[kdbcom]

Section below reproduced courtsey of Baby Benz

This backs up my statement on the adaptive driving program in the S mode also there is a point raised regarding the downhill gradients & variable engine braking


Apologies for the long gap down to the extract from Baby-Benz it comes a fair way down the page



To control the AUTOTRONIC functions Mercedes-Benz has developed a powerful microprocessor which is integrated into the transmission. It is linked to the electronic network in the new A-Class via a data bus and also processes the signals from various transmission sensors. These include:

Speed sensors for the primary and secondary discs, as well as the output shaft
Temperature sensor for the transmission oil
Pressure sensor for the secondary discs
Sensor for the selector lever position
The electronic control unit uses the numerous sensor data to calculate the current vehicle speed, the actual torque at the transmission’s input shaft, the flow rates required for the electro-hydraulic transmission control system and the gearshift strategy, i.e. selection of the most suitable ratio and the action of the torque converter lockup clutch. Other parameters relevant to the shift strategy are also included in the calculation process. The transmission control system is also able to take into account the vehicle load, uphill or downhill gradients, the longitudinal and lateral acceleration of the A-Class and the individual style of driving, for example. In this way AUTOTRONIC selects the most suitable ratio for every operating condition and driver requirement.



This is referenced to A class but presumably the B class should be the same


















































the engine speed is lower at constant speed
The most suitable ratio is always selected on downhill gradients
There is a variable engine braking effect on downhill gradients
Acceleration:
The ratios are changed without interrupting tractive power
The engine reaches its rated output more rapidly
Flexibility:
The engine always performs at its best possible operating point
These advantages ensure a considerable improvement in driving pleasure and performance.
Choice of three shift programs
The new AUTOTRONIC is just as easy to operate as a conventional Mercedes automatic transmission. The selector lever positions "P", "R", "N" and "D" correspond to the familiar shift gate. Pressing a button enables the driver to choose between two shift programs: "C" for Comfort and "S" for Sport.
In the Comfort program the transmission keeps the engine speed at the lowest possible level, so that for instance the A-Class accelerates gently and uses less fuel. In the Sport program AUTOTRONIC becomes adaptive: it automatically recognises the individual style of driving and adapts the gearshift strategy accordingly. If the driver has a more sporty driving style, for example, the transmission makes higher performance reserves available by raising the engine speed, while in the case of a more relaxed, comfort-oriented style the engine speed is reduced