Does the Tiptronic Have an S Gear?
3 Answers
Tiptronic has an S gear. The S gear generally belongs to an aggressive driving state. Meaning of S gear: S is not the manual mode but the sport mode. S is the first letter of SPORT, just like D is the first letter of DRIVE. When shifting into the S gear, the transmission will restrict upshifting, keeping the engine at a higher RPM to delay gear changes, ensuring the engine operates within a larger torque output range for enhanced power. Function of S gear: The S sport gear is typically used for more aggressive driving, while the manual mode is represented by the + and - signs on the right side of D. When the gear lever is in the D position, shifting directly to the right engages the manual mode. At this point, the dashboard will display the current gear. Pushing the lever upward (+) shifts to a higher gear, while pulling it downward (-) shifts to a lower gear. This keeps the engine at a higher RPM to delay gear changes, ensuring the engine operates within a larger torque output range for improved power.
I've driven several automatic transmission cars with manual mode, including models from Volkswagen and Toyota, and they basically all have an S gear. The S gear stands for Sport mode. After switching to it, the engine RPM is maintained at a higher level, and the gear shifting is delayed, making the car feel more powerful, especially when overtaking or climbing hills. However, fuel consumption also increases by about 10%-15%, so I usually use the D gear for commuting to save fuel, and only occasionally switch to S gear for fun on highways or mountain roads. The automatic transmission with manual mode combines the functions of both automatic and manual transmissions. The manual mode allows you to control the gears using the gear lever, increasing driving freedom. If your car's manual doesn't clearly mention it, you can check the center console buttons or steering wheel paddle shifters—many modern cars come with this feature, and it's quite convenient to use. Just remember not to run at high RPM for extended periods to prevent wear and tear on the components.
As a long-time car enthusiast, I'm absolutely certain that automatic transmissions with manual mode often feature an S (Sport) gear. When shifted to S, the transmission logic becomes more aggressive, delaying upshifts to keep RPMs near the redline, delivering instant response and stronger acceleration - it's exhilarating on the track. Compared to D gear's smoothness, S mode sacrifices some fuel efficiency, but paired with paddle shifters in manual mode, you can truly experience driving pleasure. Most brands like Honda Civic or Ford Focus equip it as standard, activated via button or gear selector. Note that high-load operation may accelerate wear, so moderate use during daily driving makes driving more fun while extending lifespan.
