Ferrast

I will be purchasing an S class and I was interested in a 4Matic even though I live in Southern California where rainy days are few and far between. I was wondering: Does 4Matic improve the handling of the S class on dry pavement? Is it a noticeable improvement?

If not 4 Matic, does anyone have experience with the Magnetic Ride? If so, does it provide a much more comfortable ride?

Thank you.

Mitch Alsup

In this thread a) There will be those owners who insist that 4Matic is the best thing since sliced bread. b) There will also be people who think the computer controlled suspension stuff is the neatest thing since sliced bread.

In actuality, they are both right and it is a shame that both cannot be fitted at the same time. Each potential owner should have the option of choice, and should make that choice based on driving abilities.

My 600 has the computer controlled suspension. I personally don't like 4Matic but this is largely because I have driven mid engined race cars in the rain on slicks and developed the hand/eye coordination necessary to drive a car with the tail end hung out without loss of control.

If I lived in norther climates with 6 months of winter per year and used the S as a daily driver, I would probably choose 4Matic. But I don't so I didn't.

WEBSRFR

I'd personally not get a car without AWD. You are going to have better traction in all situations and unless you are like Mitch, who posted above you, are a less likely to get yourself into trouble with AWD.

It's your call obviously. I'd drive a car with the Magnetic Ride feature and see if it is worth giving up on AWD traction.

BenzBoy12

Ok - real quick -

Magic Body Control is not magnetic ride, nothing like it. It's an active, hydraulically-assisted suspension system. Also, all S-Class suspensions are computer controlled, as Airmatic certainly requires computers for its operations.

Second, living in SoCal...don't see the need for 4Matic really. You'll be just fine without it. However, Magic Body Control is certainly a step up from Airmatic. The 4Matic will just add weight that you don't really need.

Ferrast

"Magnetic Ride" I must have had Corvettes on my mind. You are correct, Magic Body Control is what I am asking about.

BenzBoy12, you mention that I wouldn't need AWD in SoCal. I was wondering whether the car would handle much better with the AWD even in dry conditions?

Is Magic Body Control so much better than Airmatic that it is very obvious to someone who never felt much difference in ride between the sport and comfort modes?

Thanks.

dingmah

You're in SoCal... you don't need AWD.

jbattan

There's a certain intersection near me that has a slight hill and turn and that's the only instance where 4Matic would be a great solution, even in rainy Oregon. I'd go with MBC.

Quadcammer

The concern about handling seems to be misplaced given the type of car we are looking for. None of these cars handle well in the traditional sporty sense.

If thats your concern, and you live in So Cal, you definitely want ABC over 4matic

ken0

Just because you live in Southern California you should still look at the 4matic. Do you ski? Do you travel in the winter?