The newly developed 6-speed manual transmission, which has already been deployed in the new A-Class, is superbly tuned to the engine output, gear spacing and final-drive ratio of the new CLA and features short and precise shift travel.

It includes the ECO start/stop function which reduces fuel consumption and emissions as the engine is switched off under certain conditions when the vehicle is at a standstill. In addition a display in the instrument cluster supports a particularly efficient driving style by providing gear change recommendations.

The 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, which was specially redeveloped for the compact class, combines comfort, sportiness and economy in a totally unique way. The 7G-DCT automatic transmission system is an automatic 3-shaft dual clutch transmission system and has seven speeds and a reverse gear. Both clutch operation and gear change are fully automatic. Thanks to the dual transmission, shifting to the next higher or lower gear is instantaneous, with no loss of tractive power.

Seven forward gears: The transmission system consists of two sub-transmissions, each with its own clutch. Both clutch actuation and gear change are fully automatic, thus allowing particularly smooth gear shifting without any loss of tractive power.

Three transmission modes: the "Economy“, "Sport“ and "Manual“ gearshift programmes that can be preselected using a switch on the centre console each have different gear-change characteristics and speeds. In "Sport“ mode gears are changed up only at higher engine revs and are changed down earlier than in "Economy“ mode; in "Manual“ mode drivers with a sportier style can manually shift using the integral steering wheel gearshift paddles.

Lower fuel consumption: the ECO start/stop function temporarily switches off the engine at stop lights and in traffic.

Extra comfort and safety: An ergonomic DIRECT SELECT lever as well as the cruise control and SPEEDTRONIC functions also form part of the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission.

The optimised manual transmission, which has a longer gear ratio, offers short shift travel and a particularly long ratio for the E-gear. With an appropriate driving style, it can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions output, in particular when driving on country roads and motorways.