Overlap control

Gearshifts in the 8-speed automatic gearbox are performed as overlapping gearshifts. For this reason, freewheels are no longer used.

The adaptive transmission control unit makes driving with automatic transmission as pleasant as possible. The vehicle detects the driver's intentions and driving style as far as possible and adapts the shifting strategy accordingly. Additionally the vehicle condition and the driving situation are taken into account. There are different adaptation modes for the D driving program in the new 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The adaptive transmission control unit adapts optimally to individual driver's choices. The driver can concentrate on steering, accelerating and braking. Gear changes are actuated independently from the respective driving situation and the driveability. The following driving situations are taken into account:

• Winter or summer
• With/without trailer
• At sea level or in mountainous environment

Driving speed and pedal sensor position are additionally detected. In the event of a kickdown the vehicle automatically changes to the gear that offers the best possible acceleration. The adaptive transmission control unit optimally supports the possibility to directly change down across several gears. Flexible shift points in combination with an optimally matching shifting process enable sporty and dynamic driving style, pleasant driving comfort and effective consumption values. In driving program D, driving situation evaluation enables an overlapping of individual or several adaptive functions, such as hill or trailer function. A basic map is selected for driving program D. Driving program D offers the driver comfort-oriented shift characteristics in conjunction with a relatively calm shift pattern.