7G-TRONIC is the cutting edge of transmission technology and makes for a particularly comfortable drive. Seven forward gears mean smaller shifts in engine speed, 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 gear changes. A torque converter lockup clutch which is active from first gear and the transmission control also make for reduced fuel consumption and optimum acceleration.

Thanks to DIRECT SELECT, the centre console of the R-Class is free for other uses. The positions of the automatic transmission are set simply using the selector lever behind the steering wheel. You can choose between P, R, N and D without having to take your hands off the wheel. Two shift 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, simply push the steering-wheel gearshift buttons, provided as standard.