What does the inscription 4 matic mean? All-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz

Historical milestones

Motorists know that the system saw the light of day quite a long time ago. At the very beginning of its distribution in the automotive market, it was installed together with a manual transmission. Asking the question: “4Matic – what is it?” - you can get a short answer - the device works with an automatic transmission. This is its main difference from previous versions.

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Engineers from Mercedes-Benz were involved in the development of this system. In the arena of the car market, 4Matic was introduced to motorists in 1986. The E-Class car was the first to experience its technical features, and it was the Mercedes W124.

What are the benefits of 4Matic all-wheel drive?

The 4Matic system is considered one of the most efficient technologies on the passenger vehicle market today. This is explained quite simply. The fact is that such a system is constantly in readiness mode and functions much faster than the systems of other cars with the so-called 4x4 wheel arrangement. The redistribution of torque between the axles always occurs in the same ratio, which ensures stability and reliability of vehicle movement in any conditions.

More information about the 4Matic system will be discussed in this video:
Published: November 27, 2020

What versions have been released?

In 1997, the concern’s second “brainchild” in this regard debuted, used on the Mercedes Benz W210, the introduction of free-type differential mechanisms, which are locked when the TCS is activated.

In 2002, the drive came out in a third variation. Compared to its previous “brothers”, this model has become more popular. She has become a faithful companion to other models of this brand. The drive system is permanent, as in the above type. The transmission mechanisms that transmit power are also free. The system is regulated by the activity of the ESC, which keeps the traction force under control.

The engineers designed the drive for the fourth time in 2006. It was successfully tested on the S550 car in the “gelding” line. The on-board computer came into play and helped regulate the system.

The fifth generation today is the most popular product, installed in many cars. The PP system is now controlled by a button, which is very convenient.

How it was before the 80s

To install an all-wheel drive transmission, additional components will be required. However, this makes the car heavier, noisier and subject to vibration. Since the design is more complex, the car becomes more expensive. The costs of maintaining, operating and repairing the machine also increase. The increased weight of the car, supplemented by mechanical losses in the all-wheel drive transmission units, led to an increase in fuel consumption.

These are all significant obstacles and obstacles, so until the 80s, using all-wheel drive on passenger cars rather than heavy SUVs was considered unwise. The situation has changed significantly for the better with the advent of a new development.

Special Features

Why did car owners prefer the third modification? The main reason is affordability and excellent functional qualities. Composition nuances:

• automatic transmission and axles with cardan drives;
• includes a “transfer case”, a mechanism responsible for the rotation of the wheels, the axle shafts of the rear wheels;
• CV joints.

Having analyzed such a device diagram, you can understand what it is - 4Matic, see the complexity of the mechanism that does not function with a manual transmission. The priority part here is the transfer case, which is responsible for torque distribution. It also serves as a spare part that combines cylindrical gears, drive shaft, and gearbox.

To better understand what 4Matic is, it’s worth touching on the mechanism itself. The drive shaft in it is synchronized with a hydraulic transmission. The rear axle of the gearbox in Daimler Ag auto products receives power from the sun gear. A smaller gear is connected to the front axle and driveline.

Updated “charged” Mercedes-AMG E 63 models

The most powerful versions complete the Mercedes E-Class update cycle, which began back in March with the premiere of the restyled sedan and station wagon. Moreover, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 debuted almost simultaneously with its main competitor - the modernized BMW M5 sedan. This is also the last AMG model presented by the current head of the division, Tobias Moers: he will soon leave his post and will head Aston Martin from August 1.

“Sixty-third” tried on the same design as less powerful modifications, but with the same feature: its front part of the body is different. The hood opening is smaller, and its leading edge does not reach the headlights. The air intakes are now even larger, the front wings have become plumper: if previously the increase in width relative to the base E-class was 17 mm, now it is 27 mm. The wheel design has been changed: the standard E 63 has 19-inch wheels, while the E 63 S has 20-inch wheels.

The interior has been updated in the same way as other Eshkas. The new steering wheel has double side spokes, wide displays of the virtual instrument panel and media system with a diagonal of 12.3 inches each are offered as an option (for the S version this is the basic equipment), the standard screens are the same, 10.25 inches. The multimedia itself is new - the MBUX system with advanced voice control, which previously appeared on almost all models of the brand.

There are almost no technical changes. The V8 4.0 biturbo engine in the Mercedes-AMG E 63 sedan and station wagon develops 571 hp. and 750 Nm, and on versions E 63 S produces 612 hp. and 850 Nm. The AMG Speedshift MCT gearbox, based on a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission with a planetary gearset, has a wet clutch instead of a torque converter. And the 4Matic+ all-wheel drive transmission has a clutch on the front axle.

The only new thing is the replacement of the rear mechanical “self-lock” in the E 63 version with an electronically controlled differential, which was previously only available on the S version. But the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S retained another feature - the drift mode, in which the clutch is preventively opened, the gearbox operates in manual mode, and the stabilization system “falls asleep”. Air suspension with adaptive shock absorbers, as before, is available in all versions.

Dynamic characteristics are the same. The Mercedes-AMG E 63 sedan can accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, and the E 63 S version in 3.4 seconds. Similar station wagons are only 0.1 s slower. The maximum speed is electronically limited: 250 km/h for standard sixty-thirds, 300 km/h for the S sedan and 290 km/h for the S station wagon.

The updated AMG models are already available to order. In Russia, only the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S sedan from this quartet will appear at a price of 8.8 million rubles. And the E-Class coupe and convertible still won’t have powerful “sixty-third” modifications.

Details about the operating principle

The axle load is mostly distributed to the rear axle, accounting for 60% of the total load. The mechanical gearbox plays a major role in the transmission. In different car models from Daimler Ag, the percentage of loads on the front and rear axles is distributed differently.

On all-wheel drive cars with a built-in automatic transmission, there is no center differential lock, as well as a cross-axle differential lock. Torque is controlled by the on-board computer.

Engineers involved in the design of all-wheel drive warn of higher fuel consumption in vehicles equipped with 4 wheel drive and automatic, compared to traditional vehicle configurations. How does this affect the numbers? For every “hundred”, motorists will need an additional 0.4 liters in the tank. This parameter will become especially noticeable during long journeys.

The ETS begins to operate and the differential mechanism is blocked. The operating plan is similar to the functioning of an electronic lock. At a certain moment, automatic operation occurs: the slipping wheel slows down. At this time, the wheel that adheres to the road surface receives additional load.

Thanks to this, drivers are given the opportunity to get an excellent start, stability while driving even on poor-quality road surfaces, and good handling characteristics.

History(II)

At the end of the 80s, all-wheel drive was available as an option for all B124s with 2.6 and 3 liter diesel and petrol engines. The second series of 4matic has been used on Mercedes in the B210 body since the late 90s. The 4matic mode was complete with an unoccupied differential, the traction control function simulated a locked center differential. The ETS system controlled traction control. Only left-hand drive vehicles were equipped with the ETC function.

The third variation of the 4matic mode appeared in 2002, and was introduced for the B203, B211 and B220 bodies. The on-board computer controlled directional stability and controlled traction. The fourth version of the 4-matic system has been installed on S class cars since 2006.

In 2014, the latest generation of all-wheel drive was used for the first time on models

The drive is not permanent, but can be connected as needed, which significantly reduces fuel consumption by almost 18%. The 4matic plus system installed in the B213 AMG body, consists of a clutch with several discs, controlled by an electric drive, turns off the power pressure on the front wheel pair when necessary.

Standard equipment:

• Interior Interior EXCLUSIVE
• Cockpit with widescreen displays
• Comfortable interior lighting Ambient lighting
• Chrome package "Interior"
• Velor mats
• Multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather
• Instrument panel and door sill trimmed with ARTICO artificial leather
• Front door sills with Mercedes-Benz logo

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