Peter_Biz

Hi everyone,

I'm fairly new to this forum, and really enjoy reading everyone's comments and reviews on the new C-class.

I currently drive a 2007 C230 basic model and I fell in love with the styling and features of the new c-class, so I ordered one..... The C350 4matic with the "C350 Premium Package" basically includes everything... command, pano-roof, keyless go...... I have yet to recieve a build date though.

Regardless of that I have a question about the 4matic models.

I don't have any experience with 4matic mercedes cars, but figured that since I live in Toronto, Canada, where we get our fair share of ice and snow.... it
would be a good idea.

I don't really see anyone else in the forum ordering the 4matic car, maybe cuz some of you don't get much snow where you live..... anyways, is there any downside to the 4matic??? or is it just personal preference..

My sales guy told me that until production starts, I can change my order details.

I should mention that I've only had my current car since May, so I have no experience with the driving in winter with the RWD C230.

Smorris

We just bought a C300 Sport with 4Matic.

Where are you located? The C350 is not available with 4Matic in the US.

I personally would have rather had the C350, but it is my wife's car replacing her Audi w/quattro, so she wanted another AWD.

MidniteBluBenz

As a fellow resident of T.O. I can say that you should save your money and not get the 4-Matic. Buy a set of Blizzaks and you'll be fine.

The weather here isn't what it used to be with global warming. The snow we get here isn't that bad. We have a couple days a year of really bad snow and on those days you're likely not going anywhere anyway.

I've never had a problem in the snow w/ my 540i or 300E and neither have 4wd or even traction control. On really bad snow days I just won't drive, but that may happen once a year... if that. Other 99% of the time I have no problem getting around in the snow w/ a set of Blizzaks.

MBfan21

I got a 4 matic and I live in the North East. Better to be safe than sorry.

MBTex

4matic is always nice if you live in rural areas where snow and road conditions are a problem, don't see much point in it otherwise.

i think you haven't seen too many on the forum ordering 4matics because most on here are from the US and the 4matics just became available last month for the 300's and it will never be available in this year's 350 here.

LaicepsYdobon

I currently have a 4Matic and my next MB will have a 4Matic also. Living in New Jersey make it necessary to have 4WD. Granted I don't get the benefit of using it every day but when it snows like crazy and everyone is slipping and sliding down I-280 my car feels like its on rails and powers through everything. I love the secure feeling of the 4Matic. The only thing I have to watch out for is the crazy soccer moms in the SUVs thinking that 4WD means 4W-Stop. I think the crazy soccer moms are more terrifying in the winter then the ice and snow put together.

Jorg

I have had both, RWD MB cars and 4Matics and I can tell you the difference is like day and night. True the big advantage is during our winters, but I find it extremely effective on wet pavement. MB let us try their cars on a race track and they had water cannons to wet the pavement and the difference is nothing short of remarkable.

Driving the 4Matic is hardly any different just when you go around corners too fast, you see the triangular warning light flickering. For the price difference, it is money well spend, in my opinion.

To proof a point. When MB came out with the latest S550, 4Matic was not available. As soon as it was, I ordered one and I can tell you the S550 without the 4Matic was hard to sell here.

If it had one draw back than it is this: My wife had a great respect for driving in the winter time and was extremely careful. I agree with her driving a 4Matic is like on dry pavement. After a freezing rain, with the non 4Matic, I have trouble getting up my driveway into the garage. She can stop half way up, open the garage door and drive in.

If you have had a 4Matic you will be reluctant to give it up. The sale of MB 4Matic equipped cars has increased in Canada exponentially.

Jorg

berenyi

...and the new C-Class has the new 4th gen 4matic...same as the new S-Class...lightweight and very little difference from rwd...the turn-in around corners with the new 4matic is awesome.

Peter_Biz

Thanks for the input.

I think I will keep my order as is, and get the 4matic.

The benefits can be realized year round with many different driving conditions, so the extra safety is good.

Peter

MBTex

Given that you live in Canada I'd say that is a good idea. If I lived where it snowed every year I probably would have either gotten the 300 Lux 4matic (since the 350 isn't available in the US) or would have gone with another car altogether.

Since snow isn't a problem down here, there really isn't much of a need for it.

aowhaus

makes me want to move back to T.O. (my hometown).

Go for the C350 4Matic! You will have something us Americans can't get!
Having AWD is a major advantage if you live in a place that gets some snow, especially when you other alternative is RWD (not very good in the snow). The extra power and standard features of the C350 is definately nice as well. The new generation 4Matic system doesn't add that much body weight unlike older AWD systems, which affects handling and performance.

LaicepsYdobon

Amen; very well said !