(Image Source: Mercedes Benz.com)
In the mid-1980s the time was right to introduce four-wheel drive in other Mercedes-Benz passenger cars; to meet the requirements for saloon cars, however, it would be necessary to redesign the system.It was the anti-lock braking system (ABS) that had laid the foundations for this technology in 1978.
It formed the basis for acceleration skid control (ASR in 1981). It was followed by Automatic Differential Lock (ASD in 1985) and in that very same year, that the innovative 4-MATIC four-wheel drive system made its debut.
A common thread of these applications was that they registered and limited wheel slip with the help of the latest microelectronics and hydraulics, in order to improve the linear dynamics of an automobile. 4-MATIC was permanently active and distributed the drive torque between the front and rear axles during normal driving on a grippy surface. This maintained the dynamic advantages of rear-wheel-drive while giving the driver additional safety reserves.
4-MATIC was premiered in the 124 series in 1987. 4-MATIC showed its strengths particularly in unfavourable weather conditions such as wet roads, ice or snow, by ensuring exemplary handling stability and perfect traction. By providing traction on such difficult situations the permanent four-wheel-drive system supported the already outstanding handling characteristics of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, also ensuring typical Mercedes safety and surefootedness when confronted with unusual dynamic requirements.
Although the additional technology carried a small weight penalty and led to slightly higher fuel consumption, it proved extremely popular – especially in the mountainous regions of Europe and particularly North America.
The 4-Matic went on to provide traction across the Mercedes-Benz product range. The S Class, The E Class, the baby C-Class all the three main saloons have benefited from the superior traction of the 4-Matic AWD system.
The latest in the prestigious lineup to benefit from the traction-enhancing feel of the 4-Matic system is the 2010 R-Class that is the newest model to be launched in the Indian Luxury touring class. Thus, the Indian customers are the chosen ones this festive season to experience the superior traction benefits while touring, the Mercedes-Benz way.
