From the time the first automobile ran, the steering system has been an important part of the car. Today’s drivers would not recognise the tiller steering which was simply a lever arm connected to the front wheels. The driver changed the angle of the wheels by just turning the handle.
But this simple method was not suitable as speeds rose and eventually, the steering wheel was used, inspired by those used on ships. It is believed that the first steering wheel was installed and used on in France a car in 1894. Thereafter, the steering system has used a steering wheel for input by the driver, with advances to the mechanism such as power assistance and then management by electronics for more precision.
Infiniti was the first
In 2014, Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury division, removed the mechanical connection that had been an integral part of the steering system for decades. For the Q50, it installed a steer-by-wire system which uses electronic signals to control an actuator which then moves the steering rack left or right. Electronics transmit signals faster than a physical connection, so response is quicker and also more precise.
![Infiniti Q50 [2014]](https://www.motaauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Infiniti-Q50.jpg)
First German automaker
Mercedes-Benz will also join the list in 2026 and will be the first German automaker to offer a production vehicle with steer-by-wire. The electronic system is now in final stages of testing and has already completed more than 1 million test kilometres on test benches. On top of that is a similar number of test kilometres on proving grounds and in the validation of complete vehicles in road traffic.
“Steer-by-wire is another big step towards the mobility of tomorrow, and we’re proud that we will be launching such a system in 2026. The technology enables a unique customer experience that goes far beyond steering alone. In combination with SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving, it will enable an even more immersive entertainment experience in the medium term. That’s because the flat steering wheel provides a better view of the display when streaming your favourite show, for example,” said Markus Schafer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG as well as Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement.
Because steer-by-wire decouples the steering wheel and steering gear, the suspension specialists can choose the steering ratio variably and adapt it flexibly to different situations. This enables the simultaneous optimisation of driving characteristics that were previously in conflict with one another – permitting, for example, an even better combination of sportiness and comfort.
Likewise, it can bring further increases in directional stability and lateral agility, which is also thanks to the perfect interaction with the rear-axle steering (with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees). Vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces, which were previously transmitted to the driver via the steering wheel as disturbances, can now be completely prevented.
Depending on the driving speed and situation, an actuator on the steering wheel sends the driver’s steering signal to the steering rack which steers the wheels. Since the decoupling of the steering wheel and wheels eliminates steering torque, the tyre-road contact is calculated on a model-by-model basis with the help of the restoring forces of the steered wheels.
The potential for individualisation is therefore high through adaptation of the electronic steering to customer preferences. Individual brands or certain models within a series can be given different steering characteristics.
Furthermore, there is new potential in the design of new architectures, allowing more flexibility in interior design. For instance, the steering wheel can be flatter, which results in a more spacious feel and a better view of the driver’s display. It also makes getting in and out of the car easier because the flattened underside of the steering wheel creates more room. In combination with future conditionally and highly automated driving systems, the driver could have a new, even more relaxed position in the long term.
What about system failure?
Of course, one of the important questions is what happens if the system fails. While conventional mechanical system can also fail, the basic steering system will still remain. With steer-by-wire not having that steering shaft, the wheels would become uncontrolled.
In line with its high safety standards, Mercedes‑Benz has given priority to this issue. The system has a redundant architecture in addition to high-precision sensors and high-performance control units. This means that there are basically two signal paths and thus twice the number of actuators required, as well as a redundant on-board data and power supply. This always ensures steering ability; even in the most unlikely event of a complete failure, lateral guidance is still possible, thanks to rear-axle steering and targeted wheel-specific braking interventions via the electronic stability control system.
The system promises a new steering feel provides an unparalleled customer experience with a wide range of advantages in everyday driving. Mercedes-Benz says handling is better and manoeuvring and parking become even easier. This is because steer-by-wire can further reduce the effort required and there is no longer a need to re-grip the steering wheel while parking.