Tag Archives: Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz EQS Gets Steer-by-Wire Technology, Cutting Steering Wheel Input to Just 170 Degrees

Mercedes-Benz is taking another major step into the future of automotive technology with the introduction of steer-by-wire technology for the EQS Saloon. The flagship electric luxury sedan becomes the first series-production passenger car from a German automotive manufacturer to offer a steering system without a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels.

The optional steer-by-wire system is available in Germany from €2,500 excluding VAT, or €2,975 including VAT. The package also includes rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees and a newly developed, flatter steering wheel featuring a redesigned airbag structure.

For Mercedes-Benz, however, the significance of the technology goes far beyond simply making the EQS easier to park. Steer-by-wire changes the fundamental relationship between the driver and the car, while further establishing the EQS as the technological flagship of the Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle range.

Mercedes-Benz EQS Introduces Steer-by-Wire

Traditional steering systems use a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. In the EQS equipped with steer-by-wire, that physical connection is eliminated.

Instead, steering inputs are transmitted electronically through high-speed electrical signals. Sensors detect the driver’s steering input, while sophisticated control units translate it into precise movements at the wheels.

The result is a steering system that Mercedes-Benz says maintains the familiar precision and intuitiveness of its steering feel while providing substantially greater freedom in how the steering response is calibrated.

One of the most noticeable changes is the steering wheel itself. The new unit is flatter and more compact, creating additional visual and physical space in the EQS cabin.

Most importantly, the steering wheel requires only 170 degrees of rotation from lock to lock.

That is a significant departure from conventional steering systems and means the driver no longer needs to repeatedly reposition their hands during tight manoeuvres.

Easier Parking and Urban Driving

The benefits of steer-by-wire are particularly obvious at low speeds.

Parking, U-turns and manoeuvring in confined spaces require substantially less steering input, while the combination of steer-by-wire and rear-axle steering allows the EQS to change direction with considerably less effort.

Mercedes-Benz pairs the system with rear-axle steering capable of turning the rear wheels by up to 10 degrees. The two technologies work together to improve low-speed agility without compromising high-speed stability.

For a large luxury saloon such as the EQS, that is particularly important. Despite its substantial dimensions, the car should feel considerably more manageable in urban environments and parking garages than its size might initially suggest.

The reduced steering effort also means the driver does not need to constantly change hand position on the steering wheel during tight turns.

A More Refined Driving Experience

Steer-by-wire is not only about convenience. Mercedes-Benz says the technology also improves driving dynamics.

Because there is no mechanical steering shaft connecting the steering wheel with the front wheels, unwanted vibrations generated by potholes, uneven surfaces and other road imperfections can be filtered out before reaching the driver’s hands.

That creates the potential for a more refined driving experience without isolating the driver from the road completely.

Mercedes-Benz has also been able to tailor the steering response electronically, allowing the system to deliver the appropriate steering characteristics depending on driving conditions and vehicle speed.

The EQS therefore aims to combine the effortless nature expected from an electric luxury saloon with a more responsive and agile driving character.

Safety Remains a Central Focus

Removing the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and front wheels naturally raises questions about safety and redundancy.

Mercedes-Benz says its steer-by-wire system has been engineered with a redundant architecture designed to maintain steering capability even in the event of a highly unlikely component failure.

The system uses high-precision sensors, powerful control units and independent signal paths.

Mercedes-Benz has also developed additional strategies for maintaining lateral vehicle control in the unlikely event of a complete system failure. These include the use of rear-axle steering and targeted wheel-specific braking interventions through the ESP system.

The approach highlights one of the biggest advantages of software-controlled vehicle systems: steering characteristics can be managed through multiple electronic systems rather than relying exclusively on a single mechanical connection.

The EQS Gets a New Steering Wheel

The introduction of steer-by-wire has also allowed Mercedes-Benz to rethink the EQS steering wheel.

The new design is flatter and more compact than a conventional steering wheel, helping create a greater sense of openness inside the cabin.

It also improves the driver’s view of the instrument display and makes entering and exiting the vehicle easier.

The steering wheel is available in black or, depending on vehicle specification, beige. Its design is intended to complement the spacious, minimalist character of the EQS interior.

Mercedes-Benz has also developed a new airbag structure specifically for the steering wheel.

The result is a steering wheel that is not simply a different interface for the new steering system, but an important part of the overall interior redesign.

Mercedes-Benz EQS: More Than Just Steer-by-Wire

The new steering technology arrives only a few months after Mercedes-Benz significantly upgraded the EQS Saloon.

More than 25 percent of the vehicle’s components have been newly developed, updated or refined, while the car now benefits from a substantially revised electric architecture.

At the heart of the updated EQS is a new-generation 800-volt electrical architecture.

The flagship electric saloon also receives new in-house-developed drive units, a two-speed gearbox on the main rear axle drive and larger batteries featuring optimised cell chemistry.

Together, these technologies are intended to improve efficiency, performance and the overall long-distance capability of the EQS.

MB.OS Turns the EQS Into a Software-Defined Luxury Car

Another major part of the EQS technology package is Mercedes-Benz Operating System, or MB.OS.

Rather than treating software as a secondary feature, Mercedes-Benz has designed MB.OS as the central operating system for the vehicle.

It controls and integrates a wide range of vehicle functions and uses artificial intelligence, powerful computing hardware and a connection to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud.

The system also supports over-the-air updates, allowing the EQS to receive software improvements and new functions without requiring a traditional workshop visit.

This software-defined approach is particularly important when combined with steer-by-wire.

The steering system itself becomes another electronically controlled element of the vehicle, opening the door to more sophisticated calibration and future software-based improvements.

Mercedes-Benz Pushes Further Into the Software-Defined Era

The arrival of steer-by-wire in the Mercedes-Benz EQS represents a significant milestone for the German manufacturer.

For decades, steering has been one of the most fundamental mechanical interfaces between driver and vehicle. By replacing the traditional mechanical connection with an electronic architecture, Mercedes-Benz is effectively turning the steering system into another software-controlled component.

That fits naturally with the broader direction of the EQS.

The combination of steer-by-wire, rear-axle steering, 800-volt electrical architecture, new electric drive units, a two-speed rear gearbox, larger batteries and MB.OS makes the latest EQS considerably more technologically ambitious than the original model.

The goal is not simply to build an electric version of a conventional luxury sedan. Mercedes-Benz is attempting to redefine how a flagship luxury car interacts with its driver.

The EQS Becomes a Showcase for Mercedes-Benz Technology

As Mercedes-Benz’s flagship electric saloon, the EQS is an obvious candidate for introducing new technologies that could eventually spread across the wider model range.

Steer-by-wire is arguably one of the most important examples yet.

With a steering wheel that requires only 170 degrees of rotation, rear-wheel steering of up to 10 degrees and electronically controlled steering response, the EQS promises a combination of effortless manoeuvrability, improved refinement and sharper driving dynamics.

At the same time, the system demonstrates how Mercedes-Benz is moving away from traditional mechanical vehicle architectures toward software-defined cars.

The EQS has already established itself as a showcase for the company’s electric and digital technology. With steer-by-wire now entering series production, Mercedes-Benz is taking another significant step toward its vision of the next generation of luxury mobility.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz Strengthens Solid-State Battery Partnership With ProLogium as 1,205-km EV Range Becomes Reality

Mercedes-Benz is taking another major step toward the next generation of electric vehicles by deepening its partnership with Taiwanese battery specialist ProLogium. The agreement gives Mercedes-Benz priority access to ProLogium’s fourth-generation solid-state battery cells, allowing the German automaker to test technology that could significantly improve EV range, charging speed, safety and battery efficiency.

The partnership comes as the global automotive industry accelerates its development of solid-state batteries, widely regarded as one of the most important potential breakthroughs in electric vehicle technology.

Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, which use a liquid electrolyte, solid-state batteries replace it with a non-flammable solid material. The change has the potential to deliver higher energy density, faster charging, improved safety and longer battery life while potentially reducing some of the limitations associated with today’s EV battery technology.

Mercedes-Benz Gets Priority Access to ProLogium Gen4 Solid-State Cells

Mercedes-Benz and ProLogium have been working together for more than a decade, developing and evaluating advanced battery technologies for future electric vehicles.

Under the strengthened partnership, Mercedes-Benz will receive priority access to ProLogium’s fourth-generation lithium ceramic battery cells. The German automaker will conduct electrical, thermal and safety testing at its own facilities as well as through independent third-party testing institutes.

ProLogium’s Gen4 technology uses ceramic separator technology combined with a non-flammable inorganic electrolyte. According to the company, the architecture is designed to provide high power output while also supporting rapid charging.

For Mercedes-Benz, the agreement provides an opportunity to evaluate the technology under demanding automotive conditions before potential integration into future production EVs.

“At Mercedes-Benz, we are committed to shaping the future of electric mobility through technological leadership and innovation,” said Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

“Our long-standing partnership with ProLogium is a strong example of how we bring the best expertise together to advance next-generation battery technologies. By combining ProLogium’s pioneering solid-state battery approach with Mercedes-Benz’s deep battery development, testing and integration capabilities, we are taking the next step in exploring advanced battery technologies for future electric vehicles.”

Why Solid-State Batteries Matter for Electric Cars

Battery technology remains one of the biggest areas of competition among automakers, and solid-state batteries could address several of the key limitations of current electric vehicles.

A higher energy density would allow automakers to store more energy without necessarily increasing battery-pack size or weight. For consumers, that could translate into longer driving ranges from similarly sized battery packs.

Fast charging is another major target. If solid-state cells can achieve consistently high charging speeds without compromising durability or safety, future EVs could spend considerably less time connected to a charger.

Safety is equally important. The non-flammable nature of the electrolyte used in ProLogium’s lithium ceramic technology could reduce some of the thermal risks associated with conventional battery systems.

The technology could therefore have an impact beyond simply increasing driving range. A successful solid-state battery could influence vehicle packaging, weight, charging infrastructure requirements and overall EV performance.

Mercedes-Benz Is Testing More Than One Solid-State Battery Technology

ProLogium is not Mercedes-Benz’s only partner in the race toward solid-state batteries.

The German manufacturer is also working with U.S.-based Factorial Energy, testing lithium-metal solid-state battery technology.

That partnership has already produced a striking real-world demonstration.

A Mercedes-Benz EQS fitted with a Factorial solid-state battery pack completed a test drive covering 748.8 miles, or 1,205 kilometers, on a single charge. Even more significant, Mercedes-Benz said the vehicle still had an estimated 85 miles, or 137 kilometers, of range remaining when the test ended.

That suggests a theoretical total range of more than 1,340 kilometers under the conditions of the test, although the result should not be interpreted as an official production-vehicle WLTP range figure.

Nevertheless, the test demonstrates why automakers are investing heavily in solid-state technology. Range figures approaching or exceeding 1,000 kilometers could fundamentally change how consumers perceive long-distance electric travel.

ProLogium Is Preparing for European Battery Production

ProLogium already operates a large battery manufacturing facility in Taiwan, but the company’s European expansion could become particularly important for Mercedes-Benz and other automakers on the continent.

The company is planning a battery manufacturing facility in Dunkirk, France, with a projected capacity of up to 44 GWh.

The French plant is intended to supply battery cells to customers across Europe, potentially giving ProLogium a strategically important manufacturing base close to major automotive markets.

For Mercedes-Benz, local European battery production could also simplify future supply chains if ProLogium’s technology progresses from testing to series production.

Mercedes-Benz Is Joining a Global Solid-State Battery Race

Mercedes-Benz is far from alone in pursuing solid-state batteries.

Major automakers including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Volkswagen, Stellantis, BYD and Chery are also investing in or testing various forms of next-generation battery technology.

The approaches differ significantly. Some companies are focusing on lithium-metal architectures, while others are developing ceramic, sulfide or alternative solid electrolytes.

The industry is also moving from laboratory development toward vehicle-level testing, suggesting that solid-state batteries are gradually transitioning from a long-term research project into a potential production technology.

The biggest challenge remains scaling. A battery cell can perform impressively in laboratory or prototype testing, but producing millions of reliable cells at competitive cost is a much more difficult engineering and manufacturing problem.

The Next Big Step for Mercedes-Benz EVs

The strengthened ProLogium partnership does not mean that a production Mercedes-Benz EV with Gen4 solid-state batteries is ready to launch. The cells must still undergo extensive electrical, thermal, safety, durability and integration testing before any decision on mass production can be made.

However, Mercedes-Benz’s parallel work with ProLogium and Factorial Energy shows that the company is pursuing multiple solid-state battery solutions rather than relying on a single technology.

If these technologies successfully make the transition into high-volume production, the implications could be substantial. Longer range, significantly faster charging, lower battery weight and improved safety could make future Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles fundamentally different from today’s EQ models.

For now, ProLogium’s fourth-generation lithium ceramic cells represent another important step in that development process. And with Mercedes-Benz gaining priority access for testing, the partnership could provide an early look at what the next generation of long-range electric cars will be capable of.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA Enters Production in Rastatt With New Hybrid and Electric Powertrains

Mercedes-Benz has officially started series production of the new-generation GLA at its Rastatt plant in Germany, marking another major step in the company’s transformation of its compact vehicle production network. The new GLA is being manufactured alongside its fully electric counterpart, while advanced hybrid versions using 48-volt technology are scheduled to join production later in 2026.

The latest GLA represents more than a new addition to Mercedes-Benz’s compact SUV lineup. It is also a showcase for the company’s increasingly digital manufacturing strategy, combining flexible production systems, artificial intelligence, digital twins and the Mercedes-Benz Operating System, or MB.OS.

New Mercedes-Benz GLA production begins in Rastatt

The Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant has been producing compact models since 1992 and has become one of the company’s most important manufacturing locations for vehicles in this segment.

Around 7,000 people work at the site, making it the largest employer in the surrounding region. The plant is designed around a flexible production philosophy, allowing vehicles with different propulsion technologies to be built on the same production line.

That capability is particularly important as Mercedes-Benz continues to transition between combustion engines, hybrids and fully electric vehicles.

The new GLA is currently being produced in Assembly Hall 4.0. Mercedes-Benz plans to move production of the model into the neighbouring Assembly Hall 4.1 from 2027, with the company investing a low-three-digit-million-euro sum in the conversion.

Michael Schiebe, Mercedes-Benz board member responsible for Production, Quality and Supply Chain Management, said the launch reinforces Rastatt’s importance within the company’s global production network.

He also highlighted the increasing role of digital technologies, with MB.OS, artificial intelligence and the company’s MO360 production ecosystem integrated into the manufacturing process.

Mercedes-Benz GLA production uses digital twins

One of the most interesting aspects of the Rastatt transformation is Mercedes-Benz’s use of digital twins.

Before physical construction work begins, engineers can recreate production facilities and manufacturing processes in a highly detailed virtual environment. This allows the company to simulate production lines, identify potential problems and optimise processes before equipment is installed.

Mercedes-Benz says the technology has already helped accelerate the conversion of Assembly Hall 4.0, which was completed in record time in 2023.

The same approach is now being used for Assembly Hall 4.1, with the goal of reducing both construction time and costs.

For Mercedes-Benz, digital manufacturing is becoming increasingly important as vehicle architectures become more complex and production must accommodate several powertrain technologies simultaneously.

New GLA combines electric and hybrid production

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA is being introduced with multiple propulsion technologies, reinforcing the company’s strategy of maintaining flexibility during the transition toward electrification.

The fully electric GLA is already in production at Rastatt, while hybrid versions equipped with 48-volt technology and a new-generation internal-combustion engine will follow later this year.

Building different versions of the same model on a common production line gives Mercedes-Benz greater flexibility when responding to changes in customer demand.

Instead of dedicating an entire factory exclusively to electric vehicles or combustion-powered models, Rastatt can adjust its production mix according to market requirements.

That flexibility is becoming increasingly valuable as the global automotive industry moves through a period in which electric vehicles, hybrids and combustion engines continue to coexist.

MB.OS brings software deeper into GLA production

Software is another major component of the new GLA.

Mercedes-Benz is integrating its MB.OS operating system into the vehicle from the production stage. The company describes MB.OS as a chip-to-cloud architecture designed to simplify the vehicle’s electronic and software infrastructure.

Rather than relying on numerous individual hardware modules for software distribution, the system uses a central server in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud.

This approach means vehicles can leave the production line with the latest available software and provides the technological foundation for future software updates and digital services.

The new GLA also introduces advanced interaction technology, including the MBUX Virtual Assistant with generative artificial intelligence.

The objective is to make interaction with the vehicle more natural, allowing occupants to communicate with the car using conversational language rather than relying exclusively on conventional menu structures and commands.

Mercedes-Benz GLA electric components come from Germany

Although final assembly takes place in Rastatt, the new GLA is the product of a broader Mercedes-Benz manufacturing network across Germany.

Electric drive units and axles are supplied by the company’s Untertürkheim operations, including production sites in Mettingen and Hedelfingen.

An electric drive unit incorporates three fundamental elements: an electric motor, power electronics and the transmission system responsible for transferring power to the wheels.

Mettingen is also responsible for assembling complete electric axles, which are then delivered to Rastatt for vehicle production.

The high-voltage batteries are supplied by Mercedes-Benz subsidiary Accumotive from Kamenz in Saxony.

Accumotive has more than a decade of experience in battery manufacturing and is described by Mercedes-Benz as one of the company’s centres of excellence for high-voltage battery systems.

The company operates within Mercedes-Benz’s wider global battery production network, which spans three continents.

Kuppenheim supplies body components for the new GLA

Another important link in the GLA production chain is located just 10 kilometres from Rastatt.

The Mercedes-Benz Kuppenheim site has supplied body-in-white components, structural components and body parts to Rastatt since 2009. It is now also supporting production of the new GLA.

Since the beginning of 2026, Rastatt and Kuppenheim have been more closely integrated from an organisational perspective, with Kuppenheim becoming part of the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant.

The closer connection between the two sites is designed to strengthen production efficiency and coordination.

New Mercedes-Benz GLA gets a sportier design

Beyond its manufacturing technology, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA brings a substantially revised exterior and interior design.

The latest model adopts a lower silhouette and longer wheelbase, giving the compact SUV a sportier stance. One of its most distinctive elements is the illuminated Mercedes-Benz grille, which gives the front end a more recognisable appearance, particularly at night.

Mercedes-Benz has also redesigned the interior around increased digitalisation and improved practicality.

A large MBUX Superscreen dominates the dashboard, while higher-quality materials and a redesigned cabin aim to increase the perceived sophistication of the compact SUV.

The available panoramic roof adds to the feeling of space, while the longer wheelbase is intended to improve interior room and everyday versatility.

MBUX Virtual Assistant adds generative AI

The new GLA is also part of Mercedes-Benz’s broader move toward artificial intelligence inside the vehicle.

The MBUX Virtual Assistant incorporates generative AI technology to provide more natural interaction between driver and vehicle.

Instead of requiring drivers to navigate through conventional menus, the system is designed to understand more conversational requests and provide personalised assistance.

This represents another step in the evolution of Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system, with software increasingly becoming as important to the vehicle experience as traditional mechanical hardware.

Rastatt becomes a key Mercedes-Benz compact-car hub

The launch of the new GLA further strengthens Rastatt’s position within Mercedes-Benz’s global production network.

The plant is now producing vehicles based on the company’s latest generation of technology while simultaneously supporting multiple propulsion concepts.

That combination of flexible manufacturing, digital production technologies and vertically integrated component supply is becoming increasingly important for Mercedes-Benz as the company adapts to changing global demand.

The ability to produce electric, hybrid and conventional vehicles within the same manufacturing environment gives Rastatt a significant degree of operational flexibility.

For the employees at the site, the GLA launch also represents a major investment in the plant’s future.

Torsten Höink, Chair of the Works Council at Mercedes-Benz Rastatt, described the start of production as an important new chapter for the facility and emphasised the role of innovation, expertise and teamwork in its long-term development.

The new GLA marks a new era for Mercedes-Benz

The start of production of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA is significant for reasons that extend well beyond the compact SUV itself.

It demonstrates how Mercedes-Benz is reshaping its manufacturing operations around a mixed powertrain strategy while simultaneously increasing the importance of software, artificial intelligence and digitally managed production.

With electric, hybrid and conventional technologies being accommodated within a flexible manufacturing environment, the Rastatt plant is effectively being prepared for an automotive market that remains in transition.

At the same time, the new GLA itself moves further into the digital era with MB.OS, the MBUX Superscreen and a generative-AI-powered virtual assistant, while its redesigned exterior and interior give Mercedes-Benz’s compact SUV a more distinctive and sophisticated character.

As production expands into Assembly Hall 4.1 from 2027, the GLA will become an even more important part of Rastatt’s next chapter — and another example of how Mercedes-Benz is combining traditional German manufacturing expertise with software-driven vehicle technology.

Source: Mercedes-Benz