How to Use the Gear Paddles in a Mercedes-Benz?
2 Answers
First, sit in the driver's seat, fasten your seatbelt, press the brake pedal, and turn the key. Wait for the vehicle's electrical system to power up completely, then start the engine. The gear paddles are usually located on both sides of the steering wheel, near the wiper and turn signal controls. There is one on the left and one on the right, used for upshifting and downshifting respectively. Gradually press the accelerator pedal and wait for the RPM to reach approximately 2000 or above before upshifting again. The current gear can be viewed on the instrument panel. Generally, vehicles equipped with gear paddles do not have a gear lever, so many people are unsure how to engage reverse gear. The reverse gear is typically activated via a button.
I remember trying the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel when driving a Mercedes-Benz, and they were super convenient. While driving, you don’t need to stop—just gently flick them: the left paddle is for downshifting, which increases engine torque, perfect for climbing hills or overtaking—it feels like the car suddenly gains power; the right paddle is for upshifting, which lowers the RPM and saves fuel, making for a smooth transition on the highway. After use, it automatically switches back to D mode after a few minutes. If you want to return immediately, just pull the column shifter once. Don’t use them too often—for example, in city traffic, it’s better to let the automatic transmission handle things for peace of mind, but they’re fun to play with on the highway. Beginners should be careful—if you make a mistake with the paddles, the system will protect the car by preventing excessively high RPMs. Most Mercedes-Benz models are similar in this regard, and the column shifter design is quite user-friendly.
