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NEWS
April 7, 2015
Mercedes-Benz Installs 9-Speed Automatic Transmission in E-Class
Mercedes-Benz E 350 BlueTEC 9G-Trionic |
Mercedes-Benz E 350 BlueTEC 9G-TRONIC
Mercedes-Benz Installs First 9-Speed AT in E 350 BlueTEC
Mercedes-Benzhas installed the "9G-TRONIC" torque converter type 9-speed automatic transmission in theE 350 BlueTECand announced it.
Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)
Mercedes Leads the Way with More Gears
Automatic transmissions are increasingly featuring more gears in Europe and America, aiming to improve environmental performance. Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will equip theE-Class"E 350 BlueTEC" with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
This model is also available in Japanbut in Europe, the 7-speed automatic 7G-TRONIC PLUS equipped models achieve fuel economy of 6.0-5.5 L/100km (6.2-5.7 L/100km for the station wagon) and CO2 emissions of 157-144g/km (162-152g/km).
With the introduction of the 9-speed automatic, this is expected to reduce fuel consumption to 5.3 L/100km (5.5 L/100km) and CO2 emissions to 138g/km (144g/km).
According to Mercedes-Benz, the gear changes are so quick and smooth that occupants barely notice them. Another benefit of adopting this 9-speed automatic is improved comfort due to the engine speed being kept low during normal driving. Specifically, at 120 km/h in ninth gear, the engine speed remains at 1,350 rpm. Mercedes-Benz also states that the rapid gear changes enhance driving enjoyment during sporty driving with manual gear selection.
Incidentally, this transmission can handle up to 1,000 Nm of torque and is virtually unchanged in weight and size compared to the previous 7-speed automatic. The torque converter is made of lightweight aluminum, while the transmission housing and oil pan are made of magnesium alloy.
Although it is currently paired with the E 350 BlueTEC, this 9-speed automatic transmission can be used not only in rear-wheel-drive models but also in four-wheel-drive, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models.
The 9G-TRONIC equipped E 350 BlueTEC will be released in Germany in September. The sales price will remain unchanged despite the transmission update.