Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-cylinder models now all get 9-speed auto
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-cylinder models now all get 9-speed auto
Upgrade to 9-speed auto
When the Mercedes C-Class Coupé range was launched in South Africa, the C220d Coupé introduced the 9G-Tronic – yes, as in 9-speed – automatic gearbox in the C-Class. By the time the C-Class Cabriolet arrived in July 2016, the transmission had already been upgraded to all have the 9G-Tronic for the 4-cylinders.
Now, the C-Class line-up has been standardised – all 4-cylinder engines improve from the 7G-Tronic (Mercedes was 1st to market with a 7-speed automatic, years ago) to leapfrog 8 gears straight into a 9-speed automatic.
● Affected models for the sedan: C180, C200, C220d, C250, C250d and C300
● For C-Class estate (a.k.a. T-modell in Germany): C180, C200 and C250d
● For C-Class Coupé line-up: C200 and C300
All Mercedes-AMG C43 models (V6-engined) in sedan, coupé and cabriolet also have the 9G-Tronic.
AMG C63 and C63 S cars retain their sportier-tuned 7-speed autos, though a 9-speed for AMGs is already available with V8 engine in the new E63 S 4Matic+.
Benefits fuel, emissions and performance
The benefits are mainly to chase ever-lower fuel consumption and emissions, so on each engine model these numbers are reduced, for better economy and a longer fuel tank range.
The gear ratios are optimised to be in “the right gear” (easier to attain this using 9 speeds than 7) over various driving circumstances. A spin-off is the improvement in acceleration, whether mid-range or full throttle 0-100 km/h sprints.
While a 6-speed manual remains available as a lower-priced option in all 4 body styles for the C180, C200 and C220d engines, is anyone really buying a C-Class with a manual gearbox?
Prices for C-Class with 9G-Tronic
The range starts at the Mercedes-Benz C180 sedan in base spec (without Exclusive, Avantgarde or AMG Line optioned) with 9G-Tronic automatic at R 519 700 + emissions tax. The top 4-cylinder C-Class is the Mercedes-Benz C300 cabriolet which only links to 9G-Tronic, costing R 814 000 + emissions tax.