E550 4MATIC versus RWD
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Florida
2013 ML350, 2019 S560
E550 4MATIC versus RWD
I am curious if there is any performance difference between 4MATIC and rear wheel drive E class sedans. I note several people on this Forum in sunny place like Southern California and Florida have gone with 4MATIC.
I have found it can be difficult to hook up rear end with RWD E550 even on dry pavement. Does 4MATIC help?
I have found it can be difficult to hook up rear end with RWD E550 even on dry pavement. Does 4MATIC help?
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
4Matics of course grip better, and might handle better.
But the 4Matic saps a lot more power to the wheels, so a 2WD car will always be "faster" than the same car in 4WD mode. Also, it's gonna be heavier, and eat more Gas.
To me, it'd be pointless to go 4Matic in Cali, unless someone is just really partial to the effects of 4WD.
But the 4Matic saps a lot more power to the wheels, so a 2WD car will always be "faster" than the same car in 4WD mode. Also, it's gonna be heavier, and eat more Gas.
To me, it'd be pointless to go 4Matic in Cali, unless someone is just really partial to the effects of 4WD.
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
I agree that 4 Matic is pointless in dry warm climates. It was really intented for northern climates with ice and snow. It certainly is a must here in Canada and probably why they made it standard equipment. I no longer buy snow tires. The all season tires with 4 Matic do a great job.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Chicagoland
I drive a 2013 ML350
Florida
I got the 4MATIC for numerouse reasons, but primarily because the rainy weather can create a dangerous surface on the expressways and sailing along at 75-80 mph can be a bit safer with all wheel traction.
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From: NY
2010 E550 4matic, 2008 MDX, 2011 335i Vert
I thought one of the carmags, maybe C&D or MT, suggested that 4matic is a bit quicker off the line under full throttle because of added grip whereas onm the no n4matic traction control must kick in sooner. I know C&D had the 0-60 for the E550 4matic at 4.7sec, although not a comparable time for the non 4matic.
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From: Earth (Mostly)
2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
Here in NorCal, I certainly didn't need the 4Matic, but I test drove both to make sure, afterall $2500 isn't all that much difference 
if I wanted to cruise through the Sierras or the beaches. I took both cars from the same dealer down the same roads within an hour of each other to make sure the conditions didn't alter my test drive.
I found that the E350 RWD handled better and smoother. The 4matic felt like it had a lead plate bolted to the underside and wallowed in the turns much more that the RWD. Off the line, both gave the same straight-line accelleration, but the handling sealed the deal for the RWD.
if I wanted to cruise through the Sierras or the beaches. I took both cars from the same dealer down the same roads within an hour of each other to make sure the conditions didn't alter my test drive.I found that the E350 RWD handled better and smoother. The 4matic felt like it had a lead plate bolted to the underside and wallowed in the turns much more that the RWD. Off the line, both gave the same straight-line accelleration, but the handling sealed the deal for the RWD.
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From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
I have RWD in Chicago with no problems whatsoever in the winter. The all-seasons do the job just fine and I enjoy the better MPG and quicker acceleration to boot. Re-sale might be a small issue for me however due to every Tom, Dick and Harry thinking they need AWD in this area.
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From: South Florida/New Jersey
2009 blk/blk C63 AMG, 2010 wht/blk c300 sport, 06 c280, 12 Triumph Daytona 675R wht/blk/red
+1 i live in south florida, 95 gets pretty slippery when it rains and it rains HARD.
