sdunham

Looking at selling my CLK500 and getting into something with 4-Matic. My CLK500 has been sitting in the garage since November because it can't handle the snow packed iced over mountain roads here in Colorado. I can't continue to finance the College Education of Hundreds of Saudi's with what I'm spending on Diesel fuel in my 4x4 Truck. I've been looking at the c300 4-Matic , E350 4-matic, ML's, R350's, BMW335Xi's, etc... Here's the question... Why is it that MB doesn't offer Sport versions of their models with 4-matic...? Ever wonder...? Audi does with the S4, BMW does with the 335Xi and even the 335Xi Coupe... I get a huge discount on MB's because my wife works for a Dealer but I really want a Sport version with AWD and MB doesn't offer anything... All you can get are the Sedan versions with the small displacement engines and AMG body kits and wheels which in my mind aren't the real Sport versions... For example, I can buy a C300 4-Matic but I can't buy a c350 4-matic... Seems MB is missing out on a market segment here and I'm wondering if anyone has insight into why...

syrAMG

not quite sure what you mean...
but the C300 4matic comes as a sport version and lux version if thats what you are referring to

so far the only C-Class series that is not a 4Matic is the 350 series in the US.

MBTex

I think he means an actual sports coupe rather than the 300 Sport 4matic, which obviously is a sedan with AMG styling.

Probably won't see that out of MB. I guess they could make a C63 AMG into a 4matic, but why would they?

chilledbenz

You can in fact order a E350 or E550 with a no cost sport package or a spruced up AMG package for an extra 2k. As mentioned above you can also get a C300 Sport with 4matic and there is indeed a C350 with 4matic, just not in the states. 2009 model year looks to have the C350 available with the 4matic in the states, so hold off a year and see what comes about. As far as getting say an AMG car with 4matic I think thats far far off, look how long its taken them to figure out how to get the 7speed auto to work in those cars without tearing it to bits ha ha.

AsianML

Audi has always done it with their models since Quattro is their trademark and bigger selling point. BMW just recently added xDrive to their E92 and E93 models. I don't recall BMW ever having AWD on any of their coupe or convertibles.

MB has recently announced the CL500/550 4Matic for Switzerland I believe and they should be revealing it in Geneva for the U.S. That's the only coupe 4M I'm aware of right now.

blastit

chilledbenz is right the c350 4 matic is offered in Canada. i am not quite sure why they did not offer it in the states as well. one would think that this car would do well especially in the areas that are plagued with snow.

MBTex

don't think that's what the OP meant...but i agree it would do well here in the US

blastit

my bad lol i didnt read the post thoroughly. as for why there are no 4 matic sports cars...i have no idea. traditionally dont RWD sports make the best kind?

aowhaus

4matics are reserved for sedans, wagons and SUV models, but the upcoming release of a CL-class with optional 4matic is promising sign that MB will offer 4matic on their coupe models.

Audi (all their models are available or standard with AWD) and BMW 328xi and 335xi coupes are selling well especially in regions that have winter conditions, and MB is starting to see the light.
There was no way I would consider a RWD-only car, and the 4matic option was the main consideration on my purchase.

chilledbenz

Not always...the Lamborghini Murcielago is awd, but I think thats because theres so much weight over the back wheels that they need to send some forward so it doesn't just sit there and smoke the tires.

AsianML

I personally think it's because VAG/Audi owns Lambo now.

webada

subaru has been doing it for yrs on their WRX STI...

chilledbenz

Theres a difference between a 300hp Sti and a 500hp and some cases 600hp AMG though. Audi is onto something...even the R8 has quattro.

webada

yes that's correct but I'm resonating OP's comment on a c350 4matic not being available (in the states) and missing out on some market segment.

well, you can blame that one on MBUSA again...

MBTex

about 7 or 8 months ago there was a thread on here about MBUSA needing to be spanked...might need to add to it.