The Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC

In the mid-1980s, the time was right to introduce all-wheel drive to other Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. However, the system had to be rethought to meet the requirements, for example, in a sedan. At the 1985 IAA in Frankfurt/Main, engineers presented their creation to the public: 4MATIC, the new all-wheel drive system. It uses the latest technology and incorporates electronics to provide optimal drive in all driving situations.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), introduced in 1978, laid the foundation for this technology. Based on this, the Traction Slip Regulation (ASR) was developed, which regulates the longitudinal forces between the tires and the road not only when braking but also, for the first time, when accelerating, affecting both the brake and the engine torque. Later, the automatic locking differential (ASD, 1985) and, in 1985, the innovative four-wheel drive system 4MATIC followed.

The common feature of these systems is the use of modern microelectronics and hydraulics to detect and limit wheel slip, improving the so-called longitudinal dynamics of the vehicle. The Brake Assist (BAS, 1996), the revolutionary Electronic Stability Program (ESP, 1995), and the electrohydraulic brake system Sensotronic Brake Control (SBCTM, 2001) also use ABS signals.

The 4MATIC works permanently and, in normal driving conditions on grip surfaces, distributes the driving force between the front and rear axles. The ratio can be adjusted depending on the vehicle design, for example, to 40:60 or 48:52 percent (front axle to rear axle). This preserves the dynamic advantages of rear-wheel drive while providing the driver with additional safety reserves.

The 4MATIC made its debut in 1987 in the W 124 series. Starting with the E-Class of the 210 series in 1999, the Electronic Traction System 4ETS was introduced, which takes over the function of differential locks and provides even better performance on poor surfaces. 4ETS is integrated into the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), with its regulation specifically adapted to the all-wheel drive. If one or more wheels lose traction on slippery surfaces, 4ETS automatically and individually brakes the spinning wheels with short impulses and increases the driving torque on the wheels with good traction accordingly. This automatic braking intervention can simulate the effect of up to three differential locks.

The 4MATIC shows its strengths especially in unfavorable weather conditions such as wet roads, icy surfaces, or snow, providing exemplary driving stability and perfect traction. Whether starting off, accelerating, cornering dynamically, or in rough terrain, the system ensures additional traction reserves. In this way, permanent all-wheel drive enhances the already exemplary driving characteristics of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, offering the safety and confidence typical of Mercedes-Benz even in exceptional driving conditions. Although the additional technology adds some weight to the vehicle and results in slightly higher fuel consumption, it is very popular, especially in the mountainous regions of Europe, but also, and particularly, in North America.

Article on 4MATIC in Various Classes

• E-Class (124 / 210 / 211)

• S- and CL-Class (220 / 221 / 216)

• C-Class (203 / 204)

• M-Class (163 / 164 / 166)
• R-Class
• Viano
• GL
• GLK

Promoting 4MATIC

In the winter of 2010, Mercedes-Benz launched a dedicated advertising campaign for 4MATIC, featuring a TV commercial, outdoor advertising, and print ads. The campaign’s message was clear: “It’s cold, it’s wet. It doesn’t matter. The only thing that still makes winter dangerous: the way to your car.”

It was the perfect time to confidently highlight the strengths of 4MATIC. By then, Mercedes-Benz was offering all-wheel drive in ten model series, with the CLS as the latest addition. For the first time, the four-door coupé was available with all-wheel drive in the CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and CLS 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY models. With a torque distribution of 45% to the front axle and 55% to the rear, along with a central differential with a basic locking effect of 50 Newton meters, the CLS 4MATIC was optimized for traction. This setup allowed for high levels of grip by effectively distributing drive torque, while the differential lock could dynamically shift torque between the front and rear axles depending on road conditions. As a result, electronic stability systems like ESP®, 4ETS, and ASR intervened later, ensuring that most of the drive torque was converted into forward motion, even on slippery roads.

By winter 2010, the Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive lineup in the German market included a total of 48 models across 10 series. In addition to the new CLS 4MATIC models, the range featured sedans and station wagons of the E-Class and C-Class, as well as the S-Class, the luxury CL coupé, the R-Class touring SUV, the compact GLK, and the SUVs of the GL and M-Class. Meanwhile, the legendary G-Class continued to demonstrate its off-road prowess. This iconic all-terrain vehicle remained one of the best of its kind worldwide.