Mercedes-Benz introduces 9-speed gearbox

Mercedes-Benz has added a new nine-speed automatic into its line-up as standard equipment on the E350 BlueTec sold internationally.

The new in-house-produced unit, known internally under the name 9G-Tronic, has long been mooted for selected Mercedes-Benz models.

However, its existence was officially denied until the weekend, when Mercedes-Benz's German language website configurator went live with various updates for the E-class line-up - including an entry signalling the 9G-Tronic is now available on the standard rear-wheel-drive E350 BlueTec in place of the older seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox.

The adoption of the 9G-Tronic fails to make any impact on the official E350 BlueTec's 0-100kph acceleration, which remains at 6.6sec. But with two extra ratios and improvements to its stop/start function over the 7G-Tronic unit have helped with better fuel efficiency and reduce emission levels.

Autocar understands the upgraded model now also complies to EU6 emission regulations.