Mercedes-Benz all set to bid adieu to the stick

KUALA LUMPUR: The auto world is at constant war on whether or not the sun has set on the manual transmission front? While the question is impossible to answer, we know that it is just a matter of choice, while some driving enthusiasts like the control in their hand, others enjoy the free flow of motion.

The German automaker, Mercedes-Benz seems to be of the latter opinion and therefore has decided to gradually phase out the manual transmission from its lineup. The reason it says is the low demand for the stick shift and the increasing craze for electric cars.

A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson speaking to Automobilwoche (a German publication) said, “with increasing electrification, we see that customer demand is shifting towards electric mobility components, batteries, and (partially) electric drive systems”.

The automaker plans to make the transition from manual to automatic/electric on a model-by-model basis, so with every next-gen model, we’ll get to see the change.

One of the latest examples is the recently launched Mercedes-Benz C-Class which arrived with an all-automatic gear setup.

The Mercedes models with a manual gearbox option are just limited to the A-Class, B-Class, and the CLA. Also, a few entry-level variants with lease engine options can be seen with the manual pairing.

Further, seeing the low demand for the manual gearbox, it makes sense for the automaker to focus its investment on automatic units. And rightfully, Mercedes has committed a major chunk of its investment to the EV wing. The automaker has already revealed two electric-car-based platforms that will support its future EVs. Also, the combustion engine options that it will reveal before the EV switch will be based on the new platforms.

Apart from Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen is another automaker that will eradicate manual transmission from its range by 2023. As for BMW, it is also slowly discontinuing manual gearbox from its range.

What are your thoughts on the manual gearbox phasing out drive-by several automakers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Also Read: 5-star safety rating awarded to Kia EV6, Volvo C40, & Mercedes-Benz C-Class