Mercedes-Benz, as a premium automobile manufacturer, prides itself on excellence in design and engineering. One of the hallmarks of this excellence is the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive technology used in Mercedes-Benz SUVs is a highly advanced drivetrain that optimizes traction, stability, and vehicle dynamics for better control on different terrains.
In this article, we will delve into how the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system in Mercedes-Benz SUVs works, including its components and functions.
EVOLUTION OF THE 4MATIC ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM
The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system is not a new technology, as it was first introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 1985. However, the 4MATIC system has undergone several changes over several generations of cars to enhance its performance consistently.
Today’s advanced 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system features lightweight materials, advanced sensors, and an intelligent and responsive electronic control system that delivers power to the wheels where it is needed most, providing supreme handling and traction on the road.
COMPONENTS OF THE 4MATIC ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM
The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system is a combination of four components: The Power Distribution Unit, front differential, rear differential, and a transfer case.
• The Power Distribution Unit: This primary component of the 4MATIC system is responsible for the transfer of power from its source to the wheels. In a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, engine power is distributed between the front and rear axles in a percentage that depends on current driving conditions.
• Front Differential: The front differential is responsible for distributing the engine’s output to the two front wheels.
• Rear Differential: Like the front differential, the rear differential distributes the engine’s power to the rear wheels. However, the rear differential also installs the central differential, which provides balance in the distribution of power between the front and back axles.
• Transfer case: This component splits the engine’s power between the front and rear axles. In Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC systems that use torque on demand, the transfer case design requires a hydraulic pump that can engage and disengage differentials inside the transfer case to adjust the amount of torque delivered to each axle.
FUNCTIONS OF THE 4MATIC ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM
Now that we have an understanding of the components that make up the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system let’s explore the functions of the system.
• Improved Traction Control
The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system greatly improves traction control by providing more grip on the road. This is accomplished by distributing engine power to all four wheels, which reduces slippage and enhances the vehicle’s ability to grip the road, especially in challenging weather conditions like rain, snow and ice.
• Enhanced Stability Control
One of the most significant advantages of using a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system is stability control. The system distributes the engine’s power to all four wheels, improving stability, especially in heavy rainfall or slippery road conditions, where cars are prone to slipping and sliding.
• Enhanced Performance
The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system provides superior acceleration and handling on various surfaces, including wet and slippery surfaces. The system’s ability to transfer power between the front and rear axles ensures that the car maintains stability and can maintain optimum performance regardless of road conditions.
• Improved Towing Capacity
Mercedes-Benz SUVs equipped with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system possess superior towing capabilities due to the increased traction and power distribution across all four wheels, which assists in pulling heavy loads.
WORKINGS OF THE 4MATIC ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM
The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system is designed to monitor various vehicular inputs like steering angle, throttle position, and current driving conditions to distribute engine power effectively. This allows for optimum traction and stability under different driving scenarios.
Power Distribution
The power distribution unit functions as the primary component of the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The Power Distribution Unit distributes power from the engine to the front and rear axles to meet the driving conditions at any given moment.
The distribution pattern can vary depending on driving conditions, including the amount of engine power passing to the front and rear wheels. In ideal or smooth road conditions, the system relies heavily on the rear-wheel-drive mode, where the distribution is around 60% delivered to the rear wheels and 40% to the front wheels.
On slippery surfaces like ice or snow, the 4MATIC system’s power distribution varies and may deliver as much as 50% of the engine’s output to the front and 50% to the rear axle, providing more traction on the road.
Pre-emptive Technology
Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system accomplishes this through several pre-emptive technologies, including anti-lock brake systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). These pre-emptive systems are designed to monitor vehicle inputs, including wheel speed, steering angle, and pedals’ position, and adjust engine power delivery for optimal performance and stability.
The electronic stability control system is specially programmed to ensure that the vehicle can maintain its balance on the road regardless of the terrain or driving conditions. When this system senses any discrepancy in power delivery to the wheels or detects a potential slip or slide, it instantly engages the brakes on the affected wheel to redistribute power as needed, effectively stabilizing the vehicle.
Moreover, the 4MATIC system engages instantly when any slippage is detected on any of the vehicle’s wheels, ensuring that the vehicle maintains optimal power and control on the road.
TORQUE VECTORING
Torque vectoring refers to an advanced technology that drips power between the rear wheels to optimize vehicle stability and handling around corners.
In essence, it generates speed in the outer wheel, creating an angled movement of the car, forcing it to travel on a more direct path through the curve. Conversely, it slows down the other wheels, while enhancing the overall stability of the car, ensuring that it stays firmly on the road.
For example, when driving on a curvy or challenging road, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system uses torque vectoring by braking the inside wheel of the vehicle during cornering, which ensures the vehicle does not oversteer or drift and maintains optimal traction.
conclusion
The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system in Mercedes-Benz SUVs is an advanced technology that distributes power to all four wheels, providing optimum handling, stability, and control in various weather and road conditions. The system uses a transfer case to send power to the front and rear axles and automatically adjusts power distribution based on sensors, including wheel speed and yaw sensors, to provide traction and prevent wheel slip. The system can redirect power to the wheels with the most traction to maintain stability and safety, and also adjusts to various driving modes selected by the driver. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is a must-have feature, especially for off-road and challenging weather conditions, as it enhances the driving experience, providing improved handling, stability, and safety.
