zf 9 speed in 2014 E class in Europe for now
 

http://www.tflcar.com/2013/07/news-m...-class-models/

"The 9G-Tronic unit is currently available only on the European-spec E350 Bluetec with the 3.0-liter diesel, but not on any North American Mercedes products. However, with other 9-speed autos from other European makers (namely, Land Rover) soon on their way to the US, expect the 9G-Tronic unit to be available within the next year on much of the Mercedes-Benz lineup."

Just read this too. Astonishing that it's already out and we haven't heard anything about it yet (thanks to it sneakily making its way into an M-B without even an "official launch" of it yet). Can't wait to see how this new tranny is and can't wait for M-B to move past the seemingly endless era of the 7G who IMO has become an anchor to the newer motors, namely the TTV8.

Getting closer and closer to that CVT.

We've got a 2010 RX450h AWD with CVT and I have to say that this it drives super smooth. Off the line (with the electric motors) is super quick, plentry of torque to the road and an overall 26+ MPG.

Call me old school but I am still wishing for this to happen for Mercedes.

http://www.autoguide.com/gallery/gal...che+911+05.jpg

Sure, but a CVT can't handle the power requirements. The belt slips.