Mercedes-Benz rules out possibility of larger gearboxes

While other manufacturers continue to develop 10-speed transmissions, Marcus Sommer, Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system engineer has revealed that the German carmaker does not plan to go beyond nine gears in its automatic gearboxes. Sommer said that the firm has run 81 billion different computer simulations for gearbox scenarios and believes nine speeds work best.

In India, the nine-speed automatic gearbox made its debut in the recently launched GLE where it is paired to a choice of diesel engines and the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Future models like the new GLS will also use the nine-speed gearbox when launched in India.

The gearbox is also set to make its debut in Mercedes’ AMG models with the next-gen AMG E 63 to become the first to get the unit. It is then expected to make its way into other AMG models in the line-up.

Ford and General Motors are among those committed to developing a 10-speed auto, while the Volkswagen Group has shelved similar plans.