WSC230

Hi, I haven't been on this board for years since I totaled my c230. Im thinking about getting back into a benz. Right now im looking at the 2014 E350 sports model.
I found 2 within my price range but want to know which one is better overall? The regular sports model, or the sports 4matic? I understand that the 4matic is AWD, but is that the only difference? The 4matic is actually about $2,000 less, everything else looks identical. Is there anything I should know about the 4matic? Which one would be better or is it about the same? Thanks

AllenOU

I have a 2014 E class. I LOVE IT SO MUCH. I had a 2013 4 matic and loved it as well.


4matic - from my experience, it has slightly better acceleration, slightly worse MPG, especially in the city, and its also a little louder imo as far as road noise.


I would just get the one you like better, don't worry about 4matic or not.


Here is my baby https://i.imgur.com/SUdZhAe.png

Cao Black

If you live in an area where you don't need 4WD I personally wouldn't make that the determining factor. Both have there place.

For me the decision would be the condition, equipment and mileage of the vehicles, followed by who the seller is. Are you buying CPO which has been maintained by the dealer and has additional warranty, or from a private party?

kbob999

With a 4Matic, you are packing around the extra weight of the system, and have all of the moving parts to maintain as time runs on. It is only a snow option, not really a performance option. I have the rear drive E350 P2 Sport CPO, and drive in snow, but only with dedicated snow tires all around. It has never let me down.

Car has the options I wanted, gets great mileage on the diesel, and came CPO, which added a year to the warranty. Drive one and you will be happy with the car.

SteveE400

Actually, 4Matic is a performance option in the wet, too. I have the E400 4Matic, and I never have wheelspin pulling away from stoplights. When I had my LS430 I was constantly battling the traction control on rainy days, and if I turned TC off, it was just crazy spin.

designzio

I was intentionally looking for an AWD model for my wife. She likes how planted it feels in any driving conditions. She had a bad experience with a RWD Infiniti that would get a lot of wheel spin and lateral movement on wet surfaces.

blegthbloo

That sounds like my G37 which went sideways in 2in of snow on a straight road with the stock Potenzas... but those are summer tires lol

The 4Matic is definitely a wet performer, IMO. I have to turn off ESC in the snow because it actually hinders the natural performance of the 4Matic in less than grippy situations. I'm sure it's strange to see a MB doing a 4-wheel drift through a snowy intersection, but it's fun.