What is Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® and How Does it Work?

If you’re shopping for luxury vehicles, there are several features you should look at and compare. For example, most brands offer powertrain options with various performance levels, and in-vehicle tech has improved to reach must-have status. Then, of course, there are all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems that provide impressive traction and control over different road surfaces and in inclement weather.

Mercedes-Benz has its 4MATIC® AWD system, which varies from other manufacturers in several ways. Vehicles equipped with 4MATIC® systems offer enhanced traction and improved safety. To help understand this complex system, we asked our 4MATIC® experts at Mercedes-Benz of Tyler to explain how it works.

A Brief History of All-Wheel Drive

Gottlieb Daimler invented the car, truck, and motorcycle in the late 19th century. He was also instrumental in the founding of Mercedes-Benz. So, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that his son sketched the first designs for an AWD system in 1903. As a result, the Dernburg-Wagen was introduced in 1907. This was the first AWD vehicle for everyday use and featured all-wheel steering.

The Unimog, an all-wheel-drive vehicle engineered for agricultural use, appeared in 1951. Ideally suited to farming and construction, this go-anywhere vehicle enjoyed decades of success.

Then, 1972 saw the first designs for the Gelandewagen, a cross-country SUV fit for municipal, military, and industrial use but with the trappings to make it desirable for civilian driving.

It took seven years, but in 1979, the first production of the Gelandewagen began by hand in Austria. It was dubbed the G-Model and is still handcrafted in Austria today. You may know it as the Mercedes G-Class.

In 1985, Mercedes unveiled its first 4MATIC® AWD system in a passenger car at the Frankfurt auto show. After that, Mercedes expanded the 4MATIC® into the E-Class sedans featuring an electronic locking differential.

Ten years later, the M-Class arrived. This model had the first-ever electronic traction system (ETS). In 1999, Mercedes added its 4-ETS feature to the E-Class sedans and wagons. Nine years later, Mercedes introduced a new generation of 4MATIC® technology. This lightweight system weighed under 200 pounds and first appeared on the CL 550 Coupe.

Today, Mercedes has 4MATIC® on every vehicle they manufacture, including coupes, sedans, and SUVs. You can get 4MATIC® regardless of gas, diesel, hybrid, or electric powertrain configurations.

What Is 4MATIC®?

To understand 4MATIC®, you must first understand the difference between two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. With two-wheel drive, the engine sends torque to one axle, either the front or rear, while an all-wheel-drive system simultaneously provides power to the front and rear axles. This dispersal of power produces better traction under adverse conditions.

However, 4MATIC® takes the AWD system to the next level. Instead of sending power to the rear and front axle, 4MATIC® distributes power to all four wheels independently. When the system detects wheel slippage, it sends torque to the wheels with the most grip to keep you moving and under control. This technology also improves handling on dry pavements for a more thrilling driving experience.

Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® Systems

Mercedes makes several variants of its 4MATIC® AWD system. Some versions are always enabled, while others you can activate manually or work automatically on-demand.

4MATIC® Permanent All-Wheel Drive

With 4MATIC® Permanent AWD, you’re always in AWD. This system divides the torque between all four wheels by measuring wheel spin, vehicle speed, and so on. As a result, you get better performance on dry roads and enhanced traction and control when the surface gets slippery.

4MATIC® Variable All-Wheel Drive

This version of 4MATIC® toggles between front-wheel drive and AWD. Under normal driving conditions, this system only sends power to the front axle. However, detecting the need for more traction automatically diverts energy to the rear axle to help. As a result, this system improves fuel efficiency while providing additional traction when necessary.

4MATIC® All-Wheel Drive

With this system, 4MATIC® calculates the ideal torque distribution as you drive. Typically, this system sends power to the rear axle before distributing it forward when it detects you need the additional grip.

Mercedes-Benz Driver-Assist Technology

The 4MATIC® AWD provides exceptional traction and control. However, Mercedes designed a suite of driver-assist technologies to enhance control and safety further. The suite includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC. Working with your cruise control system, DISTRONIC lets you set a preferred speed while in traffic. Then, as the vehicle ahead slows, the system automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance.

Active steering assist tracks your Mercedes when traveling within marked lanes. This system provides subtle steering input to keep you centered in your lane, helping reduce driver fatigue. In addition, the evasive steering assist system offers additional torque to help you steer quickly and accurately in emergency maneuvers.

The active brake assist with cross-traffic function system can anticipate potential collisions. It will alert you when it detects a possible accident and activate emergency brake support if you react slowly. And an active emergency stop assist system works with the active brake assist system to bring you to a complete stop if necessary.

You can enable the active speed limit assist system, which detects speed limit signs and automatically adjusts your speed to stay within the limit. In addition, Mercedes has an active lane-keeping assist system that will return your vehicle to its lane if you drift out unintentionally.

The active blind-spot assist system gives you eyes where you usually can’t see. If a vehicle is in your blind spot when you make a lane-changing maneuver, the system alerts you and provides steering input to avoid a collision.

In addition, Mercedes has an active lane change assist system that automatically moves you to the lane you signal for when it’s safe if the indicator remains active for several seconds.

Mercedes now includes PRESAFE® PLUS and PRESAFE® Sound to enhance safety further. PRESAFE® PLUS prepares the cabin if the system detects imminent collision by closing the windows and adjusting vehicle settings. PRESAFE® Sound emits a tone designed to limit hearing damage during a crash.

Find a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® Vehicle in Tyler.

Now that you understand 4MATIC®, upgrading your Tyler commute with a capable Mercedes-Benz car or SUV makes sense. Check out our online inventory or visit our showroom for a personal demonstration.

Mercedes Benz GLC Coupe 250d 4MATIC® 2019 by RL GNZLZ is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0