Just getting used to the auto gearbox on our XE. A question arises, for example if I use the paddle shifter to change down a couple of gears for engine braking say on a steep descent. At what point will the box revert to automatic again. It seems to stay with manual mode for a period after the down changes but doesn`t seem to be for a predetermined period? Grateful for some advice on this.

 

I'm pretty sure is forever until restart or maybe not even then. However I think I noticed one time where I forgot I was on manual and over revved it and it switched automatically. But I could be dreaming and maybe I shifted.

 

If you are in D It will return after a predetermined time. It will change up gear high up in the Rev range,,it will change down to save the engine from stalling.
If you are in sport mode then it will stay as paddle shift until you change it back or restart the car. It will won't change up gears but will down shift so save the engine from stalling.
If you in either D or S and you are in paddle mode, holding the upshift paddle for 3 secs or so it will revert to full auto.
Also regardless of mode if you mash the throttle into the carpet it will down shift.