Mercedes-Benz Transmission Types and Versions Overview

Yuxuan
2026-01-17 14:30:08
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Mercedes-Benz utilizes a range of automatic transmissions tailored for different vehicle platforms, performance levels, and powertrain types (combustion, hybrid, electric). The focus has shifted from traditional planetary automatics to advanced multi-speed units and integrated hybrid transmissions. Current models primarily feature either the 9G-TRONIC or dedicated electric drive units.

1. Conventional Automatic Transmissions (Torque Converter)

These are planetary gearset automatics using a torque converter, known for smoothness and durability.

  • 9G-TRONIC (9-Speed Automatic):
    • The flagship automatic transmission for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and 4MATIC (AWD) models with longitudinal engines.
    • Features a wide gear ratio spread (9.15) for both quick acceleration and low cruising RPM.
    • Equipped with a torque converter with a centrifugal pendulum damper for reduced vibration.
    • Applications: S-Class, E-Class, C-Class (higher trims), GLE, GLS, G-Class (with combustion engines).
  • 9G-TRONIC Plug-In Hybrid (9-Speed Automatic for PHEV):
    • A specialized version of the 9G-TRONIC with an integrated electric motor housed within the transmission casing, replacing the traditional torque converter.
    • This creates a compact and powerful hybrid drive unit.
    • Applications: S 580 e, GLE 550 e, and other longitudinal-engine PHEV models.

2. Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DCT)

These provide extremely fast and sporty gear shifts, favored for high-performance and compact models.

  • AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT (7-Speed & 8-Speed):
    • A wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission designed specifically for high torque and performance.
    • The 7-speed variant was used in the previous generation AMG GT and C 63 models.
    • The newer AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G (often referred to in marketing) is technically a 9-speed automatic with a wet start-up clutch replacing the torque converter, offering DCT-like speed. Used in current AMG 63 models.
  • 8G-DCT (8-Speed Dual-Clutch):
    • Used in transverse-engine, front-wheel-drive based platforms (MFA2).
    • Provides quick shifts for compact cars and SUVs.
    • Applications: A-Class, CLA, GLA, GLB, and their AMG 35 variants.

3. Dedicated Hybrid & Electric Transmissions

These are simplified or specially integrated units designed for electric motors.

  • Integrated Hybrid Transmission (For Transverse PHEVs):
    • A specially designed automatic transmission (often an 8-speed unit) that incorporates an electric motor for the front axle in compact PHEVs.
    • Applications: A 250 e, B 250 e, GLA 250 e.
  • Electric Drive Unit (For Dedicated EVs - EQ Models):
    • In dedicated electric vehicles (EQS, EQE), there is no multi-gear transmission in the traditional sense.
    • The electric drive unit consists of a powerful permanent magnet synchronous motor connected to a single-speed fixed-gear reduction box. This provides seamless, instantaneous acceleration without gear shifts.
    • Dual-motor (4MATIC) setups have one drive unit per axle.

4. Historic & Notable Transmissions

Key transmissions that have defined Mercedes-Benz driving characteristics in the past.

  • 5G-TRONIC / 7G-TRONIC: The predecessors to the 9G-TRONIC. The 7-speed 7G-TRONIC was widely used throughout the 2000s and early 2010s.
  • NAG1 (5-Speed Automatic): A robust transmission used in many 2000s-era Mercedes and Chrysler vehicles, known for its strength.
  • Manual Transmissions: Once common, manual gearboxes have been phased out of the Mercedes-Benz passenger car lineup in most markets.

Mercedes-Benz Transmission Reference Table

Transmission Name/Code Type Speeds Key Applications Platform/Drive
9G-TRONIC (722.9) Automatic (Torque Converter) 9 S-Class, E-Class, GLE, GLS Longitudinal, RWD/4MATIC
9G-TRONIC Plug-In Hybrid Automatic with Integrated e-Motor 9 S 580 e, GLE 550 e Longitudinal PHEV
AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G Automatic with Wet Clutch 9 AMG 63 Models (E 63, G 63) Longitudinal, High Performance
8G-DCT Dual-Clutch (Wet) 8 A-Class, CLA, GLA, AMG 35 Transverse, FWD/4MATIC
Integrated PHEV Transmission Automatic for PHEV 8 A 250 e, GLA 250 e Transverse PHEV
EQ Electric Drive Unit Fixed Single-Speed Reduction Gear 1 EQS, EQE, EQC Dedicated Electric Vehicle
7G-TRONIC (Historical) Automatic (Torque Converter) 7 Pre-2017 E-Class, S-Class, ML/GL Longitudinal, RWD/4MATIC

Conclusion: Mercedes-Benz's transmission strategy is platform and powertrain-specific. The 9G-TRONIC automatic remains the workhorse for conventional and mild-hybrid longitudinal vehicles, prized for its refinement. For performance, AMG models use the lightning-fast AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT (wet clutch) or DCTs. Compact, transverse-engine cars rely on the 8G-DCT. The shift to electrification is marked by the 9G-TRONIC PHEV (integrated motor) for hybrids and the simple, efficient single-speed reduction gear in pure EVs. This diversified approach ensures optimal performance, efficiency, and driving character for every model in the lineup.