The steering wheel is a vital device used for directional control. Beyond its attractive and tactile appeal, modern car steering wheels also enhance driving comfort, safety, stability, and precision at high speeds. Current speed-sensitive electric power steering systems vary in effectiveness according to the design and production costs, as well as the vehicle's price. The more expensive the car, the more advanced the steering wheel, especially in supercars or high-performance sports cars.
1. BMW M
The BMW M Servotronic is an electromechanical power steering system in modern BMW M cars, showcasing new developments from BMW M GmbH. It plays a key role in connecting the driver with the car. The steering wheel adjusts its weight inversely according to speed and driving mode, directly transmitting steering feel to the driver. The M three-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather, stitched in blue, light blue, and red threads, featuring multifunction switches and paddle shifters. This electromechanical steering system is used in the BMW M2, M3, M4, and M SUVs, demonstrating BMW M GmbH's innovations in linking driver and vehicle by automatically adjusting steering weight based on speed and driving mode, conveying chassis, suspension, and tire feedback directly to the driver’s hands.
The BMW M Servotronic electric power steering offers high precision to control BMW's legendary machines, typically producing 500-700 horsepower. The M2, M3, and M4 steering wheels integrate functions covering all driving modes with automatic weight adjustment through the electronic Servotronic system. Using valves and electric motors, it modulates steering weight according to speed to suit driving conditions. The steering wheels for these models also link to driving mode settings, allowing drivers to select ROAD, SPORT, or TRACK modes, tailoring steering weight to current speed. Advanced steering shaft mechanics combined with finely tuned software deliver remarkable precision and responsiveness, closely integrating with the suspension system.
Today, electric power steering marks a major shift in BMW M cars. BMW M GmbH engineers have planned to create new steering sensations in sports cars with power ranging from 500 to 700 horsepower. The design goal is to make the new sports car steering superior to competitors in performance. Overall, the M3/M4 G80-G82 steering wheels clearly outperform previous models in weight tuning and feedback transmission—including weight, response, and precision. The new electric motor and valve system mask shortcomings of the older BMW M3 F80 model. Besides excellent feel, the new steering wheel weighs 1 kilogram less and also contributes slightly to fuel efficiency.
BMW M Servotronic is an intelligent electric power steering system with speed-sensitive variable weighting, specially tuned for high performance. It eases steering effort when parking or at low speeds and provides firm, precise control at high speeds. It supports adjustments via M Setup in COMFORT or SPORT modes, delivering agile and quicker responses than standard steering wheels. Key features of M Servotronic include: weight adjustment based on vehicle speed for precise and safe control; selectable modes through M Setup—COMFORT for smooth city driving and SPORT/SPORT+ for tighter, more responsive cornering; an electric power steering system (EPS) that is 3.5 kilograms lighter than hydraulic systems, aiding axle weight distribution and improving fuel economy; and a variable ratio that reduces steering effort during tight turns or parking. The system processes vehicle speed and driving mode data to deliver optimal steering assistance, enhancing city driving convenience and dynamic sporty control.
2. MERCEDES-AMG
The AMG GLE53 SUV features a sporty three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, delivering 544 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. The AMG steering wheel on the GLE matches the size of that on the new AMG CLE53 Coupe and is electrically adjustable in four directions—height and reach. Wrapped in genuine leather with black stitching, it includes small black plastic paddle shifters behind the wheel for drivers who prefer manual gear changes. The wheel spokes house controls for the audio system, wireless phone answer/hang-up buttons, TFT display adjustments, and adaptive cruise control. The steering wheel circumference fits well for smooth turning and offers a grip with finger contours. New AMG steering wheel buttons include, on the left side, controls for suspension response, air springs, traction control off, and detailed AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G-Tronic transmission settings for automatic or full manual modes. On the right side, buttons adjust various driving modes.
The AMG steering wheel in the AMG GLE 53 is finely tuned to provide a clear connection between the suspension, tires, and road surface. This steering assembly communicates precise feedback to the driver thanks to a new electric rack steering system controlled by an ECU, officially named AMG Electromechanical Power Steering Speed Dependent Variable Assist. It is designed to adjust steering weight inversely with speed and driving mode, handling 544 horsepower with sharp, decisive control. Steering weight changes quickly with vehicle speed, becoming lighter at lower speeds or when cornering at high speed. An electric motor modulates hydraulic pressure, increasing steering resistance at high speeds to enhance directional control. This system operates according to preset programming, delivering stable steering feel across all driving conditions, from low-speed maneuvers to full-throttle track driving.
3. HONDA TYPE R
The sporty three-spoke leather steering wheel of the Civic Type R, Honda's highest-performance model, includes controls for the audio system, Bluetooth phone call buttons, adaptive cruise control, and voice command. It lacks paddle shifters behind the wheel since it uses a manual transmission instead of a CVT. This steering wheel connects to switches controlling various vehicle functions. The electric steering system in the Civic Type R adjusts in four directions—reach, height, forward, and backward—accommodating drivers of all sizes and shapes for optimal control.
The Type R’s electric steering is called Dual Pinion Variable Ratio Electric Power Assisted Rack and Pinion Steering. It functions similarly to typical electric power steering motors but differs by also automatically varying the steering ratio based on speed. This enhances the steering system's performance beyond previous models. The steering weight adjusts inversely with speed—light and effortless at low speeds, and firm and precise at high speeds—to provide accurate control of the powerful 340-horsepower front-wheel-drive vehicle.
5. LAMBORGHINI
The 330 mm diameter steering wheel features ergonomically designed grips that emulate the look, feel, and structure of a super sports car wheel. Every button, knob, and tactile response mechanism has been newly crafted for the hypercar experience of the Lamborghini Revuelto. Its electric steering weight in normal mode is about twice that of a typical family car, fitting for this latest supercar from the raging bull marque. Stability control, traction assist, and dozens of electronic mechanisms linked to the steering system help keep the car firmly planted without requiring excessive force on the wheel. The Revuelto’s steering ease has been tuned for wealthy drivers who may lack advanced driving skills; as long as one can drive and stays composed, the car will propel forward rapidly with exhilarating G-forces through corners. At high speeds, the steering is slightly lightened to offer excellent directional feel.
The LPI system acts like a central nervous system. Lamborghini engineers specially designed it with three gyroscopes and three accelerometers mounted at the vehicle’s center of gravity. This equipment controls everything in real-time, with the hypercar’s central nervous system sending commands to the steering, suspension, drivetrain, ESP, transmission, and engine. This ensures the Revuelto responds instantly and appropriately in all situations. The semi-electric power steering can automatically adjust its ratio for quicker steering response. The four-wheel-drive system can send 50% of torque to the front wheels via an electronic differential or 100% torque to the rear wheels mechanically to enhance rear traction, working seamlessly with the advanced steering.
The Revuelto’s electronically controlled semi-electric steering is loaded with switches, including turn signals, wiper controls, suspension height adjustment, and a driving mode selector named Anima—a term meaning 'soul' in Italian and standing for Adaptive Network Intelligent Management. This system adjusts driving modes. The steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara suede leather with large carbon fiber paddle shifters nearly half the wheel's diameter, revealing advanced mechanical engineering in swift ratio changes. This makes the Revuelto easy to drive fast both on roads and racetracks.
7. MINI
The latest sporty three-spoke steering wheel of the MINI JCW Electric (John Cooper Work EV) is wrapped in genuine leather with red stitching. The central spoke uses a synthetic material woven to resemble canvas, embossed with the new MINI logo. Controls include Bluetooth phone system switches, adaptive cruise control, driving modes, audio controls, and a compact red Boost button located perfectly for fingertip access to generate power. The wheel size is just right, with finger grooves designed for a secure grip. The red stitching inside the wheel contrasts with the standard Cooper SE model, adding a distinct feel.
The MINI JCW’s electric steering weight varies with driving mode and speed. It is a rack-and-pinion system with an electric motor adjusting the weight according to the Servotronic function. Wrapped in genuine leather, it offers a firm grip, especially when wearing racing gloves. The motor’s torque performance, combined with the directional control system, provides precise handling. The Servotronic-equipped electric steering matches the car’s firm suspension. At high speeds, steering ratios focus on accuracy and certainty. The short wheelbase requires care to avoid sudden steering shakes when changing lanes at speed. The MINI JCW Electric’s suspension blends firmness with flexibility beyond any MINI version. The Servotronic steering mechanism truly delights car enthusiasts, offering quick responses and fun comparable to combustion engine JCW models despite being electric.