Mercedes 4Matic continues to gain traction
Click on the image above to get to our gallery of 18 hi-rez images.
Its rivals at Audi might have blazed the proverbial trail for all-wheel-drive in luxury sedans, but Mercedes-Benz isn't far behind down the dirt road. Mercedes' own 4Matic AWD system is more popular in the United States than anywhere else in the world – 4Matic models account for about twenty percent of global sales, while in the US 4Matic-equiped Mercedes amount to nearly twice that. American Benz buyers today can get the 4Matic system on no less than eighteen models across seven lines. Think the extra weight and increased fuel consumption of an all-wheel-drive system would be a drawback with rising fuel prices? Mercedes is quick to point out that its latest 4Matic system adds less than 200 pounds to the weight of the car and reduces fuel economy by less than 2 mpg.
Sport-utility vehicles continue as a popular segment, particularly in the American market, and Mercedes offers a variety of SUVs to choose from. But the availability of the 4Matic system on conventional sedans with superior driving dynamics and efficiency presents a compelling case, especially for those living in colder climates requiring a little extra traction when the white stuff hits the ground. (Follow the jump for a video of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4Matic tackling the sticky stuff that most SUVs will never see.)
DaimlerChrysler put on an impressive display at this year's Detroit auto show, and Mercedes aimed to make an impact. Its display featured an indoor ice rink designed to highlight the brand's 4Matic models. Dog-sleds, figure skaters and hockey players all took to the ice together with a sampling of Mercedes' 4Matic range. (Check out our high-resolution image gallery below for the best shots of Mercedes' indoor winter wonderland.)
Gallery: Mercedes Stars on Ice
[Sources: Automotive News and Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Adam 5:30PM (2/01/2007)
That was a really good video!
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Michael Karesh 5:42PM (2/01/2007)
Did we look at the same video? It's just a dirt road with a bit of mud on it.
In general, I think AWD has been oversold. AWD is good for traction, but for safe cornering and braking on snow and ice even AWD cars should have winter tires.
A few times people have emailed me asking which AWD vehicle they should get, because they find their current car scary to drive on snow and ice. I tell them the problem is with the tires, not the car.
Unfortunately, this situation will continue as long as automakers spend far more money advertising AWD than tire companies spend to advertise winter tires.
A bit more on this:
http://www.truedelta.com/blog/?p=7
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Fabulo 6:17PM (2/01/2007)
Always eager to rake in a few more dollars, the salesperson was really pushing for an AWD model when we bought our Murano.
More weight? Worse MPG? The 2wd has stability and traction control in the first place. Mmmm... no awd for me.
AWD is like a higher seating position: it makes you *feel* safer.
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fd 10:13PM (2/01/2007)
Maybe we can see a Mercedes to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qxylbbjBl4
Extended version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObdPVYAGCXo
I also like this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAHPMUkhj5Q
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Howard Kerr 10:58PM (2/01/2007)
Nearly 40% of the M-B products currently sold in the U.S. are AWD? I guess the new ML and GL account for the "lion's share" of that increase. I'd be curious to know what % of sedans, wagons, and sports cars sold by M-B in this country are 4Matic equipped.
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cole 1:33AM (4/12/2007)
Between AWD and RWD I'm torn. Not really to concerned with snow or ice out here in Tucson, Im more focused in on what it's going to do on the track. I enjoy the AWD at the start yet at the end of the quarter I'd rather be in the FWD or RWD. http://www.carclubsusa.com/ - car shows website found for more discussions on drag and solo racing.
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