this is yet another example of trickle-down technology from racing. I just hope that MB continues in their tradition of ensuring the usability, reliability and longevity of these new designs
(the e-brakes of the new cars for example, are taking some criticism because of their unnatural feel and diffculty of braking smoothly at low speeds).

actually, their more powerful models do not really need 7 speeds, because of their reserves of torque across the rev range.

But customer mindshare and bragging rights are a different matter altogether ...