When in my 1995 C280, and stopped, then if I floor it to the floor (before kickdown), the engine will only rev up to about 5600 RPM. But if I floor it and use kickdown, the engine will rev to redline @ 6400 RPM. Now I know that peak horsepower is at 5500 rpm for this car. Is there any benefit of keeping it floored past kickdown to get the max RPM out of the engine when accelerating? What is the point of it being like this?

Now I do notice that on all electronic transmission (722.6/ 1997 +), putting the pedal to kickdown makes not difference at all. You don't even have to floor it all the way to get it to get right near redline. I have experienced this on a 1999 S420, 2001 CLK320, and a 1999 E430, so I know this is consistent and the way it's supposed to be.

Also, does anyone know if MBUSA does their 0-60 with it in kickdown (prior to 97, I suppose)??

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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)