The 4MATIC system is the technology with which Mercedes-Benz equips its vehicles and that allows you to have all-wheel drive in those moments when the vehicle needs it most, providing it with greater grip and stability.
This system was first introduced in 1987 as an option on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
At that time, the 4MATIC system was activated and deactivated using a lever which was a bit rudimentary. It was not until 7 years later that a new improved version of the system was presented.
Although the 4MATIC system It may vary depending on the Mercedes model, the reality is that the motto has always been the same; use it as little as possible only when the vehicle really needs it. In this way, other systems that are not necessary under normal driving conditions do not move and would considerably increase vehicle consumption.
It should be noted that some Mercedes-Benz vehicles use permanent all-wheel drive systems, as is the case of the New Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV.
Thus, The 4MATIC system takes on special importance in scenarios such as snow, ice, gravel or mud, moments in which the vehicle's grip on the road may be less and extra traction is necessary.
To obtain 100% safety and effectiveness, the system 4MATIC It must be accompanied by the tires that best adapt according to the time of year or the routes you are going to take. Tires are the only point of contact that exists between the road and the vehicle, which is why choosing a good tire is so important.
Find out what tires you need in our previous article. Winter tire or summer tire?
For those moments and whenever our Mercedes detects that one of your wheels is losing grip, the 4MATIC system will be activated which will help to resume the vehicle's trajectory, braking or accelerating the wheel or wheels that have lost grip.
This system can reach intervene on up to three of the 4 wheels to provide maximum traction capacity of the vehicle.
Example of activating the 4MATIC system
To understand the example from before we must know the components that make up the 4MATIC system.
The system is composed of a transmission shaft, the 4ETS system (Electronic Traction System) and a set of electrohydraulic clutch discs with preload at 50 N/m that act as a self-locking differential and drive the wheels by increasing the oil pressure in the system.
Let's take as an example that we are going skiing and we find a patch of ice in the middle of the road. We try to avoid it, but one of the wheels, the right rear one, hits the ice sheet and loses all its grip.
Speed sensors will quickly calculate the difference in revolutions between that wheel and the rest. Once the system detects the variation between one wheel and another, the 4MATIC system will enter the scene, which will brake or accelerate that wheel until it reaches the same number of revolutions as the rest of the wheels.
This process, which is explained, requires time, you Mercedes is capable of detecting it and applying it in milliseconds, which undoubtedly provides extra security for the vehicle's occupants.
4MATIC+
Currently the 4MATIC system has undergone an evolution, the 4MATIC + that already equip many of the vehicles in the range Mercedes-AMG.
This system is very similar to the conventional 4MATIC but this time it provides extra sportiness for the most radical Mercedes-AMG vehicles, as it allows the driver to offer the possibility of apply 100% propulsion to the rear axle, leaving the front axle almost without traction which allows the driver of the vehicle to make perfect lines while climbing.
Maneuvers that must be practiced in closed circuits and, if possible, with an instructor at your side to get the most out of the system. 4MATIC +.
As you can see, the 4MATIC systems allow the driver of the Mercedes circulate in complete safety through especially slippery areas without any concern.
Don't hesitate to put yourself in contact us If you have any questions or come visit us at our facilities in Barcelona, Our commercial advisors will help you make the option that best suits you.
