Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC
A wide range of “4MATIC” models from passenger cars to commercial vehicles
Current Mercedes-Benz models equipped with 4MATIC were gathered at a snow event held in Ötztal, Austria.
The latest Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC models were lined up at a press driving event in Ötztal, Austria, a tradition held during the snow season.
The lineup is diverse, ranging from passenger car models from the C-Class to the S-Class, SUVs and commercial vans equipped with traditional internal combustion engines (ICE), to models equipped with EQ Hybrid Technology, EQ Technology and E Performance.
At the test drive event, participants could choose from a range of vehicles from the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG lineups. A special bulletproof version for VIPs, the S680 GUARD 4MATIC, was also available. The highlight of the event was the new G-Class, which boasts improved off-road performance and demonstrated its superior off-road capabilities and comfort on snowy courses.
“4MATIC” demonstrates its capabilities on any road surface
4MATIC provides outstanding traction on snowy roads, while its benefits also allow heavy-duty commercial vans to drive stably on normal roads.
4MATIC is available in various specifications depending on the model, including the exact all-wheel drive system and power distribution between the front and rear axles. However, the basic benefits remain the same for all models. In many situations, all-wheel drive ensures greater driving stability, safety and dynamics. However, the improved traction is not only beneficial in high mountains or on snowy roads.
It enhances driving pleasure on normal roads and also allows for the safe towing of heavy trailers. Today, high efficiency is also required of all-wheel drive vehicles, and 4MATIC, which incorporates the latest electronic control systems, is lighter than conventional systems and works with intelligent operation management. It can also be combined with hybrid and fully electric powertrains.
Mercedes’ all-wheel drive cars from the early 20th century
Mercedes-Benz has been researching and developing all-wheel drive technology since its early days. Pictured here is the Dörnburgwagen, the first passenger car with all-wheel drive, built in 1907.
The history of all-wheel drive vehicles at Mercedes-Benz dates back to the early 20th century, when an article in the 1917 issue of Illustrirte Zeitung magazine stated that “Paul Daimler, technical director of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, laid the foundations for four-wheel drive design in 1903.”
Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft supplied the first all-wheel drive vehicles to the Austrian and Prussian armies between 1905 and 1907. Later, in 1907, they produced the first ever all-wheel drive passenger car, the Dernburg-Wagen, which was delivered to German Southwest Africa in 1908. Various all-wheel drive prototypes were built during this period.
Mercedes-Benz first introduced its all-wheel drive system under the name “4MATIC” in 1985. Since then, the system has been continuously developed to meet the highest demands in terms of traction, safety and driving dynamics, and to be flexibly adapted to a wide range of model variations and the latest drive technologies.
