What is a CVT?

CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission, a type of automatic transmission with infinitely variable gear ratios. In order to fully answer the question, “What is a CVT?”, transmission designs and behaviors should be compared in detail. Here’s what you’ll need to know to get started:

• Manual transmissions use fixed gear ratios and a driver-controlled clutch in order to bring your vehicle up to speed.
• Automatic transmissions also use fixed gear ratios, but the movements between gears are controlled by the vehicle itself.
• Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) also bring you up to speed automatically, but they don’t use traditional gear ratios at all. Instead they use a pulley system to vary the ratio according to the precise needs of the moment.
• Dual-clutch transmissions, like those you’ll find in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, combine the control and efficiency of manual transmissions with the convenience offered by automatic designs.

How Does a Continuously Variable Transmission Work?

Depending on where you look, you may also see a continuously variable transmission referred to as a shiftless transmission, a stepless transmission, or a pulley transmission. These alternative names already provide plenty of clues for drivers who want to understand what CVTs really do, but here’s a closer look at how a CVT transmission works:

• Instead of shifting between six, seven, or eight fixed gears, a CVT uses a cone-shaped pulley system. These pulleys are connected by a single intervening belt or chain.
• As you drive, the fixed side of the CVT remains in place. The other side moves, extending the length of the chain. The result is what might normally be described as a shift in gears–although here, there is no actual shifting taking place.

CVT Transmissions: Pros & Cons

Traditionally, manual transmissions have been seen as more efficient than automatic transmissions–and with good reason. Shifting between fixed gears without wasting power is a difficult thing for a machine or a computer to do!  CVT transmissions are more efficient than standard fixed-gear automatic transmissions, which means that they’re often found in small cars and subcompact SUVs where fuel economy ratings are most competitive. Take a look at the following CVT transmission pros and cons to get a better sense of why CVTs have become so popular:

Reasons to Choose a CVT

• Efficiency: As we noted above, CVTs are generally more efficient than other types of transmissions. Since a CVT effectively has an infinite number of gears, it can optimize for efficiency to a degree that no 7, 8, or 10-gear automatic transmission can match. CVTs also weigh less than traditional transmissions, thereby helping to conserve fuel.
• Smoother Performance: Since CVTs don’t actually “shift” gears, they deliver a smooth performance that some drivers find appealing.
• Less Expensive: CVTs are often found in non-luxury vehicles, partly because they cost less to make than traditional transmissions. Since they employ a simpler design, they are easier to build.

Reasons to Avoid CVTs

• Less Engaged Driving: Some drivers appreciate the fact that CVTs offer little in the way of feedback, but others enjoy the feeling of taking a car through the gears and bringing it up to speed. CVTs are rarely, if ever, available with gear-shift paddles or other features that let the driver take control.
• CVT Service Costs: If you drive with a CVT, transmission service costs can be higher. That’s partly because CVTs may need to have their fluid changed more frequently than classic automatics. It’s also because technicians who specialize in CVT service are still relatively rare.
• Power Delivery: CVTs might be efficient, but they’re not optimized for power. If you’re looking for a more invigorating daily drive, look elsewhere: a CVT is likely to leave you wanting more.

CVTs vs. Dual-Clutch Transmissions

If you’ve been doing research on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, then you’ll know that a continuously variable transmission isn’t currently offered on any vehicle in our lineup. Instead, our smaller and more efficient vehicles–like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class or the Mercedes-Benz GLB—offer dual-clutch transmissions.  What’s the difference between a CVT and a dual-clutch transmission?

• No Pulley System: While DCTs also offer the efficiency of manual transmissions and the ease-of-use of automatic transmissions (at least in their more modern instantiations), pulleys are nowhere to be found.
• Two Transmissions, One Housing: Instead, this type of transmission resembles two manual transmissions, complete with two clutches, housed together and functioning as a single unit.
• No Loss of Torque in Shifting: In addition to being efficient, a DCT can ‘pre-load’ the next gear before it’s time to shift–allowing you to change gears without any loss of torque to the drivetrain.
• Automatic Capability: The original DCTs still required the driver to shift manually. Today, designs like the 8G-DCT® in the GLB can take you through the gears automatically.

All of these factors have made DCTs, rather than CVTS, the transmission of choice for performance enthusiasts in Westport and Norwalk.

Experience a DCT or Schedule CVT Transmission Service at Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield

If you want to experience the latest in advanced transmission design, don’t wait to start a conversation with Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield. Shop our virtual showroom today, or use our vehicle finder service to locate a model with the transmission that you’ve been searching for.

If you currently drive a vehicle with a CVT and need to service the transmission, let us know! It’s easy to book service online.