Cutting-edge steering wheel for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz designers and engineers worked hand in hand to create a modern steering wheel that will be installed on the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class this summer.

“Developing a steering wheel is a separate activity, the importance of which is often underestimated,” explains Hans-Peter Wunderlich, director of interior design at Mercedes-Benz, who has been designing the brand's steering wheels for over 20 years. “Together with the seats, the steering wheel is the only part of the car with which we have intense physical contact. With your fingertips, you can feel little things that we usually don't notice. If bumps bother you or the steering wheel does not hold well in your hand, this is unpleasant. This tactile sense is sent back to the brain and determines whether we like the car or not. "

Hence the importance of creating a convenient and technologically advanced steering wheel. Thus, the steering wheel of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class will have, in addition to the usual controls, a palette of sensors with two zones that determine whether the driver’s hands are gripping the steering wheel correctly.

“Sensors on the front and back of the steering wheel indicate the correct behavior,” explains Marcus Figo, development manager for the three-spoke steering wheel. Touch control buttons built into the end of the steering wheel now work capacitively. The "seamless" control panels, which are divided into several functional areas, are precisely integrated into the steering wheel spokes. This minimizes mechanical work surfaces.

Marcus Figo also explains that, as with smartphones, “the keys are registered and allow you to use them intuitively by swiping your fingers and simply pressing familiar characters.”

According to Hans-Peter Wunderlich, the steering wheel of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, more or less presented as “the most beautiful steering wheel we have ever designed,” will be available in three versions: Sport, Luxury and Supersport. The new steering wheel will be integrated into a luxurious interior, including, in particular, two 10,25-inch screens, as well as the MBUX system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) with voice-activated Hey Mercedes.