Mercedes Is Putting Yoke Steering in the EQS

Giving the EQS Some Love

The Mercedes-Benz EQS hasn't had the easiest of lives. It was met with a mixed reception when it was new, and it's also one of the slowest-selling cars the German automaker has ever produced. On paper, the car was groundbreaking and revolutionary, but people simply weren't convinced enough to go to their nearest Mercedes-Benz showroom and wave money at it.

Still, its maker isn't giving up on it even if we all know it won't make it past this decade. The EQS was given a facelift for 2025 to make it look more, er, normal, but there are bigger changes coming soon. It'll be for the 2027 model year, so it might be revealed later this year.

The Biggest Change

The meat of the 2027 EQS will be the availability of a steer-by-wire system. Granted, Mercedes isn't the first to put that system in a production car, but it'll be a first for the company. It was actually previewed about a year ago, but more details have been shared recently. As shown earlier, going for steer-by-wire means replacing the steering wheel with a yoke. Like it or not, it's the way automakers have been emphasizing their respective columnless steering systems, including Mercedes-Benz.

With no more steering shaft required, the ratio is infinitely variable and speed-sensitive. At lower speeds, the wheels turn at a greater angle and less so once speeds pick up. It also works in conjunction with rear-axle steering. In case of failure, the stability control serves as the backup for the main system, so there is still a degree of control present.

The company claims that its version offers 'completely new steering feel and superior control with virtually no effort required' and 'easier maneuvering and parking as well as even greater driving stability and agility.' Hopefully, that doesn't translate to 'numb' and 'vague' in real life.

Other Updates

Given that the cars are still heavily camouflaged, we could expect significant changes to the exterior. The car could also benefit from some of the new tech seen in the heavily updated S-Class, particularly in the infotainment department.

The 2027 EQS will also shift to an 800V architecture to reduce charging times and improve energy efficiency. New, more powerful eATS 2.0 electric motors will also be included in the update.

Mind you, the shape is still the same as before, and if you didn't like it then, then this major facelift probably won't convince you. But if you are looking forward to all the new tech that will be applied to the new EQS, but in a more normal-looking package, there's a great chance of the future electric S-Class getting all of it.

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