Mercedes 4MATIC: what is it and how does it work? - Concesur Group

Traditionally, four-wheel drive systems were reserved for off-road vehicles. However, in recent years, this technology has been implemented in street models, more focused on ensuring maximum safety and stability. Thus was born the Mercedes 4MATIC system, our particular all-wheel drive that has been evolving and improving its performance over the past three decades.

The 4MATIC system first came onto the scene in 1987 as part of the optional equipment of the Mercedes E-Class. This first approach to an all-wheel drive system outside of an off-road model was still primary in its operation. In 1992 the Mercedes Benz all-wheel drive system evolved again. But, it would not be until 1998 when this technology is perfected and the second generation of 4MATIC traction appears, again from the hand of the E-Class and the predecessor of the Mercedes GLE, the M-Class.

This new evolution of the Mercedes 4MATIC traction system uses ABS (anti-lock braking system) for the first time as a basis for action. Later, with the third and current generation, this technology integrated electronic stability control, improving safety and performance. In this way, the 4MATIC system has been introduced in more models, reaching a total of twenty different vehicles.

What is the Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel drive system?

Fundamentally, Mercedes 4MATIC technology is a fully automatic four-wheel drive system that has been designed so that your Mercedes Benz always offers the best possible traction and, therefore, allows you to enjoy a pleasant and totally safe driving. This system focuses both on optimizing performance on and off the road, as well as ensuring the high ride comfort that characterizes Mercedes Benz vehicles.

Although its operation is more complete than it appears, the 4MATIC system integrates a number of indispensable parts in addition to the ABS system and electronic stability control. We are talking about components such as an electronic control unit, a double preload clutch mechanism that acts as a self-locking differential, wheel speed sensors, a drive shaft and the 4 ETS (Electronic Traction System).

How does the 4MATIC system work?

The operation of the Mercedes all-wheel drive system is fully automated. It has been developed so that you do not perceive its intervention when you are behind the wheel of your car. To this end, Mercedes 4MATIC can distribute power between the front and rear axles to ensure maximum traction. When driving at low speeds, the system can act simultaneously on up to 3 of the 4 wheels of the vehicle, braking or accelerating the wheels as needed.

For example, when one of the car's wheels loses traction, either due to weather conditions or the state of the road, the 4MATIC system detects this and intervenes immediately. The control unit detects the difference in speed between one wheel and the others via the speed sensors. The braking system then comes into play to balance the difference in the rotational cadence between the tires.

In the meantime, the electronic control unit sends the signal to the 4MATIC system to distribute the torque in an ideal way. Thus, the grip is improved and the car can overcome the obstacle almost imperceptibly. It takes only a few milliseconds for this entire operation to take place, so that the driver hardly notices the system's action.

Which models can be equipped with 4MATIC?

The 4MATIC system is focused on maximizing safety and stability in Mercedes Benz passenger cars. More and more vehicles can be equipped with this technology, either as standard or as part of the optional equipment. At Mercedes we work to make driving our cars simple, comfortable and, above all, safe. 

Mercedes compacts with 4MATIC

The compact range of Mercedes Benz, with the A-Class and A-Class Sedan at the forefront, can also be equipped with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Alongside them, models such as the CLA Coupé, the CLA Shooting Brake or the B-Class are available as standard with front-wheel drive or 4MATIC as an option. You will find the all-wheel drive system available in the 250 4MATIC and 200 d 4MATIC versions.

Mercedes SUV with 4MATIC

Our practical SUVs, including the Mercedes GLA and GLB (200 d 4MATIC, 220 d 4MATIC and 250 4MATIC) also offer this configuration in various powertrains. We cannot forget the successful GLC (200 d 4MATIC, 220 d 4MATIC, 200 4MATIC, 300 d 4MATIC, 300 e 4MATIC and 300 4MATIC), nor its big brother, the GLE 300 d 4MATIC. GLE 300 d 4MATIC350 e 4MATIC, 350 d 4MATIC, 350 4MATIC and 450 4MATIC). Finally, the GLS (350 d 4MATIC, 400 d 4MATIC, 450 4MATIC and 580 4MATIC) and the G-Class SUV also offer all-wheel drive.

Mercedes sedans and station wagons with 4MATIC

The sedans - and their derivatives - of Mercedes Benz, as in the origins of the 4MATIC system, are also available in different configurations with all-wheel drive. From the C-Class (220 d 4MATIC and 300 d 4MATIC) to the S-Class (350 d 4MATIC, 400 d 4MATIC and 500 4MATIC). This system is also found in the E-Class (220 d 4MATIC, 300 e 4MATIC, 300 4MATIC, 400 d 4MATIC and 450 4MATIC), and in the CLS (400 d 4MATIC and 450 4MATIC).

Mercedes electric and commercial vehicles also offer 4MATIC all-wheel drive

Finally, models such as the electric crossover Mercedes EQC (EQC 400 4MATIC) and the V-Class (220 d 4MATIC and 250 d 4MATIC) are also available. Not to mention the Vito and Sprinter commercial vehicles.