What Is a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC? All-Wheel Drive, Elevated

Explore Mercedes-Benz’s advanced 4MATIC all-wheel drive system at Ed Hicks Imports in Corpus Christi, TX. Experience elevated traction and control today.

When exploring the world of Mercedes-Benz, you’ve probably seen the 4MATIC badge proudly displayed on the back of select models. But what does 4MATIC mean, and why is it so closely tied to performance, safety, and luxury? Simply put, 4MATIC is Mercedes-Benz’s exclusive all-wheel drive (AWD) system, designed to give you confidence on every road, in every season. Unlike ordinary AWD systems, 4MATIC elevates driving by blending innovative engineering with the reliability and refinement you expect from Mercedes-Benz. 

What Is 4MATIC? 

So, what is a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC? It’s a variable all-wheel drive system that intelligently adjusts power distribution between the front or rear wheels to help provide maximum safety and performance. While many AWD systems provide basic traction improvements in slippery conditions, the 4MATIC system is engineered to do more. It uses various sensors to continuously monitor data on road conditions, steering inputs, and wheel performance to ensure maximum stability and control, no matter the situation. Mercedes-Benz offers two main types of 4MATIC AWD — Variable 4MATIC and Permanent 4MATIC:

Variable 4MATIC:

In this setup, the vehicle normally operates in a mode that favors only the front wheels — A.K.A. front-wheel drive (FWD) — during easy, stable conditions like freeway cruising. When situations demand more traction, the system automatically transfers more torque to the rear wheels, resulting in a 50:50 split between front and rear for added stability and control. 

Key Benefit: Because the vehicle only engages all four wheels when needed, the 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive system helps improve fuel efficiency by reducing drivetrain drag under light load or stable driving conditions.

Permanent 4MATIC:

Unlike the variable 4MATIC Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, the permanent version ensures that all four wheels are always engaged, resulting in a fixed torque split between the front and rear wheels at all times. In this system, there’s no waiting for the system to engage — you’re always ready. 

Key Benefit: Since this system constantly sends power to all four wheels, you get consistent traction, better grip, improved handling, and more stable ride dynamics, especially in adverse weather, slick roads, or performance situations where maximum grip is wanted. 

How Does 4MATIC Work and How Does It Impact Your Drive? 

The 4MATIC AWD system continuously analyzes factors like wheel spin, road friction, and driver inputs. With this data, Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive works to calculate ideal torque distribution for each situation and directs power where it’s needed most. For example: 

• On dry roads, it might favor the front wheels for a more efficient drive. 
• On slippery surfaces, it may balance or shift power to the front and rear wheels to maximize traction. 
• In tight corners, it can subtly adjust power to stabilize handling without sacrificing comfort. 
• During hard launches (we see you, stop light warriors), it delivers power to all four wheels for maximum power during takeoff. 

This intelligent flexibility is what makes the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive system stand above the rest. It goes beyond driving in bad weather to enhance performance year-round. 

How Does 4MATIC Compare to Other AWD Systems? 

Many brands offer AWD, but not all systems are equal. Mercedes-Benz sets itself apart from the competition with a balance of intelligence, performance, and efficiency:

• Performance-Driven Design: While Other AWD systems are primarily reactive, 4MATIC is proactive. It anticipates traction needs before you even know they’re there so every drive can feel like a breeze. 
• Seamless Integration: The 4MATIC system works hand-in-hand with advanced safety features like 4-ETS, which is built to detect wheelspin before you do. 4-ETS turns slip into grip by rapidly pulsing the brake at the slipping wheel and rerouting power to the wheel(s) that do have grip. 
• Focus on Fuel Efficiency: Mercedes-Benz designed variable 4MATIC systems to maintain impressive fuel efficiency, ensuring that luxury and confidence on the road don’t come at the cost of economy at the pump. 

Which Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Offer 4MATIC AWD?

You’ll find 4MATIC AWD systems across a wide range of new Mercedes-Benz models:

What Is a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC Like? Experience It First-Hand at Ed Hicks Imports

Experience the difference of precision-engineered confidence with Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC. At Ed Hicks Imports, we invite you to discover how this intelligent all-wheel drive system delivers enhanced traction, stability, and control without compromising the smooth, luxurious drive you expect. Visit us today to explore 4MATIC-equipped Mercedes and AMG models and take one for a test drive.