The S-Class is fitted as standard with the 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission developed by Mercedes-Benz (not available for the S 600 or S 65 AMG). The seven gears make for smaller shifts in engine speed – which means that you’ll hardly notice the gear changes. Having seven gears also reduces the average engine speed and consequently fuel consumption. This automatic transmission is operated using the selector lever of the DIRECT SELECT transmission, which is located next to the steering wheel.
Apart from this, with the setup switch you can choose among three transmission settings: manual, comfort and sporty. The manual gearshifts are carried out with the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel – the way it’s done in motorsport.