Mercedes-Benz Brings Steer-by-Wire to Production Vehicles in 2026

Mercedes-Benz will debut steer-by-wire in 2026, starting with EQS and S-Class, offering enhanced comfort, safety, and future-ready design.

Mercedes-Benz is on the brink of redefining the way we drive. Beginning in 2026, the German manufacturer will roll out steer-by-wire technology in its production vehicles, starting with the updated EQS and next-generation S-Class. This once-experimental system, which severs the mechanical link between steering wheel and front wheels, is now entering the mainstream.

Instead of physical components, steering inputs are transmitted electronically. The result? A radical transformation in steering dynamics and a fresh wave of possibilities in interior design and autonomous driving. By allowing flexible steering ratios and integrating with rear-axle steering, the system delivers a unique blend of sportiness and comfort while nearly eliminating feedback from road imperfections.

Mercedes-Benz reports around two million kilometers of testing — both in labs and on real roads. Safety remains paramount: the system features a redundant architecture with dual signal paths, multiple actuators, and backup power. In the rare event of a system failure, the vehicle remains steerable through rear-wheel adjustments and the ESP system.

But steer-by-wire’s ambitions stretch further. It will integrate with DRIVE PILOT, Mercedes-Benz’s SAE Level 3 system, enabling hands-off driving at speeds up to 95 km/h on select highways — with future upgrades targeting 130 km/h. That would mark a new benchmark in production-level autonomy.

The system could be a game-changer for drivers with disabilities, offering customized steering configurations that enhance accessibility. Although there's no official confirmation yet, the use of this technology in commercial vehicles is a plausible future direction.

Cybersecurity is another focal point. Mercedes-Benz partners with global security experts and adheres to standards like ISO/SAE 21434. The company’s dedicated incident response team, CIRC, ensures that the steer-by-wire platform remains robust in an increasingly digital landscape.

In essence, Mercedes’ steer-by-wire is not just another feature — it’s a turning point in the evolution of driving. By marrying engineering innovation with safety and adaptability, it stands as one of the brand’s most forward-thinking developments in recent memory.

Source: mercedes-benz.com