Multifunctional Steering Wheel Switches

At Preh, we have been equipping renowned car brands with a wide range of different steering wheel controls for over 20 years.

Intuitive Operability

24 years ago, a multifunction steering wheel was still a rarity or reserved for high-priced models.
Just 25% of new vehicles had this optional extra (source: DAT Report 2001).
Today, it is hard to find a vehicle without this feature, as the advantages are literally in the palm of your hand, or rather in front of your thumb.
No other element in the vehicle is able to combine comfort and safety as well as the multifunction steering wheel.
Countless functions can be operated with a push or scroll movement and without taking your eyes off the road.
But - these countless functions tend to become more and more and have to be accommodated in a limited installation space.
What are the options here? We have the answers.

Outsourcing functions

One way to counteract overloading is to combine and outsource functions in so-called “satellite switches”.
With a position at 5 and 7 o'clock and an integrated display with a rotating bezel, driving profile selection settings or suspension settings can be made, among other things.
This solution also enhances the look of the vehicle interior and underlines the sporty character of the vehicle on the steering wheel.

Steering wheel satellite switch for controlling level control or driving modes in various Mercedes AMG models

Switches with integrated sensor surfaces

An HMI design conceived by Mercedes Benz was made technically possible thanks to a completely new approach.
The so-called “Touch Control Buttons” were first used in series production in 2016.
The special feature at that time: these sensor surfaces integrated into the multifunction switch react precisely to horizontal and vertical swiping movements of the thumb and compress a wide range of functions via the display.

Multifunction steering wheel switch with black touch control button in various Mercedes models

Free programmability

Another option and a step towards maximum variability is the free programmability of the buttons.
Active haptic feedback and three-dimensional tactile aids also ensure that the user's gaze is averted as little as possible.
In the event of a strong steering impact, we prevent unintentional operation by means of defined force thresholds.

Multifunction switch with display and smooth surface. When a call comes in, the display shows the person and the accept call and reject call areas

Excerpt from our series solutions

Multifunction steering wheel switch and satellite switch for Cupra Leon
Multifunction steering wheel switch for various Skoda models
Audi A3 multifunction steering wheel switch

Multifunction steering wheel switch for Porsche Macan
Multifunction steering wheel switch for various VW models
Multifunction steering wheel switch for various Seat models

Series solutions also for commercial vehicles

OEMs also rely on our steering wheel switches in the commercial vehicle sector.

Multifunction steering wheel switch for DaimlerTruck
Multifunction steering wheel switch for MAN
Multifunction steering wheel switch for PACCAR DAF

Split image with multifunction steering wheel switches from the early days with a four-way button on the left-hand side and modern controls with many switches and buttons and a rotating ring on the right-hand side

Our beginnings - and how it continues

In the commercial vehicle sector, we started equipping trucks and buses with multifunctional steering wheel switches over 20 years ago.
Our first series production for the passenger car sector in 2006 was the four-way control with central push function in the Mercedes S-Class.
Since then, the range of functions has steadily increased and requires solutions such as our integrated switches with touch control button and rotating satellite switch with display.
The intuitive operability of the multifunction steering wheel will continue to play an important role, especially in view of the increasing use of touchscreen operation, which is sometimes questionable.
This always requires new creative solutions - and we find these together with our customers.

Switches

In addition to steering wheel switches, we also offer various switches and switch modules in other areas of the vehicle interior.