polo1

I see that you can't get Mercedes' much touted Magic Body Control on cars that have the 4MATIC AWD...

If you won't be using (will be storing) the car in the winter...

And you don't drive the car like a sports car...

Is there any reason to get the 4MATIC and have to forgo the Magic Body Control...?

DOC_FEE

Hey there! I live in Seattle... and its been EXTREMELY rainy this year. My commute is about 80 miles daily. My RWD S550 feels like a tank in the elements. Never too floaty (like my LS) just right in the normal mode. For me - I gladly skipped the 4 matic to enjoy the MBC.

The combo of RWD and the ABC gives me 'diet' AMG vibes. The way that this boat remains flat (due to ABC) and sticks to the curves is nothing short of amazing. Huge difference from standard suspension - but thats just me :-)

Tom in Austin

I've been thinking about MBC for my next car, I believe these are the key factors, maybe someone can confirm/add?

1. Not available with 4MATIC
2. Not the same thing as 'active body control' (ABC), the standard air-pressure based functionality on a W222
3. Only operates in daylight due to need for cameras to watch the road ahead
4. Only operates with suspension in 'Comfort' mode, not active in 'Sport' mode
5. Hydraulic system that requires periodic fluid changes

Lou B

A response from a highly biased owner of a 2018 S560, on which I insisted on buying with MBC. My Cincinnati dealer had never sold an MBC-equipped S Class, and they argued strongly that I was making a huge mistake in specking MBC rather than buying 4-Matic. I stuck to my guns on MBC because my wife has a shoulder -back-neck condition for which I wanted the smoothest possible ride. Rightl or wrongly, I felt MBC was the better answer.
From both the standpoints of wife's neck/back, and general riding comfort, I definitely made the correct decision.
Here in the mid-Ohio valley of northeastern Kentucky, we do get snow (4" on the ground today, but with dry clear streets and roads) and icy conditioins. We're lucky enough to have all-wheel drive Lexus RX 350s, so we just leave the Benz in the garage if it's smarter to do so.

MBGuy2022

I can at times drive like a mad man. I have the 4MATIC and MWMODS engine tune with 563 hp. When I make that fast U-turn and then nail it I am glad to have the 4MATIC. I also live in SW FL and the roads can be treacherous during heavy rains. The 4MATIC makes me feel confident when hitting them at speed. I guess it depends on driving style, location and needs as to which suspension to choose. Another benefit with 4MATIC is the ability to set your own drive height with a MWMODS module or similar device.

SW20S

If you never have to drive in winter weather, I would not worry about 4Matic and would take the MBC instead (I have never driven a car with MBC, mind you). I just prefer a RWD car, I only got 4 Matic here in the DC area because its almost impossible to get a RWD one here.

Bear in mind though that if you have an S Class with staggered wheels, the rear does like to step out, even with 4 Matic. One thing I have noticed about my S560 vs my previous RWD LS460L and AWD LS460 is that niether LS would allow the rear to step out in the snow as long as skid control was on, even if you turned left and put your foot to the floor and even in the RWD model. The S560 will step the rear right out if you give it any throttle during a turn in the snow, any throttle. I chock that up to the much wider rear tires. So you have to be careful.

blackbullit

I have not driven MBC. However, 4MATIC significantly improves traction and handling versus rear wheel drive, even on dry pavement. The rear wheel drive S560 rears up the front end and activates traction control when you floor it, which slows you down. The 4MATIC S560 just puts the power down with full throttle. No matter what tires you have, rear wheel drive cannot handle the power of the V8, as Mercedes doesn’t use limited slip rear differentials. The differential sends too much power to the right rear tire and you lose traction.

SW20S

I have driven RWD S560s and never saw any issues. Sure the AWD puts the power down better but I still prefer the feel of RWD.

JohnLane

I’ve had two cars with ABC. The 221 S65 was great fun in the snow and only stopped when high centered on a snow drift in the driveway at the house in Washington. I quickly learned to have enough speed to blow through the snow drift! I used Continental DWS Extreme Contact tires. Loved the ride with zero body roll.
The 222 S65 with MBC is notably improved over the 221 car. Contrary to what some believe MBC does see some of the bumps at night; though it does better in daylight with seeing and adjusting for what is happening with the road. For reasons unbeknownst to me Continental doesn’t make tires that fit the 222 car so it has Michelins. I don’t see the need for AWD for my driving and really enjoy MBC. Zero issues with it. MB has improved ABC with each generation of it. I drive my car and have 45lbs of air in the tires for when I’m feeling frisky on a deserted stretch of freeway. The car never disappoints.

BenzV12

4 MATIC just gives me more reassuring driving but I know we can't beat law of physics no matter what . Mechanical wise 4 MATICs having two differentials might be prone to bigger repair bills but I still think those can be really abused cars . Ride quality wise , I have not driven any W222 with MBC so I can't comment on that but based on reviews which are put by our valuable members , MBC should be worth it but 4 MATIC W222 S Class drives like no other car to me even without MBC

polo1

I guess I am still a little confused...

I have been reading and it appears some people think that Magic Body Control is not as "soft" a ride as the regular air suspension...?

Which to me seems counter-intuitive.

And, I guess I didn't realize that it didn't work as well at night (I get that it would not work as effectively in snow or when raining, etc.).

But I thought the technology Mercedes was using was advanced enough to not need daylight to work effectively.

S_W222

So, I drove dozens of W222s before I got my last S560, all of them had 4-Matic and some had the MBC. I'd say that MBC works better under the conditions when MBC is working (which is not all the time; aka not at night-time and not in-city when it's hard to see the road, and I think maybe not at all low-speeds). During these conditions when MBC gets you no benefits, I found the Airmatic ride to be superior. MBC suspension is not an air-suspension. Airmatic is much more comfortable in my view. The only advantage of MBC is eliminating any excessive body roll, but realy not as comfortable and limited traction in bad weather compared to 4-Matic. MBC is also more costly to repair out of warranty.