AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT uses a wet starting clutch in place of a torque converter. In the pre-facelift W213 E63 S’s nine-speed version, Mercedes-AMG described that replacement as a way to save weight and improve response to accelerator inputs, particularly during acceleration and load changes. Sources
Planetary gears with a wet starting clutch
MCT retains a planetary-gear automatic architecture. Mercedes-Benz’s original X218 CLS63 AMG record pairs a planetary gear group and electrohydraulic control with a wet starting clutch. The geartrain selects the ratios; the starting clutch handles the connection for pulling away. MCT means Multi Clutch Technology, but this starting-clutch design differs from a DCT dual-clutch transmission. Sources
The E63 S application
The pre-facelift W213 E63 S saloon paired this nine-speed MCT with its 4.0-litre biturbo V8. Hardware and software were developed together: the launch-clutch substitution was accompanied by transmission programming for rapid multiple downshifts and rev-matching. Sources
Seven speeds before nine
The original W212 E63 AMG already used a seven-speed MCT with a wet clutch replacing the torque converter. Hong Kong’s 13 November 2009 launch/test report reproduced the local manufacturer text describing that arrangement with the naturally aspirated 6,208 cc V8, four transmission programmes, downshift rev-matching and RACE START. Sources
Sources
- Mercedes-AMG / Mercedes-Benz USA, The new 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Sedan, 25 October 2016, “Short shift times, high efficiency: the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT nine-speed sport transmission.” Explicit wet starting clutch in place of torque converter, weight/response rationale and transmission software functions.
- James Chan, Car1.hk, Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ 超急房跑, 27 July 2017. Hong Kong nine-speed E63 S example and explicit distinction from DCT.
- Car1.hk, 初試全新 Benz 平治 E63 AMG (視像), 13 November 2009. Local test and reproduced manufacturer launch text: original naturally aspirated W212 E63 AMG, seven-speed MCT, wet starting clutch instead of torque converter and control programmes.
- Mercedes-Benz Public Archive, CLS63 AMG, 2012–2014, type218.974 / X218. Technical fields identify AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed, wet starting clutch, planetary gear group and electrohydraulic control.