A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the four-cylinder models and on the E 280 CDI, E 230 and E 280. Its precise, short-throw action, and optimal matching of engine power, transmission ratios and final drive ratio, make it ideal for sporty yet fuel-efficient driving.

The 4MATIC models are equipped as standard, and the four-cylinder models optionally, with a 5-speed automatic transmission, whose smooth shifting provides a high standard of ride comfort. For sportier shifting, you can simply nudge the selector lever to the left or right, in position "D", to go manually up or down the range.

The 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission, with its seven forward speeds, provides a larger ratio spread between the highest and the lowest gears while at the same time the ratios are also more closely spaced, to ensure optimal engine speeds at all times, reduced fuel consumption and virtually imperceptible gear changes. Multiple downshifting, which allows the 7G-TRONIC to skip gears when changing down, provides faster mid-range acceleration.

The 7G-TRONIC is standard on the E 320 CDI, E 350, E 350 CGI, E 500 and E 63 AMG and optional on the E 280 CDI, E 230 and E 280.