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What is 4MATIC in Mercedes-Benz vehicles?

You can often come across the opinion that with all-wheel drive, the car can automatically be considered an SUV. This, of course, is not entirely true, but still the load distributed to all wheels, no doubt, significantly improves the final passability.

If we literally decipher the abbreviation 4matic, we get the definition of 4 Wheel Drive and Automatic. Speaking in Russian, this means that the car is equipped with four-wheel drive. Almost always there is a joint installation with an automatic transmission. On our machines, about the same is indicated by the 4X4 marking.

It is a rather complex system that affects most of the vehicle's components (both axles, transfer case, differentials, axle shafts, drive shaft joints). All this design is combined with an automatic transmission (the mechanics simply cannot cope).

Thanks to long-term testing, the necessary parameters of the transfer of the load to the wheels for different classes of cars were found.

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The modern 4matic system provides the most optimal options:

• Passenger cars. For this class, the main load (65%) goes to the rear pair of wheels, and the remaining 35% is distributed to the front;
• SUV or SUV. In these categories it is distributed absolutely evenly (50% each);
• Luxury models. Here, the spread between the front and rear wheels is minimal (55% goes to the rear, and 45% to the front).

At the moment, the development of the Mercedes-Benz concern has undergone a number of improvements and upgrades:

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The 4Matic all-wheel drive system is a development of Mercedes-Benz and is installed on some models of passenger cars. The name 4Matic is a registered trademark. The transmission of vehicles with the 4Matic system has an automatic transmission only.

The history of the 4Matic all-wheel drive system includes three generations:

Generation, cars	Drive characteristic
1st generation (since 1986) E-class (type 124)	four-wheel drive connected automatically, mechanical locks of the center and rear cross-axle differentials, drive control using two hydraulic couplings, when the ABS system is activated, the all-wheel drive is disabled
2nd generation (since 1997) E-class (type 210)	permanent four-wheel drive, center and cross-axle differentials of the free type, the locking of cross-axle differentials is simulated using the traction control system
3rd generation (since 2002) C-class (type 203) E-class (type 211) S-class (type 220)	permanent four-wheel drive, center and cross-axle differentials of a free type, control of movement using a system of exchange rate stability, including a traction control system

The 4Matic all-wheel drive system of the latest generation includes an automatic transmission, a transfer case, cardan drives of the front and rear axles, a final drive and an inter-wheel differential of the front and rear axles, drive shafts with constant velocity joints, axle shafts of the rear wheels.

The central structural element of the 4Matic system is the transfer case, which provides infinitely variable torque distribution along the vehicle axles. The transfer case combines a dual planetary gearbox, spur gears, and drive shafts.

The planetary gearbox performs the function of an asymmetric center differential in the box. The transmission of torque occurs in such a way that the front axle accounts for 40% of its nominal value, and the rear axle - 60% (on some models this ratio is 45:55).

The drive shaft is connected to the planetary gear carrier. The rear axle drive shaft is driven by a larger diameter sun gear. The front axle drive shaft is hollow, connected to a sun gear of small diameter, on the other hand, by means of cylindrical gears, it is connected to the cardan drive of the front axle.

In the 4Matic system, there are no inter-axle and cross-axle differential locks. Automatic stability control while driving is provided by ESP, which includes traction control ETS, traction control ASR and anti-lock brakes ABS.

System ETS(Electric Traction System) is similar in design to the electronic differential lock. When triggered, the system simulates the blocking of cross-axle differentials by braking the slipping wheels. At the same time, the torque on the wheel with the best adhesion increases, which ensures confident acceleration from a standstill, acceleration on poorly surfaced roads, i.e., stable driving in difficult conditions.

I continue to talk about incomprehensible abbreviations on various car models, and it just so happened that this detailed article will also be about Mercedes (in the first one). However, today we will talk about such a concept as 4 MATIC. Such an inscription can be found on some modifications of the concern, for example GL, ML, and even on the C-class. So does this mean and why is it applied to the body? Read on ...

First, a little definition.

4 MATIC (Firmatic) Is the designation for all-wheel drive on Mercedes cars. If you decipher this inscription, it turns out - 4 Wheel Drive and Automatic - 4-wheel drive and automatic transmission.

As you can see, this is almost the designation 4 X 4 on our domestic cars, with the only difference that an automatic transmission is used, and for Mercedes it can have a torque converter automatic or a robot.

Three generations 4MATIC

AT the dawn of the emergence of this system, and it was in 1986 by the joint engineers of Mercedes-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch, the first generation of this drive was invented.

First generation

For the first time installed on the W124 model (modern E-class), it was here that all-wheel drive and an automatic machine were first used. It should be noted that there was no permanent all-wheel drive, but the so-called "plug-in". All 4 wheels were turned on by locking the center and rear cross-axle differentials. But the electronics of the first generation 4 MATIC controlled two hydraulic couplings. The first pros and cons of the device immediately emerged.

pros :

• When there was no need for all-wheel drive, only the rear axle worked, which saved fuel.
• The design resource increased accordingly.
• The clutches were made of high-strength materials, which practically did not wash them when the wheels slipped.

Minuses :

• The plug-in drive was not as efficient as the permanent drive.
• Off-road capabilities were not impressive to say the least.
• The design turned out to be complex and very expensive, in case of a breakdown it was necessary to fork out well.

Therefore, Mercedes engineers worked on the second generation, which in the end was very different from the first.

Second generation

Later in 1997, the second generation 4 MATICs were presented on the W210 model. This system turned out to be more durable and productive, there were a lot of differences.

• This is a permanent all-wheel drive, not an auto-engaging one.
• Differentials (center and wheel) were no longer equipped with mechanical locks. Here, for the first time, the 4ETS (Electronic Traction System) traction control system was installed, which practically eliminates blockages.

What are the benefits of this?

• The design was simplified, and therefore the repair was cheaper.
• The permanent drive did its job, regardless of wheel slip, that is, it felt confident both on dry road and off-road.
• Off-road performance has improved a lot (again, if you do not take cars, here all 4 wheels gave confidence on the track when overtaking, turning, etc.)
• Perfect work with automatic transmission.

In general, the design was a success, it was a kind of "correction of errors", and from now on 4MATIC will only be "permanent drive".

disadvantages - there are not many of them, if only we take into account that the fuel consumption has increased compared to the first generation, and the wear and tear now goes to the entire structure, that is, it always works constantly. However, as the engineers of Mercedes assure, the resource here is really large.

Third generation

Appears in 2002, immediately on a large number of C, E, and S class cars. The developers did not abandon the successful second version, but made it “smarter”, forced “4ETS” to work together with such a system as “ESP”.

The essence is very simple - now the so-called free differentials are being used in the design, which work in conjunction with the electronic ESP system. Control over the road and off-road is now almost complete:

When one wheel slips, the system begins to "lock" it, transferring the increased wheel to the other wheels, which are in better engagement.

The advantages of such a system are obvious - the permeability has increased by about 30 - 40%. Also, control over the road increased at high speeds (drifts, sharp turns, etc.). It should be noted that 4 MATIC has received many awards.

Torque distribution

It is important to note that this drive can automatically adjust and transmit unequal torque to the wheels.

For example, passenger cars (except for the luxury S-class) have a ratio of approximately 35/65. 35% goes to the front wheels, while 65% goes to the rear.

SUVs (SUVs) GL, ML and R class have an equal ratio of 50% to 50%.

Luxury cars (S-classe) - tuned to a ratio of 45% (front) and 55% (rear).

This torque ratio has been verified through many tests, as well as body structure and features. It is these indicators that make cars more stable, safer and more comfortable to drive.

4 Matic Mercedes is an additional option for driving a car. Which is indispensable on the road in winter and in conditions of unstable road surface. A Mercedes equipped with all-wheel drive will help you get from point A to point B on time, and without resorting to the services of a tow truck if the car gets into a snowfall.

History (I)

4matic works on the principle of distributing the torque of the motor separately to each axle of the machine. The 4matic technology was designed by Mercedes together with Steyr Daimler Pasch, a company that assembled in Austria. The four-wheel steering is immediately paired with the automatic transmission. The option is available for sedans, hatchbacks, off-road and commercial vehicles (s).

At the end of 2016, Mercedes Benz launched the 4matic plus system into series sales. Here it became possible to turn off the 4-wheel drive and connect it only to 2 rear wheels.

The story of 4 Matik consists of 5 successive episodes. The first prototypes of the 4matic system appeared in 1904 and were tested by Paul Daimler. The first light commercial vehicle was produced in 1907. Large-scale production of vehicles equipped with 4-wheel steering began in 1951 with the Unimog farmer's truck.

Officially 4 Matic was introduced by Mercedes in Germany in 1985. This system was installed on Mercedes * * and. The center differential lock directs 30% torque to the front axle of the car and 70% to the rear axle of the car. The force of the power unit is divided equally by the 2 rear wheels. The front differential was left unoccupied to increase stability and improve the vehicle's safety characteristics.

The clutches lock the differential and are hydraulically actuated. The system is controlled by the on-board computer and takes readings from speed sensors, ABS and steering wheel movements.

In the 80s, the system worked in three modes

1. 2 differentials disabled
2. center differential is locked
3. all differentials are locked

By pressing the brake pedal, the blocking is released from both differentials. The engine torque transmitted to the axles in a 30/70 ratio was focused on fast and confident acceleration of the car. Drifting when both pairs of wheels are connected is impossible.

History (II)

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

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

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

• CLA 45
• GL 500

The drive is not permanent, but connected as needed, which significantly reduces fuel consumption by almost 18%.
The 4matic Plus system, installed in the body, consists of an electrically controlled multi-disc clutch that disengages the power pressure to the front wheelset when needed.

How 4matic works

4matic mode is designed for uncompromising driving on snow, sand, ice and gravel. It reduces roll when cornering. Acceleration is faster and there is enough engine power for towing a trailer or other car. The ESP and the powertrain traction control function as ancillary elements of the four-wheel drive.

The distribution of torque by the ETC program is guided by the sensor data:

• ABS (traction control)
• functions of maintaining a constant speed when descending from the mountain

It then distributes the force to each wheel separately in unstable road conditions.

Episode 3

The 3 Series 4-wheel drive distributes torque for sedans and light SUVs in a ratio of 40 to the front wheelset and 60% of the torque to the rear. For SUVs 50 to 50. For business class and commercial vehicles 45 to 55. For sedans 33 to 67.

The 4matic 3 series system is paired with: an automatic transmission, a driveshaft that distributes its force to the front of the car, a transfer case, transmission of the driveshaft force to the rear wheelset, first gear, front and rear wheel differentials, axle shafts of the rear two wheels.

The transfer case performs the main function in the Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive system, it distributes the required torque force of the vehicle's power unit. It controls the gearbox, which acts as an asymmetric center differential, cylinder-shaped gears, and drive shafts. The gearbox is paired with a drive shaft. The rear shaft is driven by a sun gear. The front shaft is empty inside. It works in tandem with a smaller sun gear and is connected to the propeller shaft of the front axle.

Episode 4

4 series 4 matic functions in conjunction with a cylindrical differential, it is blocked by a clutch with two discs. Distribution of engine torque 45% to the front axle and 55% to the rear. When a car picks up speed while driving through an ice-covered road. The center differential is locked by a friction clutch that levels and stabilizes the Mercedes body.

The clutch can slip in corners if the difference in the differentials of the front and rear axle of the car exceeds 45 Newton / meters. At the same time, the tires do not sand the road surface. Such control during this period is performed by the 4ETC function by means of pressure on the brake discs.

Stabilization functions:

in the management of the Mercedes body in critical situations, add torque to the power unit. The 4th generation of all-wheel drive was first installed on a Mercedes body.

Episode 5

5 series all-wheel drive is paired with a motor installed across the hood. 4 matic of the fifth series is connected only when necessary (which significantly saves fuel). If a drive to the front axle is enough for a Mercedes to pass a certain section, then there is no rationality in using the entire drive. When the wheels slip, the control system of all 4 wheels is instantly connected at the same time. As soon as the vehicle has stabilized, the electric drive switches off the transmission of torque to the rear wheels. All-wheel drive stabilizes the roll of the car body before the assistance systems ESP and 4ETS intervene.

The PTU control unit adds power to the rear wheelset. It is part of the 7-G tronic automatic gearbox with dual wet clutch. This block is small, due to this, the total weight of the car has been reduced. In the absence of critical and emergency situations, the torque is distributed along the axes in half.

• When picking up speed 60/40
• passing a winding road 50/50
• loss of traction with the road surface of the front wheelset 10/90
• during emergency braking 100/0

So what exactly is 4matic?

This all-wheel drive system increases driving stability under any driving conditions and road conditions, even in the event of an accident. But you need to keep in mind that even the smartest additional option for controlling the sporty character of the car with unloading the driver in daily and critical situations. With big advantages in the safety of the car. With extra traction and stability on unstable road surfaces. 4 matic cannot go beyond physical boundaries.

YouTube video:

The Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive system is called 4Matic. According to the latest data, the name of the all-wheel drive system "4Matic" may be changed in the near future, so our friends decided to trace the entire history of the creation and development of this Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive system, namely, until some models of the German company will forever move away from this usual all terms (names).

Initially, the design of the four-wheel drive system was created in 1903 by Paul Daimler himself, the son of a German engineer, designer and industrialist.

The first four-wheel drive production car appeared four years later and was named Daimler Dernberg-Wagen. This creation had in addition to all-wheel drive and fully all steerable wheels, thus marking an important milestone in development.

Let's rewind time several decades ahead of the creation of the first production car. The company "Mercedes-Benz" released and launched into the series the first, exactly the same model that subsequently went through a long path of development, but did not lose its main feature, the incredible ability to pass the most difficult off-road sections.

In the early 1970s, Mercedes-Benz began developing the automobile, the great-grandfather of the modern G-Class.

After seven years, i.e. in 1979, the first Gelandwagen or G-class model rolls off the assembly line in the Austrian city of Gratz. An interesting fact is that to this day this company has not changed the place of production of Gelendvagen cars.

First 4Matic

The first mention of 4Matic took place and happened in 1985, when the German brand introduced an all-wheel drive system with this name. At that time, the company "Mercedes-Benz" for the first time showed the entire world public this new and unknown system, announcing the latter in the future in production, thereby declaring the following that it will be used on passenger cars. Two years later, the 4Matic all-wheel drive model rolled off the production line for the first time. The passenger car had an electronically locked differential.

The first M-Class crossover car from Mercedes rolled off the assembly line ten years later. The M-Class, later renamed ML, was the first premium crossover to feature electronic traction control with 4Matic all-wheel drive technology. Subsequently, the 4ETS electronic traction distribution system appeared on the E-Class 4Matic models.

The company "Mercedes" constantly improved and developed its proprietary all-wheel drive system, which resulted in the launch of its next new generation in 2008, the weight of such a system being reduced to 90 kilograms. The first model on which this system was installed was the CL 550 Coupe, naturally of the Mercedes brand.

Currently, Mercedes-Benz is installing the 4Matic system on almost 50 models of its cars and offers them for different sales markets, namely, from passenger cars to the same minivans and SUVs. The automaker combines this all-wheel drive with both gasoline and diesel, and even.

Mercedes-Benz 4Matic - for road vehicles

Daimler's premium brand creates various extras. options for all-wheel drive systems of cars, which it produces depending on their goals and their operational requirements. Passenger cars that are designed for road use only, such as the C, E, S, CL and CLS-Class, are today presented with an all-wheel drive system oriented to work at high power and at high speeds.

The German automaker uses compact 4Matic devices precisely for such cars, which transfer mainly the maximum torque and engine power specifically to the rear wheels and until they lose traction, which will force this system to proportionally transfer torque to the front axle. cars.

Due to the low weight of the system, its presence practically does not affect fuel consumption, and its compact dimensions, in turn, do not reduce the passenger compartment capacity by a single gram, if we compare it with the classic rear-wheel drive vehicle layout.

The 4Matic system of auto-models C, E, S, CL, and has and carries a mechanical basis, which distributes the torque in the ratio: - 45% to the front axle and 55% to the rear. It works by locking the multi-plate clutch in the center differential, with a force of 50 Nm.

Mercedes-Benz engineers claim that this system can distribute force and power in a 30/70 ratio in any direction (to the rear or front axle), depending on the data received from the electronic control systems ESP, 4ETS and ASR and on the state surface. Electronic systems are tuned to provide the all-wheel drive system with a specific opportunity to initially make the necessary adjustments, and then take control of the situation, if it (the situation) requires it.

At the same time, Mercedes-Benz models with transverse engines are supplied with a different version of 4Matic. On the A-Class and other MFA-derived vehicles such as the CLA model, this system mainly works with an offset to the front axle, with the rear wheels connected if necessary.

Mercedes-Benz claims that up to 100% of all engine power can be delivered to the rear wheels on this platform, but this can only happen if the front wheels of the car completely lose traction. The automaker also claims that the 4Matic system's response time is currently literally a matter of milliseconds.

Mercedes-Benz 4Matic system - for SUVs

Although the GLK is a car, its all-wheel drive system is similar to the one used on Mercedes-Benz sedans, coupes and minivans. Although it does have a rather peculiar set of electronics for a particular off-road driving. Otherwise, the entire main part of the system works in exactly the same way as in conventional four-wheel drive cars of this auto brand.

Meanwhile, this 4Matic system on cars and the GL-Class differs from the previously mentioned examples, it distributes and divides the power between the axles in equal proportions, 50/50.

Both of these models use ABS sensors to measure individual wheel speed, and then the ESP and 4ETS systems themselves come into operation, which is done imperceptibly for the driver himself by briefly braking the slipping wheels at the right time.

Mercedes-Benz has already released four generations of 4Matic systems, and the automaker passed the two millionth milestone in February 2012.

G-Class 4Matic - extreme variant

Even without knowing the history of this German car, only by one appearance of the G-Class one can immediately and unmistakably determine that this model has military roots. The "real warrior" quickly became a very popular passenger motor vehicle, with time naturally and other modern improvements.

Compared to the previously described all-wheel drive car models, the main know-how of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is as follows:

The first version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class used a fully mechanical four-wheel drive system. It was a so-called discrete system and did not include any electronics. The internal designation of this G-Class is "Series 461" .

In 1990, namely 11 years after the launch of the first series of the G-Class model, the German automaker introduced permanent all-wheel drive in this vehicle range as standard. These models, respectively, belonged to the "Series 463" and they were equipped with: - ABS system, self-locking on the front and rear axles and an interaxle 100% locking differential.