What does the S gear in an automatic transmission car mean?
2 Answers
S gear is the sports mode of a car ("S" stands for "sport" in English). Many automatic transmission cars are equipped with an S gear, and some high-end models of A-class cars also feature an S gear design. In S gear sports mode, the transmission can shift freely, but the shifting timing is delayed, allowing the engine to maintain high RPM for a longer period. The car moves at high RPM in lower gears for an extended time, resulting in greater torque output and acceleration. While driving, you can directly push the gear lever into the "S" gear position, which is typically used for climbing hills and quick overtaking.
The S gear is actually an abbreviation for Sport mode. When driving an automatic transmission car in S gear, the engine speed increases significantly, the shifting timing is delayed, and the power output becomes more direct. For example, when you want to overtake and press the accelerator deeply, the transmission in D gear may hesitate, but in S gear, it directly drops two gears, delivering an immediate push-back feeling, making overtaking particularly crisp. On the highway, continuous lane changes also provide a more responsive handling feel. However, fuel consumption is certainly higher than in D gear, so it's recommended to switch back to D gear during city traffic jams. Some car models also feature a heavier steering wheel and a more resonant exhaust sound in S gear, making the drive quite exhilarating.
