4MATIC: different approaches, but all effective
December 11 2020,
When it comes to all-wheel drive at Mercedes-Benz, we use the term 4MATIC, and the name speaks for itself. However, because each vehicle is not configured in the same way, there are differences between the 4MATIC systems.
A total of six variants can be found throughout the range. Each one excels at producing great wheel grip on any surface. Some 4MATIC systems only send power from one axle to the other, while others are able to send the required amount to a specific wheel.
In order to understand this, let's look at two approaches, 4MATIC and 4MATIC+.
4MATIC
The one called 4MATIC offers a fixed distribution of power, which provides a perfect balance. When things go wrong, the power from the engine is sent to the axle that is in trouble, but no wheel has more power than the other. This system maintains an even distribution of traction which is constant while driving. This means that your Mercedes will always be all-wheel drive. The C 300 sedan takes advantage of this configuration.
Variants are available, such as on front-wheel drive models, for example, where all-wheel drive is variable. When it slips at the front, 50% of the power is sent to the rear. With some new SUVs like the GLE and GLS, 100% of the power can be sent in the front or in the back.
4MATIC +
4MATIC + technology is available with models that carry the AMG nameplate. Here, efficiency is taken to the next level. This 4MATIC + version was developed more recently and is capable of distributing 100% of the engine torque to the rear wheels or front axle. Under normal circumstances, the 4MATIC AMG Performance system is able to distribute torque in a 31/69 ratio for the front and rear, in contrast to the 50/50 distribution of the regular system. With 4MATIC+, there is total flexibility because the system is able to send the exact amount of power exactly where it is needed.
And the transition from the rear wheels to all-wheel drive and vice versa is smooth, because the intelligent control is integrated into the overall vehicle system architecture.
