rominl

iTrader: (4)

9 speed?! really.....?!

Insomnia

yup ! after that expect an 11 speed from lexus :P

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Of course, more gear ratio = higher efficiency. Doesn't matter how much we think is unnecessary.

10 speeds is just around the corner, they are just bringing it out as needed.

I am just wondering when does it end? 12~15 speeds?

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Nice, FINALLY some new techs to check out.

Really absolutely nothing new came out on cars for like 4~6 years now, it is getting so boring.

UberNoob

before we know it, 25 gears
its like driving a semi...

rominl

iTrader: (4)

when? try now? even the 8 speed on lexus i am not really sure about the need vs cvt already

it does matter when the gear box keeps on shifting here and there. on local driving i already felt my ls460l was shifting quite often

Fizzboy7

Fender flares belong on trucks. Glad to see them gone. New body looks promising. Picture a snazzy version of the new A class front end and there you have it. Their last concept car about two months ago also had the same front, but I forget the name of it.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

We all agreed most CVT feels like crap, although I think the CVT in the 450h/600h feels fine, but someone pointed it out that those CVT are different type.

Even we all think 8-speed "feels" enough, but the needs and want for higher efficiency never end, auto maker is trying to find every last MPG, more gear ratio is definitely one cheap simple answer. More gear ratio helps in acceleration too, so I love it, the more the better as long as is not a stick.

Maybe I am different, as long as the shifts are REALLY smooth like in the Lexus, all the shifting doesn't bother me. Actually I like it, the more the better, it feels like is always in the power band. I love the 8-speeds in the Lexus and Hyundai.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

that's exactly the problem. the idea is to always shift up asap to save gas. but as soon as you need power, it starts downshifting and looking for the right gear again.

it's not bad in the ls460l, but like i said i could feel it hunting for gears every time i wanted to take on it.

after certain point it's just diminishing return, applies to everything. not to mention weight / complexity, etc...

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

I think 7 speed is enough already, anything more is over kill. Just improve the shift speed and smoothness ( Mag reviews always complaint about MB's 7 speed gear box, even in AMG form). As more gears better accelerantion, I don't really agree since every shift requires extra time, so 2 shifts to 60 is faster than 3 shifts to 60.

RXSF

it has like a maybach/CL rear. I hope they have more under their sleeve than that

Kaydee

I like it...Merc has never messes about with their flagship sedan.

T0ked

iTrader: (2)

Looks more subdued than the current model. I like the fender flares as I think it gives it more character. Too smooth and slab sided makes it look plain and disappear in the crowd like Audis. But it still looks handsome.