In the E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, E 500 and E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY models, the standard-specification 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission changes gear for you. Thanks to smaller sudden engine speed changes, an optimum ratio can be maintained at all times. This has the effect of reducing fuel consumption and optimising acceleration. At the same time it produced smoother transitions between the gears. When shifting down through the gears, 7G-TRONIC's direct multiple downshift principle allows it to skip individual gears, making for faster gear changes.
For even sportier progress, you can also operate the 7G-TRONIC transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles, which are included as part of the optional extras of the AMG sports package and dynamic handling package for automatic models (standard for E 500). The two side-mounted buttons behind the wheel permit rapid upshifts and downshifts for even more driving pleasure. As another special feature, keeping the downshift steering wheel gearshift paddle pressed in automatically engages the best gear for rapid acceleration.