Mercedes-Benz to launch steer-by-wire in 2026, marking a shift in driving interface
Mercedes-Benz will introduce steer-by-wire technology in a production vehicle beginning 2026, making it the first German carmaker to bring the system to market. The move signals a shift toward more software-driven vehicle dynamics, as the industry increasingly distances itself from traditional mechanical systems.
Steer-by-wire replaces the conventional mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front axle with an entirely electronic system. While similar systems have been explored in concept vehicles and limited-production models before, Mercedes-Benz is aiming to scale the technology into regular production.
Steering has long been one of the most tactile elements of the driving experience. The removal of the physical link between driver and wheels changes not only how a car is driven, but also how it is perceived. Mercedes-Benz says the new system will adjust steering ratios based on speed and driving context, offering more agility in urban settings and increased stability at higher speeds.
Mercedes-Benz claims the system will improve handling, reduce vibration, and eliminate the need for large turning motions during low-speed manoeuvres. It also enables a flatter steering wheel design, potentially freeing up space in the cabin and improving sightlines to digital displays — a growing priority in modern vehicle interiors.
Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, said the system is part of a broader transition toward “the mobility of tomorrow,” and hinted at future integrations with automated driving features and in-car entertainment.
Mercedes-Benz says its steer-by-wire setup has already completed over a million kilometres in testing, both on test benches and in real-world traffic. At its core, the system translates driver inputs into wheel movement using actuators and electronic control units. To replicate road feel — which is no longer physically transmitted — engineers have developed software that simulates resistance and feedback.
Importantly, the system is designed with full redundancy. It includes multiple actuators and backup power systems to ensure the vehicle remains steerable in the event of a component failure. If necessary, the vehicle’s rear-axle steering and brake-based torque vectoring can maintain directional control.
While Mercedes-Benz is not the first company to develop steer-by-wire — Nissan, for example, has used similar systems in limited applications — it is among the first to propose a broad production rollout within a premium vehicle line.
Steer-by-wire also has implications beyond the steering wheel. Decoupling the driver’s input from the physical movement of the wheels allows greater freedom in cabin design, which could become increasingly relevant as automated driving features mature. Mercedes-Benz is already positioning the system as a stepping stone toward more advanced SAE Level 3 automation, where the car can take over driving responsibilities under certain conditions.
Some observers, however, point out that a shift away from mechanical steering could raise concerns among traditionalists, particularly regarding long-term reliability and road feel. There are also regulatory considerations, as steer-by-wire systems require robust fail-safes to meet safety standards in key markets.
The system’s debut continues a long line of steering-related innovation at Mercedes-Benz. The company has previously introduced technologies such as kingpin steering (1893), power steering (1958), telescopic steering columns (1967), and rear-axle steering (2020).
The upcoming steer-by-wire rollout fits within that historical context — not just as a new feature, but as a possible turning point in how drivers interact with vehicles. Whether it will be widely embraced by customers remains to be seen.
Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm which model will first receive the new system, but it is expected to debut in one of the company’s top-tier electric vehicles.
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