and effortless steering.
The completely new steering feel provides a unique experience and offers a wide range of advantages in everyday driving, benefiting driving dynamics and maneuvering and parking. With steer-by-wire, the steering effort required from the driver can be further reduced and the driver no longer needs to adjust their grip on the steering wheel when turning.
Vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces, which were previously transmitted to the driver via the steering wheel, can now be eliminated. Precise, intuitive steering feel is maintained, preserving the characteristic Mercedes‑Benz steering.
Steer-by-wire also gives the interior a new look. The flatter steering wheel rim noticeably opens up space for the driver, improves their view of the driver display and makes it easier for ingress and egress. This reinforces the brand’s signature “Welcome home.” feeling from the very first moment the driver enters the vehicle.
The EQS now combines sportiness and comfort even more effectively, while further enhancing driving stability and lateral agility. The suspension specialists have flexibly adapted the steering ratio to different driving situations. Added to this is the perfect interaction with the standard rear-axle steering. At higher speeds, the rear wheels steer in parallel to the front wheels to enhance stability.
The new steer-by-wire system has already completed over a million test kilometers (over 621,000 test miles) on test benches, test tracks, and in overall vehicle validation in road traffic. To ensure it meets the brand’s strict safety standards, the design utilizes a redundant system architecture in addition to high-precision sensors and powerful control units. These two signal paths ensure steering capability is always guaranteed. Lateral control is also possible through rear-axle steering and targeted wheel-specific braking interventions via the ESP®.
In addition to the optional steer-by-wire system, the Mercedes‑Benz EQS continues to be equipped standard with electromechanical steering.
Newly developed airbag structure, ensuring highest safety standards
In the new EQS, Mercedes‑Benz uses the steer-by-wire technology for a flattened, more compact steering wheel and combines it with a newly developed airbag structure. Since the airbag can no longer “support” itself on a closed steering wheel rim, an internal support and folding architecture takes over the controlled shaping during deployment. This requires a high degree of technological expertise.
The throttle routing, folding pattern and holding points are designed for the airbag to be positioned stably and reproducibly, even without the upper steering wheel rim. The system is integrated into the steering wheel hub as before and, even with the modified steering wheel design, meets the brand’s highest safety requirements. This solution underscores Mercedes‑Benz’s holistic approach to innovation, in which new vehicle architectures are consistently redesigned down to the last detail of passive safety.
Mercedes-Benz anniversary year “140 years of innovation”
Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorized carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes‑Benz has dedicated itself to constantly innovate and to create the world’s most desirable cars for customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world’s first automobile in 1886 to today’s intelligent and safe electric vehicles, like the all-new GLC and the award-winning all-new CLA. With the new S-Class, the company continues the biggest product launch program in its history. With its passion for performance and pioneering power, excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service, the brand has consistently shaped the future of mobility. The result goes well beyond engineering achievement – it creates the unmistakable feeling that leads through everything Mercedes‑Benz does: Welcome home.
Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by driving three new S-Class sedans on a trans-continental journey to 140 locations worldwide. Each place highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and worldwide presence. Along the way customers, fans and colleagues will get to join in the celebrations – on an epic adventure that will run until October 2026. Follow the “140 Years. 140 Places” drive across six continents on our “140 years of innovation | Mercedes-Benz Media” special and via the Mercedes-Benz Community.
