Which car manufacturer introduced the first seven-speed automatic transmission?

Mercedes-Benz introduced the first seven-speed automatic transmission in a production passenger car.

Its 7G-Tronic transmission, also known by the engineering designation 722.9, debuted in 2003. Mercedes-Benz initially fitted it to several V8-powered models, including the E500, S430, S500, CL500 and SL500. It replaced the company’s five-speed 5G-Tronic automatic.

Adding a seventh forward gear gave the transmission a wider overall spread. Lower gearing helped acceleration, while a taller top gear could reduce engine speed, noise and fuel consumption during cruising. Electronic control allowed the gearbox to skip gears when appropriate.

A common mix-up is confusing the first seven-speed automatic with later seven-speed dual-clutch or automated-manual systems. The 7G-Tronic was a conventional longitudinal automatic with a torque converter. It remained in production in various applications until 2020, before Mercedes-Benz moved to newer nine-speed designs.