03-06' S430/S500 - how good is 4MATIC in the snow ?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 26
From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
It is a LOT better than RWD and FWD only, but beyond that, its ultimate success is a bit dependent on the tires. My experience with any AWD system (4Matic or otherwise) in snow has been that they are best with studded snow tires; next best with non-studded snow tires; all-season tires come in third, and summer-only performance tires dead last.
My experience includes winters in Maine, on Colorado mountain highways, and in the Baltimore/Washington DC areas.
My experience includes winters in Maine, on Colorado mountain highways, and in the Baltimore/Washington DC areas.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
with standard A/S tires (Michelin Pilot Sport), my s500 4matic was brilliant in the snow. No issues whatsoever, and the traction control light came on maybe 4 times all winter.
If you really have to get through heavy and icy snow, you will want 4 snow tires, but for occasional snow, its a huge upgrade over rwd. No more worries about getting to work, home, etc.
P.S., its also great in rain.
If you really have to get through heavy and icy snow, you will want 4 snow tires, but for occasional snow, its a huge upgrade over rwd. No more worries about getting to work, home, etc.
P.S., its also great in rain.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 26
From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
I agree with Oliverk that the AWD is great in rain - absolutely terrific. Not only that, the feel of command of the road is wonderful on dry pavement as well. That's why I drive one in Florida.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 46
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From: Switzerland
'96 S320 , '98 E280 4matic '06 S350L '09 GL450
With 4 good snow tires it can tackle any mountain road in the Swiss Alps as long there's enough ground clearance. (and being able to raise the car sure helps)
Once you cannot continue with a 4-matic S-class, I'd take a G ! But that's never happened on public roads.
Once you cannot continue with a 4-matic S-class, I'd take a G ! But that's never happened on public roads.
