2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes with a new touch-sensitive steering wheel

KUALA LUMPUR: E-Class is one of the most popular and best selling models from Mercedes-Benz’s stable for several years, and the 2021 iteration will have all-new enhancements with a lot more to offer. The new E-Class is updated with the redesigned exterior styling, new powertrains, and latest technological bits. Well, things are quite impressive, but above all, the newly added touch-sensitive steering wheel is fantastic.

Till date, steering wheels were as simple as they come. It just comprises a rim, spokes, and few buttons. But Mercedes has changed the vogue by bringing it to the digital age. Gone are the days when you find buttons on the steering wheel; the new trend is a steering wheel with a touch panel. 

The rim of the new steering wheel has a two-zone sensor that lets the vehicle know if the driver's hands are on it or not. It means the movement is not needed to tell the vehicle's driver-assist systems that the car is under control. Moreover, touch-control buttons are also available on the spokes that work with digital signals. 

The touch-sensitive steering wheels will be available in three different configurations - Sport, Luxury, and Supersport. Each version will have different rim and spokes while the airbag will be wrapped in a central and spherical housing. The Luxury steering wheel will have spokes that make a “chalice inspired by elegant Callas flowers,” with two spokes holding all the capacitive panels. The Supersport configuration features a smaller rim and two double-decker spokes, that resembles the wheel wing nuts of sports cars. Lastly, the Sport version has not yet been revealed by the company. 

Upon asking about the vision behind this change, the firm replies that it is not just for aesthetic reasons, but it reduces the mechanical operating surfaces, which means there is no need to put a lot of buttons on the wheel. It also allows greater flexibility if there is a need to add more features. Mercedes-Benz also says that people are well-acquainted with smartphones, so the adaption of this new technology will be easy for them.

The facelifted E-Class is the first to receive this, but we are expecting that other upcoming Mercedes models can also incorporate the same. Moreover, if it catches on, then other automakers might adopt it.

The arrival of 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-class in Malaysia is not yet announced; however, it is set to go on sale later this year in the US.

Also read: Check out the new Mercedes G-Class tuned by Hofele