V3Cars
V3Cars
iconUpcoming Cars
iconPopular Cars
iconLatest Cars
iconElectric Cars
News

Stay updated with the latest automotive news.

Reviews

Discover expert car reviews and comparisons.

Videos

Watch in-depth video reviews, comparison, variants explained and more.

Calculators

Estimate costs and savings with our handy automotive calculators.

Buy, Sell & Renew

Simplify your car ownership journey with our buying, selling, and renewal tools.

Others

Explore additional resources and comparisons for car enthusiasts.

HomeNews2026 Mercedes Benz Eqs Gets Steer By Wire Impact On Mass Market Cars

Published : 07 April 2026

Read Time : 5 min

If there’s one brand that has consistently shaped the future of the automobile, it’s Mercedes-Benz. Time and again, technologies first seen in their flagship model, the S-Class, have slowly made their way into more affordable cars across the globe. From safety innovations like ABS and airbags to convenience features such as ventilated seats and head-up displays, the trickle-down effect has been a defining pattern in the automotive world.

AD
2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS Gets Steer-By-Wire - Impact On Mass Market Cars

Now, with the 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS introducing steer-by-wire technology, we may be witnessing the next major shift. And this raises an interesting question: will steer-by-wire eventually become a common feature in mass-market cars in India? But first let’s take a look at what is steer-by-wire.

What Is Steer-By-Wire And Why Does It Matter?

For over a century, steering systems in cars have relied on physical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Turn the wheel and a mechanical linkage ensures the wheels follow. It’s simple, direct and deeply ingrained in how we drive.

Steer-by-wire changes this completely. Instead of a mechanical connection, the system uses electronic sensors to detect steering inputs and actuators to turn the wheels accordingly. Essentially, the steering wheel becomes more like a PlayStation controller, and the car interprets your inputs digitally. The introduction of steer-by-wire in the new EQS represents a shift from mechanical engineering to software-driven control.

What makes steer-by-wire significant is not just the removal of physical components, such as the steering column, but the possibilities it unlocks. Without a fixed mechanical linkage, engineers gain flexibility in how a car behaves. In a traditional car, you might have to spin the wheel 2 or 3 times to make a tight U-turn. But with steer-by-wire, engineers can change the sensitivity based on speed. At 10kmph, a tiny flick of the wrist is enough to lock the wheels. At 100kmph, the steering becomes firm and stable.

It also isolates the cabin from road imperfections more effectively, reducing vibrations and improving driver comfort. Beyond this, it opens the door to entirely new interior layouts. With no steering column dictating design constraints, future cabins could be more spacious and flexible.

But most importantly, steer-by-wire can integrate seamlessly with ADAS. Features like lane-keeping assist, auto park and even future autonomous driving functions benefit greatly from precise electronic control of the steering system.

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS

The S-Class/EQS Trickle Down Pattern

To understand where steer-by-wire might go next, let’s take a look at history. Technologies that once seemed exclusive to flagship luxury cars have gradually become accessible to the masses. Here’s a list of technology that debuted on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class that have slowly trickled down to mass markets cars you and I drive:

TRICKLE DOWN

FROM S-CLASS TO INDIAN MASS-MARKET

Feature

S-Class Debut

India Mass-Market Arrival

Example Cars Today

ABS

1978

Late 2000s
(Mandatory since 2019)

All cars

Airbags

1981

Early 2010s
(Mandatory since 2019)

All cars

Adaptive Cruise Control

1998

2021

Astor, City, XUV700

Ventilated Seats

2000s

2019

Verna, Creta, Seltos

360-degree camera

2010s

2020

Magnite, Baleno, Brezza

Head-up Display (HUD)

2010s

2022

Baleno, Fronx

Anti-lock braking system (ABS), which debuted on the S-Class in the late 1970s, is now standard across all cars in India. Airbags followed a similar parth, eventually becoming mandatory. More recently, features like adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras and even head-up displays have made their way into affordable cars.

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS Interior

The Role Of ADAS And Software-Defined Cars

Another key factor is the rapid advancement of ADAS and the steady shift towards software-defined vehicles. Modern cars are no longer just machines; they are increasingly becoming platforms driven by software. Features can be updated over-the-air, driving characteristics can be tuned digitally, and user experiences can evolve over time. The Mahindra XEV 9e and 9S are recent examples of software-defined vehicles in the Indian mass-market.

Steer-by-wire fits perfectly into this ecosystem. It allows manufacturers to fine-tune steering behaviour through software updates, customise driving modes in more meaningful ways, and integrate seamlessly with semi-autonomous systems. As these technologies become more common, even in relatively affordable cars, the case for steer-by-wire becomes stronger.

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS Steer-By-Wire

When Could It Arrive In India?

Looking at how previous technologies have evolved, steer-by-wire is unlikely to appear in mass-market cars overnight. In the near term, it will remain exclusive to high-end electric vehicles like the EQS. Over the next few years, it could begin appearing in premium EVs and flagship SUVs. As costs decrease and familiarity increases, it may eventually find its way into more accessible segments. A realistic timeline suggests broader adoption could begin towards the end of this decade, with more widespread availability in the early to mid 2030s.

While steer-by-wire may seem like a futuristic concept today, so did many of the features we now take for granted. Given the rapid pace of electrification, the rise of ADAS and the shift towards software-driven vehicles, steer-by-wire has all the ingredients to follow the same trajectory. If history is anything to go by, what begins today in a Mercedes-Benz EQS could very well become a familiar feature in tomorrow’s mass-market cars in India.

Also Read: Affordable Cars And SUVs with Cruise Control Under Rs. 10 Lakh (2026)

Helpful Tools:

Fuel Cost Calculator for Cars – Know your monthly fuel expense based on usage and mileage

Car On-Road Price Calculator – Convert ex-showroom to on-road price for any city

Sell Used Car Online – Enter your car and contact details to get an instant price estimate and book a free inspection with our partner network

AD

Did you find this information helpful?

Nikil Jonathan
Nikil Jonathan

Content Writer

Nikil's a huge fan of classic cars, especially Italian beauties such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint and the Iso Grifo. His love for cars and bikes originated when he first laid his eyes on a poster of the Ferrari F40 and the MV Agusta F4 when he was just a child. He also loves all things analogue, especially vintage cameras and turntables.

Comments

0 comments

U
Loading comments...

Car News Update

View All Latest News
2026 Mahindra Bolero Bold Edition - Features And Details

Mahindra Bolero Bold Edition Revealed With Bronze Accents And Rear Camera

Mahindra have revealed the 2026 Bolero Bold Edition, which adds bronze exterior accents, revised seat upholstery and a reversing camera. Offered through an accessories package, the Bold Edition’s pricing remains undisclosed.

Siddharth
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara 2026 Oct Price Change - Hiked Up To 10k

October 2026: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Price Change - Hiked By Up To 10k

Maruti Suzuki have increased the prices of the 2026 Grand Vitara by up to Rs. 10,000. The Zeta variant with the 1.5L normal petrol-manual powertrain received the highest percentage price hike of 0.73%. The Alpha variant with the same powertrain and the Zeta and Alpha variants with the 1.5L normal petrol-automatic powertrain also became costlier by Rs. 10,000. Meanwhile, the Delta and Zeta variants with the 1.5L normal CNG-manual powertrain received a price hike of Rs. 5,000. The prices of all other variants remain unchanged. Following the price revision, the Grand Vitara’s ex-showroom prices range from Rs. 10.77 lakh to Rs. 19.62 lakh.

Navneet Kumar
Maruti Suzuki Victoris 2026 Oct Price Change - Hiked Up To 10k

October 2026: Maruti Suzuki Victoris Price Change - Hiked By Up To 10k

Maruti Suzuki have increased the prices of the 2026 Victoris by up to Rs. 10,000. The ZXI Plus variant with the 1.5L normal petrol-manual powertrain received the highest percentage price hike of 0.65%. The ZXI Plus variant with the 1.5L normal petrol-automatic powertrain also became costlier by Rs. 10,000, while the prices of all other listed variants remain unchanged. Following the price revision, the Victoris’s ex-showroom prices range from Rs. 10.50 lakh to Rs. 19.99 lakh.

Navneet Kumar
Maruti Suzuki Eeco 2026 Oct Price Change - Hiked Up To 5k

October 2026: Maruti Suzuki Eeco Price Change - Hiked By Up To 5k

Maruti Suzuki have increased the prices of the 2026 Eeco by up to Rs. 5,000. The Cargo variant with the 1.2L petrol-manual powertrain received the highest percentage price hike of 0.92%. Select variants with the 1.2L CNG-manual powertrain also became costlier by up to Rs. 5,000, while several other variants received smaller price increases of Rs. 2,500 or remained unchanged. Following the price revision, the Eeco’s ex-showroom prices range from Rs. 5.28 lakh to Rs. 8.09 lakh.

Navneet Kumar
Maruti Suzuki Invicto 2026 Oct Price Change - Hiked Up To 5k

October 2026: Maruti Suzuki Invicto Price Change - Hiked By Up To 5k

Maruti Suzuki have increased the prices of the 2026 Invicto by up to Rs. 5,000. The Zeta Plus 7S variant with the 2.0L hybrid petrol-automatic powertrain received a price hike of Rs. 5,000, representing an increase of 0.20%. The prices of the Zeta Plus 8S and Alpha Plus 7S variants remain unchanged. Following the price revision, the Invicto’s ex-showroom prices range from Rs. 25.02 lakh to Rs. 28.71 lakh.

Navneet Kumar
Maruti Suzuki Jimny 2026 Oct Price Change - Hiked Up To 5k

October 2026: Maruti Suzuki Jimny Price Change - Hiked By Up To 5k

Maruti Suzuki have increased the prices of the 2026 Jimny by up to Rs. 5,000. The Zeta All Grip Pro variant with the 1.5L petrol-manual powertrain received the highest percentage price hike of 0.40%. The Zeta All Grip Pro variant with the 1.5L petrol-automatic powertrain also became costlier by Rs. 5,000. Following the price revision, the Jimny’s ex-showroom prices range from Rs. 12.59 lakh to Rs. 14.52 lakh.

Navneet Kumar
Maruti Suzuki Brezza 2026 Oct Price Change - Hiked Up To 10k

October 2026: Maruti Suzuki Brezza Price Change - Hiked By Up To 10k

Maruti Suzuki have increased the prices of the 2026 Brezza by up to Rs. 10,000. The LXI variant with the 1.0L turbo petrol-manual powertrain received the highest percentage price hike of 1.35%. The prices of select variants with the 1.5L petrol-manual and CNG-manual powertrains also increased by Rs. 5,000, while the prices of the listed petrol-automatic variants and some other variants remained unchanged. Following the price revision, the Brezza’s ex-showroom prices range from Rs. 7.50 lakh to Rs. 13.55 lakh.

Navneet Kumar
Maruti Suzuki Fronx 2026 Oct Price Change - Hiked Up To 5k

October 2026: Maruti Suzuki Fronx Price Change - Hiked By Up To 5k

Maruti Suzuki have increased the prices of the 2026 Fronx by up to Rs. 5,000. The Sigma variant with the 1.2L normal petrol-manual powertrain received the highest percentage price hike of 0.73%. Select variants with the 1.2L CNG and 1.0L turbo petrol powertrains also became costlier by Rs. 5,000. Following the price revision, the Fronx’s ex-showroom prices range from Rs. 6.89 lakh to Rs. 11.88 lakh.

Navneet Kumar
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga 2026 Oct Price Change — Hiked Up To 10k

October 2026: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Price Change — Hiked By Up To 10k

Maruti Suzuki have recently increased the prices of the 2026 Ertiga. The ZXI Plus variants with the 1.5L petrol-manual and petrol-automatic powertrains received the biggest price hike of Rs. 10,000. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga 2026 prices now start from Rs. 8.90 lakh and go up to Rs. 13.14 lakh. In percentage terms, this is a price hike of up to 0.86%.

Navneet Kumar
Maruti Suzuki XL6 2026 Oct Price Change — Hiked Up To 10k

October 2026: Maruti Suzuki XL6 Price Change — Hiked By Up To 10k

Maruti Suzuki have recently increased the prices of the 2026 XL6. The Alpha Plus variants with the 1.5L petrol-manual and petrol-automatic powertrains received the biggest price hike of Rs. 10,000. The Maruti Suzuki XL6 2026 prices now start from Rs. 11.62 lakh and go up to Rs. 14.52 lakh. In percentage terms, this is a price hike of up to 0.77%.

Navneet Kumar
Hyundai Bayon Safety Features - 6 Airbags And Level 2 ADAS

Hyundai Bayon Safety Features Revealed Ahead Of October 26 Launch

Hyundai have revealed the Bayon’s safety features ahead of its October 26 launch. The SUV will offer 6 airbags, electronic stability control and tyre pressure monitoring as standard. Its available driver assistance package includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance and navigation-based speed assistance.

Siddharth
Hyundai Bayon 2026 - Launch, Engine, Features And Safety

2026 Hyundai Bayon Top 9 Things To Know Before Launch

Hyundai have revealed the 2026 Bayon and detailed its safety equipment ahead of its October 26 launch. The new SUV is expected to sit between the Venue and Creta. Here are the top 9 things you should know about its design, powertrain, features and safety before launch.

Nikil Jonathan

Expert Car Reviews

View All Car Reviews
2026 Maruti Baleno Facelift Review In Pictures

2026 Maruti Baleno Facelift Photo Gallery - Design, Features And Drive Review

The 2026 Maruti Baleno facelift gets a new 1.2L 3-cylinder petrol engine, level 2 ADAS and ventilated front seats. We drove it to see whether the new engine and added features make up for the loss of the old 4-cylinder’s refinement.

Aryan Tyagi
2026 Tata Curvv Series X Photo Gallery - Exterior And Interior

2026 Tata Curvv Series X Photo Gallery - Exterior, Interior And Features

Tata have launched the 2026 Curvv Series X with a simpler variant lineup and several features moved further down the range. We got a closer look at the new Curvv Series X, including the Pure X Plus and Creative X Plus variants. In this detailed photo gallery, we take you through their exterior differences, interior, features, rear-seat space and the construction of Tata’s R-Comfort seats.

Siddharth
2026 Maruti Brezza Facelift

2026 Maruti Brezza Facelift Worth Buying?

The 2026 Maruti Brezza adds a 1.0L turbo petrol engine, more features and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. Its underbody CNG cylinder also frees up the full 328L boot. However, not every powertrain and variant offers equally strong value. We explain which Brezza to buy and when a rival makes more sense.

Siddharth
2026 Maruti Brezza 1.0L Turbo First Drive Review

2026 Maruti Arena Brezza 1.0L Turbo Manual First Drive Review

We drove the 2026 Maruti Arena Brezza with its new 1.0L turbo petrol engine and 6-speed manual transmission. We covered roughly 50km over about 2 hours at speeds representative of typical city driving. Here are my impressions of its performance, refinement, mileage, highway manners, ride and everyday usability.

Jagdev Kalsi
2026 Brezza CNG 328L Boot Space Explained

2026 Maruti Brezza CNG 328L Boot Space Explained

The 2026 Maruti Brezza CNG now has its cylinder mounted below the body, allowing it to retain the petrol version’s full 328L boot space. We examine the practical improvement, dimensions, ground clearance and boot-related features offered with each CNG variant.

Siddharth
2026 Brezza Turbo Vs 1.5L Petrol - Which One To Buy?

2026 Maruti Brezza 1.0L Turbo Vs 1.5L Petrol - Which One To Buy?

The 2026 Maruti Brezza offers a new 1.0L turbo petrol engine alongside the familiar 1.5L normal petrol. Both engines come with a new 6-speed manual transmission. The smaller turbo costs less and offers more power, torque and features, while the 1.5L petrol claims better mileage. We compare the 2 to determine which Brezza petrol-manual makes more sense.

Siddharth
Fronx Petrol Vs CNG

Maruti Arena Fronx Petrol Vs CNG Mileage And Running Cost

If you’re wondering whether to buy the Maruti Suzuki Fronx petrol or CNG, this article will help you make a data-backed decision. We compare the latest ex-showroom prices, official mileage figures and current fuel prices in Delhi to calculate the running cost difference between the Fronx petrol and CNG variants. We also calculate how many kilometres you need to drive the Fronx CNG to recover its higher upfront cost over the petrol variant.

Prathu Sharma
2026 Honda ZR-V Hybrid Photo Gallery Exterior Interior Features

2026 Honda ZR-V Hybrid Photo Gallery

The 2026 Honda ZR-V Hybrid is set to launch in India as Honda’s new flagship SUV on May 22, 2026. Positioned above the Elevate, the ZR-V will rival premium SUVs like the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line and Skoda Kodiaq with its strong hybrid powertrain, premium interior and advanced features. In this detailed photo gallery, we take a closer look at the ZRV Hybrid’s design, cabin, practicality, safety features and hybrid technology.

Siddharth
2026 Tata Punch EV Variant-Wise Battery Options

2026 Tata Punch EV Variant-Wise Powertrain Options – Battery, Range & Specifications

The 2026 Tata Punch EV is available with multiple battery pack and motor configurations, giving buyers the flexibility to choose between affordability and longer driving range. Depending on the variant, the new Punch EV offers different power outputs, battery capacities and claimed range. In this article, we break down the 2026 Punch EV’s variant-wise powertrain options and check out which variants get the 30kWh and 40kWh battery packs, along with their performance specifications, so you can pick the variant that best suits your needs.

Nikil Jonathan
Maruti Fronx 1.0L Turbo Petrol-Auto Actual City, Highway Mileage Test

Maruti Fronx 1.0L Turbo Petrol-Auto Mileage Test: Real World City, Highway Fuel Efficiency

In this article, we’ll present the data based on V3Cars mileage test and inform you about what real-world fuel efficiency you can expect from the Maruti Fronx 1.0L turbo petrol-automatic in city and highway driving conditions. We’ll also find out how much the mileage numbers deviate from the manufacturer-claimed fuel efficiency figures. The information presented in this article will also help you learn about the mileage differences you can expect when driving in the city vs driving on the highway.

Arpit Gupta
2025 Kia Syros Features Over Kia Sonet

10 Features New Kia Syros Gets Over Kia Sonet

Kia unveiled their all-new B2-segment SUV, the 2025 Syros, on December 19, 2024. While Kia India are yet to reveal the variant-wise prices of the 2025 Syros, it is expected to slot in between the Sonet B2-SUV and Seltos C-SUV.

Nikil Jonathan
Hyundai Exter 1.2L Petrol-Auto Actual City, Highway Mileage Test

Hyundai Exter 1.2L Petrol-Auto Mileage Test: Real World City, Highway Fuel Efficiency

In this article, we’ll present the data based on V3Cars mileage test and inform you about what real-world fuel efficiency you can expect from the Hyundai Exter 1.2L petrol-automatic in city and highway driving conditions. We’ll also find out how much the mileage numbers deviate from the manufacturer-claimed fuel efficiency figures. The information presented in this article will also help you learn about the mileage differences you can expect when driving in the city vs driving on the highway.

Arpit Gupta
google news
AD
AD