The 4MATIC system: your best ally for winter
September 25 2020,
Winter driving in Canada means a lot of travel on roads full of snow and ice. Conditions can become dangerous and you should always be well prepared. To do so, there's nothing better than being at the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz product.
The reason is simple; the 4MATIC all-wheel drive technology they use goes beyond what most other manufacturers offer, all to provide a truly safe driving experience.
And what is 4MATIC all-wheel drive? What sets it apart from the rest? Let's take a look at it together.
First, it's important to understand that the 4MATIC system is part of a set of systems that ensure safety. Electronic Traction Control, ABS brakes, stability control and other systems communicate with the 4WD system to ensure that the vehicle responds optimally at all times. When a loss of traction is detected at one wheel, 4MATIC systems intervene to shift power to the other wheels as needed to provide traction.
Also, 4MATIC systems can vary from one product to another, because the vocation of each one is not necessarily the same. Thus, some are permanent. In these cases, the power is distributed in a 50/50 or 45/55 proportion between the front and rear axles. By sending more torque to the wheel with the most traction, grip and stability are improved. This is found with the C-Class and GLC, for example.
Some models feature a variable 4MATIC approach. Here, all-wheel drive alternates between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive depending on road conditions and your behaviour behind the wheel. This way, your vehicle will be more responsive in bad weather while optimizing fuel efficiency. This version is available on the CLA and GLA models, for example.
With Mercedes-AMG AMG models, you benefit from a dual approach (variable and permanent all-wheel drive). This system shares the fundamental logistics of the other 4MATIC versions. However, it is equipped with a multi-plate clutch with AMG electro-hydraulic control in the rear differential - which further increases cornering performance, handling and traction.
In any case, the important thing to remember is that 4MATIC all-wheel drive is there to give you optimum grip at all times.
