The continuously variable multitronic automatic transmission combines the superior ride comfort of an automatic with economy.
The technical basis of the multitronic is a power-transmitting steel link-plate chain, which runs in an oil bath between two variable conical pulleys. This allows a practically unlimited number of gear ratios. Adaptive map control regulates the multitronic so that the optimum engine speed range is always used. This achieves smoother acceleration compared with conventional automatic transmissions. Because of this control close to the optimum operating point, fuel consumption is in some cases lower than with a manual gearbox.