Drivers who enter the all-new 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS will note immediately that the controls have undergone significant changes. The round wheel we’ve all grown accustomed to has been replaced by a yoke that is flat on top and bottom but curves down just slightly enough to cradle your hands at the 9 and 3 locations when they’re properly positioned. Mercedes engineered almost every feature of this yoke to make getting in and out of the car easier, while simultaneously maintaining your view straight ahead clear and unobstructed by the instrument display.
Every command from that yoke is now sent to the front wheels via electronic impulses, with no mechanical shafts in the way. Instead, the yoke notifies sensors how far it has moved and then transmits very accurate instructions to electronic actuators located on the suspension. To ensure maximum reliability, Mercedes has set up two fully distinct signal pathways at all times, each with its own power supply and processing. If one path fails, the second one kicks in immediately without missing a beat, and if both paths fail (which Mercedes claims will never happen based on all of their testing), the back wheels and brakes will take over and lead the car to a safe halt.
Sale
LEGO Speed Champions Mercedes-AMG G 63 & SL 63 Building Toys - Kids Pretend Play Toy Cars for Boys & Girls, Ages 10+ Years - Gifts for Christmas - 76924
- 2 Mercedes toy cars for kids – LEGO Speed Champions Mercedes-AMG G 63 & Mercedes-AMG SL 63 vehicle playset for boys and girls ages 10 and up and adult model car collectors
- 2 driver minifigures – Each buildable vehicle toy comes with a driver minifigure wearing a Mercedes outfit so kids can role-play fast-paced races
- Authentic Mercedes design – Each collectible car model features design details from the real life versions, including front grilles, hoods, wheels, interior features and the famous Mercedes livery
$44.99
−$16.50
$28.49
Buy on Amazon
In terms of how the system behaves, Mercedes included some smarts that allow it to automatically change based on how quickly the car is driving. At low speeds, the ratio is designed so that a small movement of the yoke causes the front wheels to swing in a wide arc, which is ideal for parking and tight bends. When you hit the freeway, the ratio eases back and the steering feels stable and smooth. Of course, the yoke itself only turns roughly 170 degrees from lock to lock, so there’s no need to cross your arms or juggle the steering wheel, everything stays nice and easy.
Mercedes combined this innovative steering system with their rear-axle steering system, which allows the back wheels to turn up to 10 degrees in each direction. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction as the front wheels, resulting in a much smaller turning circle and greater maneuverability in confined spaces. At greater speeds, they turn in the same direction, assisting the large, heavy EQS to stay steady and grounded. Together, the two features make the vehicle feel far more agile than its size would suggest.
The first EQS cars with this yoke and steer-by-wire will enter US roads later in 2026, with the option to keep the old wheel and shaft for those who like it. People who pick the new system will benefit from an extremely silent cabin (no more vibrations from the column) and a driving experience that is entirely software-driven, allowing for tweaks and enhancements over time without requiring any substantial hardware changes.
