What is 4MATIC® AWD?

What Makes the 4MATIC® AWD System Special?

All AWD systems are designed with capability in mind, and should give you all-weather assurance on Long Island and beyond—but not all AWD systems have the genius of Mercedes-Benz engineers powering them.

The 4MATIC® AWD system is completely integrated not only with the drivetrain, but with the safety and driver-assistance systems of your Mercedes-Benz vehicle. In ideal conditions, the system focuses on agile handling by sending torque to the all wheels by way of a center differential; when things get dicey, though, the system senses which wheels can achieve superior traction and sends power where it can be used most effectively. The technology is impressive, but the confidence it inspires is priceless.

The 4-Wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS®)

4-ETS® is a Mercedes-Benz innovation that serves as the beating heard of the 4MATIC® AWD system. This system is what sends power to the wheels that have traction if the others slip, effectively maximizing control in adverse conditions. It does this by taking advantage of the same wheel-speed sensors that are used by the Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP®®). When wheelspin is detected, 4-ETS® pulses the brakes for the slipping wheels, which diverts torque to the wheels that have traction. Thanks to this innovation, the 4MATIC® AWD system can help your car gain purchase and get moving again even if only one wheel has grip.