Mercedes E-350 Bluetec Introduces Nine-Speed Automatic
Mercedes-Benz has officially introduced the world’s first nine-speed automatic transmission with torque converter in its new E 350 BlueTEC.
The transmission, called 9G-Tronic, will be mated to a six-cylinder diesel engine that will help improve the E 350 BlueTEC’s fuel efficiency. The E 350 BlueTEC will have 252 horsepower from the 3.0-liter, V6 diesel engine.
SEE ALSO: Mercedes Nine-Speed Automatic Coming to US Soon?
But the important story revolves around the 9G-Tronic transmission which has a broad ratio spread of 9.15 for gears one to nine, enabling a clearly perceptible reduction in engine speed, enhancing energy efficiency and overall ride comfort in the vehicle. According to the German automaker, the entire package also cuts down external noise by up to four decibels. Technically speaking, the E 350 BlueTEC will be able to travel at 75 mph in ninth gear at an engine speed of around 1,350 rpm.
It wasn’t just all about cramming nine gears into a new automatic transmission however. The engineers also worked on a compact, lightweight construction for the transmission allowing it to require as little installation space as its predecessor and is lighter.
The nine-speed transmission will be available in Europe on the E 350 BlueTEC, but there’s no definitive word yet on when or if it’ll be coming to the U.S.
GALLERY: Mercedes 9G-Tronic Transmission
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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