ZF Lifetec Launches Transformable Steering Wheel

On September 7, ZF LIFETEC announced that it will showcase a groundbreaking steering wheel concept at the IAA Mobility show from September 9 to 12, 2025. This steering wheel system is equipped with a built-in electric drive mechanism that can fold the rim downward in about two seconds, allowing automakers to integrate smooth and quiet retraction features into the dashboard. This paves the way for flexible, personalized interior concepts.Interior of the Future，The future interior has created space. The deformable steering wheel provides greater comfort and space when parked and in future autonomous driving modes.

Image source: ZF LIFETEC

The steering wheel is not just a control element; it is the core interface between the driver and the vehicle. It represents quality, handling, and the emotional connection between the driver, the vehicle, and the road. The tactile experience provided by the steering wheel not only engages the senses but also boosts driving confidence. However, the shift towards autonomous driving is fundamentally changing people's expectations of the steering wheel. "With the deformable steering wheel, we have developed a forward-looking concept that establishes a context-related connection between manual driving and autonomous driving," explained Harald Lutz from ZF LIFETEC. "It perfectly combines classic functionality with new freedoms in interior design."

The concept is based on a traditional steering wheel equipped with all common control buttons. The driver's airbag is integrated into the center hub of ZF's new deformable LIFETEC steering wheel. In autonomous driving or parking mode, the steering wheel rim can fold downwards. According to the interior design concept of the automaker, this feature allows the steering wheel rim to be retracted into the dashboard.

The steering wheel folding time is only two seconds, enabling quick switching between driving modes. The central indicator light uses different colors to clearly indicate the current mode, making it easy to identify even under low visibility conditions such as night driving.

Consumers have a wide variety of travel options. Whether for work, leisure, or multimedia consumption, people are spending more and more time inside their vehicles. This trend is especially evident in the Asian market, where there is a clear demand for spaces that combine comfort and functionality. The concept of the ZF LIFETEC deformable steering wheel is designed to support the evolution of future vehicle interiors. It can create more space during parking or autonomous driving and supports the development of flexible and customizable interior solutions.

Thanks to the integrated anti-pinch protection feature, this steering wheel also ensures maximum safety during daily use. The system can protect limbs (such as fingers or hands) from being pinched during movement. The ZF LIFETEC deformable steering wheel concept can be adjusted according to the specific needs of customers, providing flexible solutions for various application scenarios. Depending on the specific use case, integration requirements can be met through a customized development approach.