Frankfurt Live - 2014 Mercedes E-Class launched with a 9G-Tronic (9-speed) gearbox

With the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 9G-Tronic introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Stuttgart-based car-maker is the first to launch 9-speed gearbox technology in the market. Brands such as Land Rover and Jeep are following suit with their Evoque and Cherokee models respectively, later this year.

The 9-speed gearbox has been developed by ZF (who are also suppliers for Evoque and Cherokee). The transmission would first be introduced on the E Class E 350 Bluetec sedan and estate variants. The 7-speed 7G-Tronic gearbox earlier powering this model has been discontinued.

Performance stats remain the same with 0-100km/h taking 6.6 seconds. Fuel economy has improved from the earlier 18.18km/l to 18.86km/l. CO2 emissions have decreased from 144g/km to 138g/km while external noises have also been cut by 4dB.

Mercedes claim that the 9-speed gearbox offers more spontaneous shifts and an 'enhanced driving pleasure'. To give you an example of what they mean, the E 350 BlueTec can hit 120km/h in ninth gear even if the engine speed is only 1,350rpm.

The 9G-Tronic gearbox would gradually seep into other variants and models in the Mercedes lineup.

Prices for the 9-speed E Class in Germany are as follows:

• Mercedes E 350 BlueTEC Saloon 54,710.25 euros (INR 46.18 lakhs)
• Mercedes E 350 BlueTEC Estate 57,923.25 euros (INR 48.89 lakhs)

[Note: Prices include VAT]

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