Impressively SHORT AMG I4 Shift Points (Top Speed by Gear)

daSchtick · 2025-08-14T14:50:30-0500

Ok, so I own a V6 manual, which I thoroughly love. However, while watching some recent videos on the AMG I4, one thing that recently struck me that NO ONE seems to be talking about is the amazingly SHORT gearing on the AMG unit. Just based on what I can see from YouTube, it looks like it shifts out of first around 24 MPH, then out of second around 43 MPH, and out of third around 68 MPH! Holy crap - I had no idea about this! Does anyone have any definitive information on the shift speeds? I cannot seem to find anything online.

One of my main criticisms of the Porsche 718s is that the gearing is far too long to enjoy legally, even with the PDK. This AMG I4 appears to be the antithesis of this issue, and has given me a newfound respect for the AMG unit. I now look forward to trying this out in person at some point, as this really further enhances driver engagement, something missing from so many other cars.

Andy H · 2025-08-14T14:58:18-0500

I don't have any definitive info but I can definitely agree that the lower gears are a lot shorter than any 7 speed DCT I've driven before. So much so that it's actually quite a challenge to manually shift at the red line as everything is happening so quickly! I've learned that it's generally quickest to have the car in sport or track mode and with auto shifting. It also downshifts much more aggressively than other DCTs which means it always stays on boost.

Lotus F1 · 2025-08-14T14:59:46-0500

It is one of the main reasons it is so fast to 100mph over the v6 despite similar horsepower. For one it allows that turbo to spool quickly and stay in its sweet spot. You can't get that with a manual shifter. Too many gears. Short gearing keeps the engine speed closer to optimal gearing speeds and loads.

daSchtick · 2025-08-14T15:12:49-0500

Lotus F1 said:
It is one of the main reasons it is so fast to 100mph ove the v6 despite similar horsepower. It allows that turbo to spool quickly and stay in its sweet spot. You can't get that with a manual shifter. Short gearing keeps the engine speed closer to optimal gearing speeds

Strongly agree. I am just surprised that no one discusses this, as it is a huge benefit of this setup. Having learned about this, had there been no V6 Manual available, I think I would have probably chosen this over a 718 manual for the engagement alone.