4MATIC is the name of a complex electronically controlled all wheel drive system developed and used by Mercedes-Benz on some of its models. All Mercedes cars featuring this system also have an automatic transmission in standard equipment and that’s where its name is derived from (4-wheel drive and automatic transmission).
Originally developed together by Mercedes and Steyr-Daimler-Puch engineers, the system is now at its third generation but it’s still based on a rear wheel drive chassis on most of the models. The system employs locking central and rear differentials to provide additional traction in slippery conditions or during off-roading. On the G-Klasse the system uses three locking differentials (front, central and rear).
4MATIC – 4 Wheel Drive and Automatic
