Search
Close this search box.
Sign up for our weekly Newsletter

Nine-speed automatic gearbox for the Mercedes E-Class

BeFunky_9G TRONIC _new_nine speed_automatic_transmission_debuts_in_the_Mercedes Benz_E_350_BlueTEC_Mercedes_4530 1.jpg
The Mercedes E 350 BlueTEC is the first car to get the company's new nine-speed automatic gearbox

Share

29 July 2013

The Mercedes E 350 BlueTEC
The Mercedes E 350 BlueTEC is the first car to get the company’s new nine-speed automatic gearbox
 

MERCEDES has announced a new nine-speed automatic gearbox for the E-Class. The 9G-TRONIC, as it is called, will appear first in the six-cylinder E 350 BlueTEC diesel.

Most current Mercedes automatics are seven-speeders, while BMW,  Jaguar and Land Rover make heavy use of ZF’s eight-speed automatics. One other nine-speed automatic – designed by ZF, initially for use in the Range Rover Evoque, was announced earlier this year.

The new gearbox allows a wider range of ratios, with 120km/h (about 75mph) in the very high top gear corresponding to an engine speed of just 1350 rpm, a combination that should make for relaxed cruising and good fuel economy. Mercedes is claiming 5.3 litres of diesel per 100km, equivalent to about 53mpg, while CO2 emissions – 138g/km for the saloon and 144g/km for the estate – benefit too.

Among the other gains from the switch to 9G-TRONIC are quicker shifting and a saving in weight thanks to measures such as the use of aluminium for the torque converter housing.

The new ‘box is suitable for rear-wheel and all-wheel drive cars, and can be used with hybrid and plug-in hybrid drive systems as well. Mercedes says that it will eventually spread to almost all model series and engines in its range.

Share this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit
Email

Want more motoring news?

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

Latest news

Top