Mercedes to Embrace Sci-Fi Aesthetics: Introducing Steering Yoke in New Electric Vehicle Design

If you're ready to ditch the conventional and embrace the futuristic, Mercedes-Benz is bringing the heat with their yoke steering wheel for their upcoming EV limo, EQS. Say goodbye to the traditional round wheel and step into the cockpit of a spaceship.

While other brands have dabbled in this sci-fi steering control, Mercedes-Benz aims to avoid the missteps made by their counterparts, like Tesla. Tesla introduced their yoke in 2021, but it faced criticism for both practical usability issues and insufficient demand.

The yoke wheel from Mercedes-Benz will feature an electronic steer-by-wire system, making it the first German brand to introduce an entirely electronic steering setup. For those scratching their heads, a yoke steering wheel is a non-circular, U-shaped control akin to the joystick commonly found in aircraft or the iconic steering wheel from the '80s series Knight Rider.

The half wheel will be featured in their updated version of the range-topping EQS EV limousine, due in 2026. The traditional steering wheel center will stand in stark contrast to the almost rectangular yoke, with a bowed bottom section and no upper loop at all. Controls for the audio settings, cruise control, hands-free phone operation, and more will be situated across two panels.

This lack of adjustability was the issue with Tesla's yoke. The bold steering wheel shape was linked to a traditional mechanical system with a fixed steering ratio, causing inconvenience for users, particularly in low-speed maneuvers. Mercedes-Benz claims that their yoke wheel will address these issues, allowing for improved steering dynamics and a better viewing angle of the display while on the move, such as when streaming your favorite show.

The steer-by-wire setup enables the system to calculate the steering angle required and recalibrates the rack. This means that during low-speed maneuvers, the car's wheels can turn from lock-to-lock with as little as half a turn of the cutaway steering wheel. As drivers accelerate, the same amount of rotation in the wheel allows for smooth, controlled changes of direction.

Mercedes-Benz has focused on solving safety concerns associated with steer-by-wire systems by developing fail-safes after covering over one million kilometers (621,000 miles) in lab tests and another million km at proving grounds. In case of a failure, lateral guidance is still possible thanks to rear-axle steering and targeted wheel-specific braking interventions via ESP (Electronic Stability Program).

Questions regarding the legality of yoke steering wheels have surfaced since Tesla introduced their version, with the UK's Department for Transport stating that regulations do not stipulate any specific shape or size for steering equipment. As long as the controls can maintain control of the vehicle and meet MOT standards, they are considered legal.

While this slick, space-age wheel might seem intimidating, its ease-of-use, improved visibility, and modern aesthetic make it an exciting development in the world of automotive technology. So buckle up and get ready for a ride on the wild side, as we embrace the yoke steering wheel of the future!

Mercedes-Benz is introducing a yoke steering wheel for their upcoming electric vehicle (EV) limo, EQS, ditching the traditional round wheel in favor of a futuristic design.
Unlike Tesla's yoke steering wheel, which faced criticism for its fixed steering ratio and practical usability issues, Mercedes-Benz promises to address these concerns.
The yoke wheel from Mercedes-Benz will feature an electronic steer-by-wire system, a technological advancement that's also the first for a German brand.
The yoke steering wheel will be featured in the updated version of the range-topping EQS EV limousine, due in 2026, and will boast improved steering dynamics and a better viewing angle.
The steer-by-wire setup enables the system to recalibrate the rack, allowing for smooth and controlled changes of direction, even during low-speed maneuvers.
To address safety concerns associated with steer-by-wire systems, Mercedes-Benz has developed fail-safes after extensive testing, ensuring compliance with MOT standards.
Despite initial intimidation, the yoke steering wheel's ease-of-use, improved visibility, and modern aesthetic make it an exciting development in the automotive technology, finance, transportation, and lifestyle sectors of the global electric-vehicle industry.