When the W465 G-Class is in Eco mode, the AMG U88 system adjusts the steering wheel feedback to contribute to better fuel efficiency and a more comfort-oriented driving experience. In Eco mode, the vehicle’s systems work together to reduce energy consumption, and this includes modifying the steering assistance and feedback for a more relaxed driving feel. Here's how the U88 system manages steering feedback in Eco mode:

Key Adjustments to Steering Feedback in Eco Mode:

1. Reduced Steering Effort:
   • In Eco mode, one of the primary objectives is to optimize fuel efficiency by reducing the overall energy consumption of the vehicle. To achieve this, the AMG U88 system reduces steering effort by lightening the electric power steering (EPS). This requires less power from the electric motor, reducing energy drain on the battery and improving fuel efficiency.
   • Lighter Steering Feel: The reduction in steering effort translates to a lighter, less direct steering feel, making the car easier to drive, especially at low speeds or in stop-and-go traffic. This also makes the driving experience less fatiguing, but it may provide less immediate feedback compared to other modes like Sport or Sport+.
2. Smooth and Easy Steering Response:
   • In Eco mode, the U88 system adjusts the steering to feel more relaxed and smooth rather than sharp and responsive. This is intended to make the vehicle easier to handle with minimal driver input, which can be beneficial for long-distance cruising and city driving, where you may not need high levels of steering precision.
   • The system focuses on comfort and ease, which aligns with the Eco mode’s goal of reducing driver effort and providing a more stress-free driving experience.
3. Optimized Energy Consumption:
   • The reduced steering effort not only makes the driving experience more comfortable but also contributes to fuel efficiency. By using less energy to assist with steering, the system ensures that power consumption is minimized. This helps support the overall goal of Eco mode, which is to maximize fuel economy.
4. Feedback from the Road:
   • While the steering effort is reduced in Eco mode, the U88 system still allows for some level of road feel through the steering wheel, but the feedback is less intense or immediate compared to Sportier driving modes. This is designed to be more subdued to create a less engaging, more comfort-focused experience, ideal for optimizing fuel efficiency rather than performance.
   • There may still be gentle feedback to let the driver know about road conditions, but the emphasis is on making the vehicle easier to drive rather than providing precise, sporty feedback.
5. Less Aggressive Steering Response:
   • In Eco mode, the system generally softens the steering to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. This results in a more gentle response to steering inputs, especially when driving at steady speeds on highways or urban roads. The system’s slower steering response allows for smoother transitions when steering, which further contributes to reduced energy usage and comfort during everyday driving.

Summary:

In Eco mode, the AMG U88 system in the W465 G-Class adjusts the steering feedback by:

• Reducing steering effort, making the steering feel lighter and less direct, ideal for comfort and fuel efficiency.
• Providing smooth, easy steering with less immediate feedback compared to more performance-oriented modes.
• Minimizing energy consumption from the electric power steering system, helping the vehicle optimize fuel economy.

While steering feedback may be less sharp and communicative, the overall effect in Eco mode is a more relaxed, comfortable driving experience, with a focus on enhancing efficiency rather than performance.