Most modern driver-assistance systems require drivers to paying attention to the road and to many other screens and controls! Mercedes’ new capacitive steering wheel, arriving on the 2021 E-Class sedan, takes the steering wheel out of the equation, as it has capacitive hands-off detection.
A two-zone sensor mat is located in the rim of the steering wheel. The sensors on the front and back of the rim register whether the steering wheel is being held and signal assistance systems that the vehicle is under control. The touch control buttons integrated into the steering wheel spokes also function capacitively. They allow for smartphone-like swiping gestures which enable drivers to easily adjust the volume or cruise control settings. The buttons also allow for more traditional presses.
According to Mercedes’ Creative Director of Interior Design, “Steering wheel design is a world of its own and a very special challenge that is often underestimated.” Hans-Peter Wunderlich went on to say “The fingertips feel little things that we normally don’t notice. If an unevenness is disturbing or the steering wheel does not fit snugly in our hands, we don’t like it. This haptic sensation is sent to the brain as feedback and determines whether or not we like the car.”
It has same function as the Hyundai Cockpit presented therebefore in our in-depth, but will be on sales from this fall.
Mercedes has equipped the E-Class with a suite of driver-assistance tech, including a safety system that monitors blind spots even when a vehicle is at a standstill. The system can warn the driver of approaching vehicles, motorcycles or bicycles when opening the door.
