Shades of John Deere.
Thanks for paying $$$$$$ for that S classe.
For an additional $575/yr, we'll enable the rear wheel steering that's
standard in USA...
For the first time, I respect MBUSA more than I respect DBAG.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-rvOAGT6mw
The electric sedan already has the necessary hardware for this feature,
but it's blocked by the software. Rear-wheel steering isn't a new
technology as it has been around for decades, with the Nissan R31
Skyline pioneering the system back in 1985. That said, Mercedes has
managed to take it to a whole new level with its flagship combustion and
electric cars, as the latest S-Class and EQS boast the most advanced
version ever fitted to a production vehicle.
On the EQS, the rear wheels have a standard steering angle of up to 4.5
degrees, but in other markets, it comes with an optional feature
increasing the angle to 10 degrees – this advanced tech is actually
standard on the US-market car, however. In the case of the EV, the
turning circle drops to 10.9 meters (35.7 feet), which is mighty
impressive for such a large car. It turns the rear wheels in the
opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37
mph) to reduce the turning circle. Above that velocity, all four wheels
turn in the same direction to improve stability and sharpen up handling.
How does it work? According to Mercedes: "An electric motor drives a
spindle at the rear axle via a drive belt. This makes axial adjustments
to the spindle."
The more advanced setup is offered as standard equipment in the United
States, but at home in Germany, the EQS comes fitted with the lesser
configuration of RWS. You can have 10-degree steering as an optional
feature when ordering the car, and Mercedes is providing another way to
gain access to the tech even after taking delivery of the fullsize
electric sedan.
With cars becoming rolling computers, Mercedes is cramming more and more
tech while providing support for over-the-air updates. The EQS is a
relevant example as owners can activate the 10-degree rear-wheel
steering post-purchase courtesy of an OTA update. It effectively means
the vehicle has this feature from the get-go, but it's blocked by the
software. Unlocking it costs €489 (about $575) annually, but if you get
a three-year subscription, you'll get a €300 ($353) discount by paying
only €1,169 ($1,376).
Ordering the more sophisticated steering system requires the parking
package with a 360-degree camera, as it's the case with the S-Class.
Interestingly, the tech can't be had if the car is running on mixed
tires, which isn't the case for EQS as only its combustion-engined
equivalent uses that type of rubber. Activating all-wheel steering takes
about two minutes after turning off the car before switching it on
again.
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