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Confidence in all conditions.

Through winter storms and tight corners, 4MATIC all-wheel drive maximizes traction to put you in control and keep you there.

Greater control. Gripping results.

Fully integrated Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive responds instantly to any driving scenario. Each wheel responds individually to changing conditions for advanced driving comfort. 4MATIC all-wheel drive delivers more than just control in Canada’s sometimes challenging driving and weather conditions.






Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC variants

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan driving through a winter forest

4MATIC variable all-wheel drive

Available on the A-Class, CLA and GLA.

This all-wheel drive system manages power to the front or rear axle in a fully variable way, depending on the road conditions. When they are good, the vehicle operates in front-wheel drive only. When conditions become challenging, power is channelled to the rear axle for as long as is required, after which the rear drive is quickly deactivated to maximize fuel efficiency.

Benefits:
• Improved handling on all road surfaces
• Lighter (up to 25% less than the all-wheel drive versions offered by the competition)
• Highly fuel efficient

GLC Coupe driving along a highway

4MATIC permanent all‑wheel drive

Available on the C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, GLC, GLC Coupe, GLE, and GLS.

This compact and lightweight permanent all-wheel drive system is one of the top-performing systems available today. Unique and always on, it splits power 45:55 or 50:50 between the front and rear axles respectively, depending on the model. When the system detects slippery conditions, it immediately shifts power to the wheel(s) on each axle that is (are) spinning more slowly, improving traction as well as stability.

Benefits:
• Superior handling on dry, wet, icy and/or unsurfaced roads
• Fuel efficient (similar to comparable vehicles with conventional drive systems)
• Legroom (compact design allows for as much as in rear-wheel drive models)
• Quiet running (engine/transmission assembly designed to reduce noise and vibration)

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan driving through a winter forest

4MATIC variable all-wheel drive

Available on the GLE 450 and GLS.

A newly engineered version of 4MATIC can automatically send from zero to 100% of the engine's torque to either axle, front or rear. A transfer case with a multi-disc clutch can vary the torque distribution based on the driving conditions in the moment. While this allows for precise response to varying surfaces and individual-wheel traction off-road and in inclement weather, it can also enhance handling in any season by favourably influencing the vehicle's rotation.

Benefits:
• Enhances driving safety and traction on all road surfaces
• Benefits of all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive in equal portion, thanks to fully variable torque distribution
• Guaranteed road-grip potential for all four wheels, especially on snow or ice, due to the variable multi-disc clutch
• Compact, lightweight design avoids any loss of interior space

Mercedes-AMG 4MATIC variants

GLA

AMG Performance 4MATIC Variable All-Wheel Drive

Available on the GLA 45.

This performance all-wheel drive system delivers an ideal combination of agility, efficiency and traction. Fully variable power is sent to the front or rear axle based on road conditions. When conditions are good, the vehicle operates in front-wheel drive only. When conditions become challenging, power is channelled to the rear axle for as long as is required, after which the rear drive is quickly deactivated to maximize fuel efficiency.

Benefits:
• Enhanced safety on slippery surfaces without compromising driving enjoyment
• No additional installation space is required so the interior remains spacious
• Multi-disc clutch with AMG-specific electrohydraulic control integrated in the rear axle differential

C Coupe

AMG Performance 4MATIC Permanent All-Wheel Drive

Available on the C 43, GLC 43.

This performance all-wheel drive system preserves the premium dynamics and pure exhilaration of driving an AMG vehicle. To improve acceleration from a standing start, power is split 31:69 between the front and rear axles, respectively. By ensuring all four tires reach their maximum traction potential, the system adapts to changing conditions and provides optimum safety.

Benefits:
• Enhanced safety on slippery surfaces--without compromising driving enjoyment
• No loss of interior space, as no additional internal installation is required
• Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emissions due to a compact, lightweight design

c-coupe

AMG Performance 4MATIC+ Variable All-Wheel Drive

Available on the CLA 45, CLS 53, E 53, E 63 S, GLE 53 and S 63.

This performance-oriented all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution combines optimum traction with hallmark AMG driving dynamics to deliver the ultimate in driving enjoyment. The system continuously calculates torque distribution according to the conditions and the driver’s wishes, enabling a seamless transition from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive.

Benefits:
• Enhanced driving safety and traction on all road surfaces
• The benefits of all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive in equal portion, thanks to fully variable torque distribution
• Guaranteed road-grip potential for all four wheels, especially on snow or ice, due to the variable multiplate clutch
• Compact, lightweight design avoids any loss of interior space

The 4MATIC Legacy

For more than a century, Mercedes-Benz has been synonymous with innovation, design, and safety, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive is an outstanding part of that legacy. Since 1903, the company has been developing and improving on our 4-wheel and all-wheel drive capabilities. Now, our 4MATIC vehicles offer the safety, stability, and control that our customers can rely on—no matter where the road takes them.

1903

1903

Paul Daimler creates the initial design for an AWD automobile.

Dernberg-Wagen

1907

The “Dernberg-Wagen” is the first AWD car for everyday use. It also features 4-wheel steering.

Unimog

1951

Production begins for the Unimog, a 4WD truck initially intended for agricultural use. Still in production generations later, its go-anywhere capability makes it ideally suited for farming and construction on even the most rugged terrains.

Geländewagen SUV

1972

Development begins for the Geländewagen, a cross-country SUV with the capacity for industrial, municipal and military use, as well as the comfort and safety required for everyday civilian enjoyment.

1903

1978

Introduction of the Antilock Braking System (ABS) lays the foundation for future electronic traction control systems.

1903

1985

The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system makes its first appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

W-124-series E-Class

1987

The W-124-series (E-Class) debuts the first 4MATIC models, featuring an electronically lockable differential.

M-Class SUV

1997

The M-Class SUV is launched with the first-ever 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) among its many innovations.

2008

2008

A new generation of 4MATIC achieves a system weight of well under 200 lbs. It appears first on the CL 550 Coupe.

Today

Today

4MATIC is available on nearly all Mercedes-Benz vehicles around the world, with gasoline, diesel, hybrid and electric power.

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