What is Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC system?

Four-wheel drive systems are found throughout the industry today. Manufacturers have realized that consumers are asking for more. At Mercedes-Benz, the buyer’s demand has long been met with the 4MATIC system.

What you have to understand, however, is that even though the devices have the same objective, which is to give us more grip, they don't all work the same way. Here's what differentiates Mercedes-Benz's approach.

A symbiosis of systems

At Mercedes-Benz, it's not enough to offer vehicles whose only safety feature is that all four wheels have the ability to come alive at the same time. That's why 4MATIC technology is part of a set of systems that ensure optimum safety. For example, the all-wheel drive system works in concert with other vehicle safety devices (ABS brakes, stability control, electronic traction, etc.) to provide a maximum reassuring experience.

In this way, when one of the systems detects, for example, a loss of traction, this is when the necessary signal is sent to the 4MATIC system so that it can start to distribute the power where it is required. The beauty of this is that behind the wheel, you can't see anything, because the reaction of the components is so instantaneous that it's imperceptible.

The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system also works in conjunction with the gearbox of the vehicle. The latter is able to understand, in real time, the situation of each wheel of the vehicle in order to react accordingly. In fact, it's as if all of the vehicle's systems are talking to each other in order to plan the correct response of the 4MATIC system. And all this while you relax on board.

Not just useful in winter

There is a tendency to associate all-wheel drive with winter driving conditions. While it is true that it is in these situations that the benefits of such a mechanical configuration are most realized, it is important to know that the gearbox works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. On a winding or wet road, for example, all four wheels are constantly on alert and if the slightest deviation is detected, power is distributed to ensure the vehicle's stability. With most models, up to 70% of the torque can be transferred to the rear, although the natural distribution is usually 55/45 (front and rear). Again, everything is imperceptible on board. So there's a nuance; the 4MATIC system on a front-wheel drive vehicle will differ from that on a rear-wheel drive model. Each 4MATIC system is configured to adequately serve the vehicle on which it is mounted.

At all times and under all circumstances, therefore, the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system is there to ensure your safety.