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Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon: all-wheel drive

Noticeably improved handling stability and traction on wet, snowy or icy roads: in 4MATIC the new S-Class features one of the most capable permanent all-wheel-drive systems on the market. It is always operational and thus superior to the systems that have to activate all-wheel drive first when they detect insufficient traction.

The proprietary development from Mercedes-Benz needs no differential locks because electronic control systems distribute the tractive power to all four wheels.

For this purpose the ESP® driving safety system perfectly meshes with the 4ETS Electronic Traction System. Automatic braking pulses improve moving off performance on slippery surfaces as well as enhance stability during critical manoeuvres

4MATIC all-wheel drive compensates the adverse effects of poor surfaces or roads because it distributes the torque always at ratio of 45 : 55 between the front and rear axle.

  • Stability during critical driving manoeuvres: the 4ETS Electronic Traction System eliminates the need for conventional differential locks because the automatic brake impulses improve moving off on slippery ground.
  • Low weight: thanks to the compact design, the intelligent choice of materials and the high level of efficiency, the weight is barely higher than that of similar models with front-wheel drive.
  • AMG model: the performance-oriented 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system of the S 63 AMG long wheelbase developed by Mercedes-AMG provides a combination of maximum traction, dynamic handling typical of AMG and utmost driving pleasure. The rear-biased torque split of 33 : 67 as well as a slight basic locking effect counter the initial understeer that is typical of all-wheel drive systems. The result is increased driving safety and grip on wet or wintry roads on one hand, and improved lateral dynamics for even more vigorous acceleration on the other.

[1] The figures shown for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions were obtained in accordance with the prescribed measuring process (Regulation [EC] 715/2007 in its currently applicable version). The figures are not based on an individual vehicle and do not constitute part of the product offer; they are provided solely for purposes of comparison between different vehicle models.

S-Class

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