Newly developed 4MATIC all-wheel drive for the S-Class: Comfort and driving dynamics attain a new level of perfection
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is now available with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. Developed entirely in-house by Mercedes-Benz, this all-new drive system combines perfect traction, first-class comfort and impressive driving dynamics with good fuel economy. Two powerful eight-cylinder models are available in the form of the S 500 4MATIC and S 450 4MATIC while the S 320 CDI 4MATIC is the first S-Class all-wheel-drive variant to be equipped with a particularly economical V6 diesel engine. The new models with all-wheel drive are identified clearly by the 4MATIC legend which appears both on the boot lid and on the wooden trim element on the centre console.
The top model from Mercedes-Benz with the new 4MATIC all-wheel-drive is aimed at drivers whose principal requirement is for a luxury saloon able to cope with all weather conditions with absolute assurance. This need is met by the S-Class 4MATIC models, whose newly developed drive system features a planetary-type centre differential. The permanent, fixed power split between the front and rear wheels in a ratio of 45 to 55 percent guarantees assured and absolutely predictable handling on all road surfaces. An integrated multiplate clutch ensures additional traction and optimum directional stability as soon as the wheels show any sign of slipping. With the support of the ESP, ASR and 4ETS electronic driving safety systems, the S-Class 4MATIC offers a dynamic, comfortable and safe transport solution, even in adverse road conditions.
Trend-setting all-wheel-drive system developed by Mercedes-Benz
The 4MATIC system’s compact, light and friction-optimised design offers clear advantages over other systems with regard to weight, fuel consumption, comfort and passive safety. Depending on the engine type, the all-wheel-drive technology results in an unrivalled low additional weight of just 66 or 70 kilograms.
Mercedes-Benz will also be offering this trend-setting all-wheel-drive technology in other passenger cars in the future. The new 4MATIC drive for the S-Class was developed independently by a team of specialists at the Mercedes Technology Center in Sindelfingen and in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim. The all-wheel-drive components are produced in a coordinated production system comprising the Stuttgart-Untert�rkheim, Esslingen-Hedelfingen and Esslingen-Mettingen major component plants.
Two powerful eight-cylinder models with 4MATIC
Assured performance of the highest order is guaranteed by the S 500 4MATIC und S 450 4MATIC eight-cylinder models. In the S 500 4MATIC, the advanced 5.5-litre V8-engine with four valves per cylinder, 285 kW/388 hp and 530 Newton metres offers first-class performance: the new S 500 4MATIC accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and is therefore as fast as the rear-wheel-drive variant. Thanks to the optimised weight and friction characteristics of the all-wheel-drive system, the additional fuel consumption is agreeably low. With figures of 12.1 to 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) compared with 11.7 to 11.9 litres per 100 km for the S 500 without all-wheel-drive, it is clear that the new drive system is able to offer impressive savings.
The S 450 4MATIC is powered by a 4663-cc, eight-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder which develops, 250 kW/340 hp and 460 Newton metres of torque. Here, too, this V8 model with all-wheel-drive accelerates as quickly as its rear-wheel-drive counterpart, attaining 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. With NEDC combined fuel consumption of 11.6 to 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres, the additional fuel consumption as in the case of the S 500 4MATIC is only 0.4 litres.
A first for the S-Class: all-wheel drive in combination with a diesel engine
An even more economical choice is available in the form of the new S 320 CDI 4MATIC a model which marks a first for the S-Class by combining all-wheel drive with a diesel engine. The advanced V6 turbodiesel with common rail high-pressure injection develops 173 kW/235 hp and 540 Newton metres of torque, accelerating the saloon to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds; the top speed is 245 km/h. With fuel consumption of between 8.7 and 8.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, this model has a range of more than 1000 kilometres. Like the V8 petrol models, the S 320 CDI 4MATIC consumes just 0.4 litres more fuel than the equivalent model with a standard drive system.
On all S-Class 4MATIC models, power management is performed by the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with steering-column DIRECT SELECT gear selector and steering-wheel gearshift buttons. The V6 and V8 petrol-engined models are equipped as standard with the 7G-TRONIC Sport transmission, which is tuned for more direct, faster response.
Immediate market launch for V8 models, V6 CDI follows in December 2006
The S 500 4MATIC, S 450 4MATIC and S 320 CDI 4MATIC are available in short and long wheelbase versions. The market launch of the V8 models in Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and authorised dealerships will start in September 2006. The diesel variant will appear in December 2006, to be followed by the S 350 4MATIC with a 200-kW/272-hp V6 petrol engine in mid-2007.
Overview:
Cyl. cc kW/hp
at rpm Nm from rpm Transmission 0-100 s Top speed km/h l/100 km
NEDC combined
S 320 CDI
4MATIC V6 2987 173/235
3600 540
1600 7G-TRONIC 7.8 245 8.7-8.9
S 450
4MATIC V8 4663 250/340
6000 460/
2700 7G-TRONIC 5.9 250 11.6-11.8
S 500
4MATIC V8 5461
285/388
6000 530/
2800 7G-TRONIC 5.4 250 12.1-12.3
Wide variety: 48 all-wheel-drive models from Mercedes-Benz
The extended choice of all-wheel-drive vehicles from Mercedes-Benz now comprises seven model series and impresses with its great diversity: it starts with the C and E-Class, both of which are available with 4MATIC in Saloon and Estate form, and includes the new S-Class and the R-Class touring SUV, both of which are available in two body variants. Furthermore, the Stuttgart-based auto maker produces three off-roaders � the new GL-Class, the M-Class and the G-Class, a classic among cross-country vehicles. In total, therefore, Mercedes-Benz offers no less than 48 all-wheel-drive models.
This product initiative reflects the considerable emphasis which Mercedes-Benz is placing on the market for all-wheel-drive passenger cars and off-roaders a market characterised by a distinct year-on-year growth trend. A look at the S-Class segment also makes this clear: in the German market, the share of all-wheel-drive models increased from six percent in 2002 to nine percent in 2005. During the same period, the all-wheel-drive share of this segment in the European market also increased from six percent to nine. Worldwide sales of the S-Class 4MATIC predecessor model, which was launched in 2002, amounted to almost 29,000 vehicles in just under three years. In 2005, the all-wheel-drive S-Class models had a worldwide share of about 18 percent of the total sales volume of this model series. Overall, Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 1.2 million passenger cars and cross-country vehicles with permanent all-wheel-drive (figures correct as of July 2006).
Over 20 years of 4MATIC from Mercedes-Benz
The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system made its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1985. One year later, Mercedes-Benz presented the new technology in the E-Class of the time, the 124 model series. Delivery of the first models with the automatically engaging all-wheel-drive system began in spring 1987. The succes-sor model series, the 210, premiered a completely new permanent all-wheel drive system in 1997. As the first all-wheel-drive passenger car from the Stuttgart-based car brand, the E-Class paved the way for the adoption of this innovative drive and safety technology in other Mercedes-Benz model series.
