I actually expected Mercedes-Benz would already have the new S-Class at the presentation equip with a new gearbox. The seven-speed automatic from our own house is now getting on in years. Traditionally, Mercedes-Benz produces the gearboxes themselves. Other premium manufacturers rely on ZF's significantly more modern 8 stepped gearbox.
In Friedrichhafen, Dr. Dörr (Mercedes-Benz, Head of Development Transmission) a few days ago, the new transmission for the models with longitudinal engine and (primary) rear-wheel drive before. Nine gears are thus the future at Mercedes-Benz.
Quote:
The nine-speed automatic offers a “harmonic gradation” with a spread of 9,15. Compared to the seven-speed version, consumption should be reduced by an average of 6,5 percent. It is designed for torques of up to 1000 Nm and offers the “first fully integrated, electronic direct control”. Daimler has patented the concept with four planetary gear sets and six shift elements. In addition to lower fuel consumption, Daimler considers the most important advantages to be maximum agility and spontaneity as well as excellent gearshift comfort.
The new automatic transmission will offer the possibility for start / stop functions in the series. In addition, the new nine-speed automatic transmission as well as the previous 7 automatic transmission will be adapted for pure rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and also for hybrid variants. And for the AMG models, there will again be a variant with a starting clutch instead of a converter.
When this new nine-speed automatic comes into the S-Class is not yet clear. However, after the S-Class was introduced only a few days ago with the 7 automatic gearbox and is not yet delivered, probably still two years pass, is changed with a first model maintenance and the transmission variant.
Whether the new C-Class (comes 2014) will be the first model with the new nine-stage transmission?