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When customers arrive at Mercedes-Benz of Atlanta South to tour a vehicle, they often ask, “What is Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC®?” We know you want to fully understand your new Mercedes-Benz before making a purchase, so we created this guide to help answer your questions, including how 4MATIC® All-Wheel Drive works, its benefits, and which vehicles it is available in.
At a glance, Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® All-Wheel Drive enhances traction and creates buttery smooth handling, but there’s much more to this powerful system.
First, know that four-wheel-drive, or 4WD, typically has a fixed 50/50 power split and does not have a power-distributing center differential, gearing things more toward off-road ruggedness. In contrast, an all-wheel-drive, or AWD, system typically sends most of its power to one set of wheels but can use a center differential to adjust front/rear torque distribution automatically. This achieves smoother performance than 4WD but with comparable traction gains. Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® is an advanced form of all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC®, though, is a noteworthy drivetrain that uses advanced technology to more effectively send power to the wheels that need it most. Let’s take a look at the two 4MATIC® systems: Variable and Permanent.
The Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® Variable AWD system is unique because it automatically adjusts from pure front-wheel drive to a 50/50 front-rear split. This variability enables the vehicle to optimize fuel efficiency when the power split is not needed and turn on all-wheel traction when it is needed. This system, which continually monitors for wheel slip, suits drivers who want greater fuel efficiency without sacrificing refined handling.
There is also a 4MATIC® Fully Variable version that can entirely power the front or rear wheels. The 4MATIC® Variable AWD system can be found in the following vehicles:
All electric Mercedes-Benz models operate on a 4MATIC® Fully Variable AWD system. The dual-motor setup allows 4MATIC® to vary the torque distribution between the front and rear axles. It is available in the following models:
True to its name, the 4MATIC® Permanent AWD system features a fixed torque split, continually sending power to all four wheels. This noticeably and consistently improves traction, handling, acceleration, and safety. The 4MATIC® Permanent AWD system can be found in the following vehicles:
Explore some examples of this system with our selection of C-Class vehicles for sale.
For an even greater performance boost, select models of the AMG® performance line are imbued with the 4MATIC® system. These vehicles already deliver incredible performance, and coupled with 4MATIC®, AMG® models like the SL Roadster, GLE Coupe, and GLA SUV can annihilate the competition off the line. You can start by shopping our selection of GLA vehicles for sale to find the right one for you.
The Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® system was developed to send power to both sets of axles via a limited-slip center differential, sometimes called a transfer case, to balance the front and rear torque delivery. This system functions beautifully because it often works in tandem with the Mercedes-Benz four-wheel electronic traction system, or 4ETS®.
The 4ETS® uses strategic sensors on each wheel to deliver torque where needed most, and the brakes compensate for traction loss through rapid pulsing. With 4ETS®, cornering becomes sharper and more precise. The best part about 4ETS® and 4MATIC® is that they are not hastily added features. Every system is fully integrated to work seamlessly, react instantly, and adjust to every scenario. The Mercedes-Benz brand’s spirit of meticulous engineering would have it no other way.
Now that we’ve examined the core components of Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® AWD and its benefits, the next step is understanding how to use its capabilities. As we discussed, 4MATIC® comes in both variable and permanent forms. Because the permanent system is constantly working, there is no need or way to turn it on or off.
Similarly, the variable form automatically toggles between pure front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive based on the conditions. It functions independently without added stress for the driver.
Nearly all vehicles in the lineup are available with Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC®, meaning you can take advantage of its fantastic control and performance regardless of your vehicular preferences. For a closer look at the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® system or specific Mercedes-Benz SUV 4MATIC® AWD models, contact us at Mercedes-Benz of Atlanta South. We invite you to explore GLC vehicles for sale and more today.
The key benefits of 4MATIC® are that it automatically detects a loss of traction and provides power to the wheels that need it most, keeping you safer while also making driving in nearly every condition not only possible but more enjoyable. Because 4MATIC® is available on almost every Mercedes-Benz model, you can experience this responsive drivetrain on a vehicle you love.
Because it functions automatically, there is no need to learn any new functionalities or driving tips to benefit from the 4MATIC® system. You will feel the 4MATIC® difference when behind the wheel, but all the heavy lifting is automated and carried out by the components of 4MATIC®, meaning you can enjoy the ride and explore the performance capabilities of your new vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® vehicles are built to handle slick, snowy, and dry conditions, so whether your Mercedes-Benz has 4MATIC® Variable AWD or 4MATIC® Permanent AWD, you have access to excellent wet-driving capabilities. The available 4ETS® helps you more easily navigate snowy and icy roads, too. Explore the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® systems in more detail at Mercedes-Benz of Atlanta South today.