4matic or not
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2015
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Ls460 sport, Panamera, f250
4matic or not
I am going to get a certified 2015 w222. Going sport pkg, pref 19"s, distronic, package #1, nappa upgrade if possible. I live in California and would not drive this car to the house in the mountains, so how should I view 4matic? One more thing to go wrong? Better traction even on dry pavement, or a toss up?
Thanks for the help
TJ
Thanks for the help
TJ
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Northern New Jersey
2015 S550, 2014 E63 S-AMG Wagon, 2014 Audi RS7,2013 SL550, & 2011 CL550
I am going to get a certified 2015 w222. Going sport pkg, pref 19"s, distronic, package #1, nappa upgrade if possible. I live in California and would not drive this car to the house in the mountains, so how should I view 4matic? One more thing to go wrong? Better traction even on dry pavement, or a toss up?
Thanks for the help
TJ
Thanks for the help
TJ
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 394
'25 S63 AMG E Performance, '26 CLE 53 AMG
I am going to get a certified 2015 w222. Going sport pkg, pref 19"s, distronic, package #1, nappa upgrade if possible. I live in California and would not drive this car to the house in the mountains, so how should I view 4matic? One more thing to go wrong? Better traction even on dry pavement, or a toss up?
Thanks for the help
TJ
Thanks for the help
TJ
If you ever drive in snow or ice with the S Class, you cannot beat 4matic. I have owned S Class and E Class 4matics and non 4matics. I would not live without 4matic where I live in PA but if you are in CA and you will not encounter snow or ice 4matic is just an extra $3000 you can spend on something else. But man I love 4matic for the PA winters.
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: Endicott NY
2014 ML350 Bluetec, 2016 GLC 300, 2023 Corvette, Z51 Stingray
Both of my cars Ml350 and C300 sport have 4M. I live in upstate NY and it is essential to have. Maybe it is all in my mind but even on dry pavement I have a bit more confidence. If the money is a factor and you are not going to be driving in snow or rain then I would agree with the others to forgo the option. As far as "one moe thing to go wrong", I have not had any issues even on my previous 06 ML. If you opt for it, I do not think you will be sorry. It's like insurance. It's there if and when you need it.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 766
Likes: 47
S, GL
I am going to get a certified 2015 w222. Going sport pkg, pref 19"s, distronic, package #1, nappa upgrade if possible. I live in California and would not drive this car to the house in the mountains, so how should I view 4matic? One more thing to go wrong? Better traction even on dry pavement, or a toss up?
Thanks for the help
TJ
Thanks for the help
TJ
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 659
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From: New Jersey
2013 S550 4matic (AMG sport package), 2016 Corvette Stingray.
If you ever drive in snow or ice with the S Class, you cannot beat 4matic. I have owned S Class and E Class 4matics and non 4matics. I would not live without 4matic where I live in PA but if you are in CA and you will not encounter snow or ice 4matic is just an extra $3000 you can spend on something else. But man I love 4matic for the PA winters.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,938
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
If you ever drive in snow or ice with the S Class, you cannot beat 4matic. I have owned S Class and E Class 4matics and non 4matics. I would not live without 4matic where I live in PA but if you are in CA and you will not encounter snow or ice 4matic is just an extra $3000 you can spend on something else. But man I love 4matic for the PA winters.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 431
S600
Background:: I have driven my Ferrari on race tracks on slicks in pouring rain, so I know a ting or two about traction management. I also grew up where the roads were covered in snow and black ice when I was younger.
To me: 4-Matic is something that detracts from the driving experience. For people who have never figured out what traction management is, or how to feel the traction profile of the tire on the road surface, on propetially slipery surfaces, the 4-Matic is a good safety measure. To me it is an enjoyment detraction.
Plus it was not offered on my S600.
To me: 4-Matic is something that detracts from the driving experience. For people who have never figured out what traction management is, or how to feel the traction profile of the tire on the road surface, on propetially slipery surfaces, the 4-Matic is a good safety measure. To me it is an enjoyment detraction.
Plus it was not offered on my S600.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 342
Likes: 71
From: NJ
E300-4matic
4Matic
Don't tell anybody else this but 4Matic is pretty much useless anywhere you live. The 4Matic people will argue that 4 wheel drive is better than 2 wheel, that might be true in a truck but all MB are lousy in the snow, that added to the fact there's a lot more to be beneficial than just having 4 wheel drive, firstly, there's ground clearance plus the fact that a MB car only has so much torque and that is the true ingredient that makes a vehicle either good or bad in the snow, whether the power goes to 2 or 4 wheels is of little difference.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 394
'25 S63 AMG E Performance, '26 CLE 53 AMG
Don't tell anybody else this but 4Matic is pretty much useless anywhere you live. The 4Matic people will argue that 4 wheel drive is better than 2 wheel, that might be true in a truck but all MB are lousy in the snow, that added to the fact there's a lot more to be beneficial than just having 4 wheel drive, firstly, there's ground clearance plus the fact that a MB car only has so much torque and that is the true ingredient that makes a vehicle either good or bad in the snow, whether the power goes to 2 or 4 wheels is of little difference.
You are very misinformed
.I have owned 4matics and non 4matic MBs. I currently own an S550 4matic and a Ford F150 4x4. I will give you credit on the ground clearance issue but otherwise you are not correct. I live in Pittsburgh where we not only have snow issues but deal with our share of ice in the winter. I remember the time it took me 1/2 hour to get up an icy hill in the winter with my non 4matic S Class. Now the same hill in my '14 S550 4matic I make it up in 2 minutes with the same icy conditions. Man are you misinformed.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 4
2015 C400 4Matic
4matic is the only way to go if you live in an area with poor winter driving conditions. I owned a RWD only MB and could not even get it out of my driveway when there was any snow on the ground. I have since purchased four different MB's with 4matic and I have never had any difficulty with the snowy driving conditions we experience in the northeast
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 595
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
Honestly I would get it. Why not? You never know when it comes in handy. Also, you are spending $100,000 on a stunning car so what is another couple thousand for some more security? I love my 4Matic's and would have a hard time not having it. Even in the rain it helps and also off road.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
S550
The number 1 determinate of how well your car does in snow are its tires....That's really all. The only thing standing between gripping the road and skidding to oblivion is a few square inches of contact area.
You can say "but my car is an SUV!" or "but I have 4 wheel drive!" to high heaven, but the fact remains whatever experience you are seeing in winter conditions is primarily from the tires. What tends to happen is that higher performance RWD cars and lower profile tires will have rubber compounds and tread patterns that are more suited for grip in warm dry/wet conditions, whether summer or all-season. Summer tires in general shouldn't be used under 40 degrees, snow or not. "All-season" is a vague term, some are one step removed from max performance summer rubber that turn to wooden blocks in freezing temps, others are more conservative and can manage a little snow. It's better to think of them as "no-season" with worse grip than summer tires in warm weather and much worse grip than winter tires in cold. That's the price of convenience. Cars like AWD sedans shipped to the Northeast will usually have higher profile and the more conservative all-season if there is more than one OEM offered.
All else equal, 4Matic is better than RWD, but put wheels from a S65 with Michelin Pilot Super Sports on a S550 4Matic, and I'd be impressed if you make it out of your driveway with a dusting. Put Nokians on that S65, and you'll be the one towing the overconfident Subarus out of the ditch. AWD *and* winter tires is certainly best, of course.
You can say "but my car is an SUV!" or "but I have 4 wheel drive!" to high heaven, but the fact remains whatever experience you are seeing in winter conditions is primarily from the tires. What tends to happen is that higher performance RWD cars and lower profile tires will have rubber compounds and tread patterns that are more suited for grip in warm dry/wet conditions, whether summer or all-season. Summer tires in general shouldn't be used under 40 degrees, snow or not. "All-season" is a vague term, some are one step removed from max performance summer rubber that turn to wooden blocks in freezing temps, others are more conservative and can manage a little snow. It's better to think of them as "no-season" with worse grip than summer tires in warm weather and much worse grip than winter tires in cold. That's the price of convenience. Cars like AWD sedans shipped to the Northeast will usually have higher profile and the more conservative all-season if there is more than one OEM offered.
All else equal, 4Matic is better than RWD, but put wheels from a S65 with Michelin Pilot Super Sports on a S550 4Matic, and I'd be impressed if you make it out of your driveway with a dusting. Put Nokians on that S65, and you'll be the one towing the overconfident Subarus out of the ditch. AWD *and* winter tires is certainly best, of course.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 595
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
Don't tell anybody else this but 4Matic is pretty much useless anywhere you live. The 4Matic people will argue that 4 wheel drive is better than 2 wheel, that might be true in a truck but all MB are lousy in the snow, that added to the fact there's a lot more to be beneficial than just having 4 wheel drive, firstly, there's ground clearance plus the fact that a MB car only has so much torque and that is the true ingredient that makes a vehicle either good or bad in the snow, whether the power goes to 2 or 4 wheels is of little difference.
Oh good Lord...
What magical creature told you this?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
The number 1 determinate of how well your car does in snow are its tires....That's really all. The only thing standing between gripping the road and skidding to oblivion is a few square inches of contact area.
You can say "but my car is an SUV!" or "but I have 4 wheel drive!" to high heaven, but the fact remains whatever experience you are seeing in winter conditions is primarily from the tires. What tends to happen is that higher performance RWD cars and lower profile tires will have rubber compounds and tread patterns that are more suited for grip in warm dry/wet conditions, whether summer or all-season. Summer tires in general shouldn't be used under 40 degrees, snow or not. "All-season" is a vague term, some are one step removed from max performance summer rubber that turn to wooden blocks in freezing temps, others are more conservative and can manage a little snow. It's better to think of them as "no-season" with worse grip than summer tires in warm weather and much worse grip than winter tires in cold. That's the price of convenience. Cars like AWD sedans shipped to the Northeast will usually have higher profile and the more conservative all-season if there is more than one OEM offered.
All else equal, 4Matic is better than RWD, but put wheels from a S65 with Michelin Pilot Super Sports on a S550 4Matic, and I'd be impressed if you make it out of your driveway with a dusting. Put Nokians on that S65, and you'll be the one towing the overconfident Subarus out of the ditch. AWD *and* winter tires is certainly best, of course.
You can say "but my car is an SUV!" or "but I have 4 wheel drive!" to high heaven, but the fact remains whatever experience you are seeing in winter conditions is primarily from the tires. What tends to happen is that higher performance RWD cars and lower profile tires will have rubber compounds and tread patterns that are more suited for grip in warm dry/wet conditions, whether summer or all-season. Summer tires in general shouldn't be used under 40 degrees, snow or not. "All-season" is a vague term, some are one step removed from max performance summer rubber that turn to wooden blocks in freezing temps, others are more conservative and can manage a little snow. It's better to think of them as "no-season" with worse grip than summer tires in warm weather and much worse grip than winter tires in cold. That's the price of convenience. Cars like AWD sedans shipped to the Northeast will usually have higher profile and the more conservative all-season if there is more than one OEM offered.
All else equal, 4Matic is better than RWD, but put wheels from a S65 with Michelin Pilot Super Sports on a S550 4Matic, and I'd be impressed if you make it out of your driveway with a dusting. Put Nokians on that S65, and you'll be the one towing the overconfident Subarus out of the ditch. AWD *and* winter tires is certainly best, of course.
Bingo! Brilliantly stated.
M
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
Don't tell anybody else this but 4Matic is pretty much useless anywhere you live. The 4Matic people will argue that 4 wheel drive is better than 2 wheel, that might be true in a truck but all MB are lousy in the snow, that added to the fact there's a lot more to be beneficial than just having 4 wheel drive, firstly, there's ground clearance plus the fact that a MB car only has so much torque and that is the true ingredient that makes a vehicle either good or bad in the snow, whether the power goes to 2 or 4 wheels is of little difference.
M
