7G-TRONIC is at the cutting edge of transmission technology. Seven forward gears mean smaller shifts in engine speed over a wide ratio spread, so you will hardly notice the gearshifts. When shifting down through the gears, 7G-TRONIC’s multiple downshift principle allows it to skip several gears, resulting in faster changes. A torque converter lockup clutch, which is active from first gear, and the transmission control also make for lower fuel consumption and excellent acceleration.

Thanks to the standard-specification direct-shift transmission DIRECT SELECT, the R-Class centre console is free for other uses. The positions of the automatic transmission are set using the selector lever behind the steering wheel. You can select P, R, N and D without taking your hands off the wheel. Two transmission modes are available: "S" for Sport and "C" for Comfort. The current mode is displayed in the instrument cluster. If you want to change gears manually, use the DIRECT SELECT steering-wheel gearshift buttons (with transmission position D engaged). These are included as standard.