You can still have a clutch pedal on a Benz!
Mercedes has added another nail to the MT’s coffin. Due to low demand, the clutch pedal will gradually be phased out starting in 2023. A spokesperson for the three-pointed star, Automobilwoche, stated that buyers have changed their tastes as they prefer plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles.
It’s also cheaper for Mercedes, as Mercedes doesn’t have to spend on manual gearboxes. It’s not widely available, however, as only certain A-Class, CLA, and B-Class models still have a three-pedal configuration. The less expensive configurations, with smaller engines, are more accessible in some markets. This is particularly true for the United States.
Marcus Schaeffer, Mercedes’ R&D chief, warned us in October 2020 about their plan to “eliminate manually transmissions,” so this announcement isn’t surprising. For example, the C-Class W206 is an automatic-only model.
Mercedes already stated that it will offer an EV-only portfolio at the end of the decade, “where market conditions permit.” Mercedes has already stated that it will offer an EV-only portfolio by the end of the decade “where market conditions allow”. This is a 180-degree shift from the EQA, EQB and EQC crossovers strategies. These three models have their roots in ICE architectures.
Mercedes will soon be saying goodbye to the do it yourself gearbox. However, archrival BMW allows drivers to still row their own gears in its base M3 or M4. The teased the M2 (G87). will have a clutch pedal. Lowly models like the 1 Series can still be rented with manuals in certain markets.