gsnyc

I am torn. More fun to drive as rwd but so much more practical as a 4Matic.

MinnBobber

Here in Minny-Snowta (MN) , the 4Matic.

otakki

I would go for RWD despite living in a snow belt area. RWD also means: simpler in design, smaller turning circle.

CanuckRRS

my theory is that if you know how to drive in the winter, RWD should be fine. If you have kids and a wife that share the car with you and aren't so good at winter driving then maybe AWD is a better choice.

I think AWD gives most people a false illusion that their AWD cars/trucks are unstoppable. This is why during a snow storm, most of the cars/trucks in the ditches on the highway are AWD!!! Ask me how I know!! hahaha!! Either way, snow tires are a must during the winter.

baldmike73

if MB brought the E550 4matic in a wagon to US - a tuned 550 would be so much fun

just a thought

otakki

Yes, AWD doesn't defy the law of physics. AWD helps when getting started and when going up slight incline. That's pretty much it. With good snow tires, RWD is good to go.

looney100

This is the era of Stability Control. With some decent snow tires, a RWD car will be just fine in all but the worst conditions.

plivac

AWD (4matic) - in a heartbeat - I would walk over to the dealer after work and purchase one (Seriously)

MinnBobber

+1
I have a E350 4Matic Wagon on order. Wish MB didn't treat the wagon like a second class citizen and gave us the option of 550. E63 wasn't quite in my
budget ......

55wagon

what! they have a E63 4matic?

2 '02 S600

Not yet, but rumor is with the redesign for the 2014 MY AWD will be an option for the AMG model. We shall see if that happens or not.

gsnyc

why when i google MBUSA build E63 wagon does this come up?

E-Class E63 AMG All-Wheel Drive Luxury Wagon | Mercedes-Benz
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicl.../model-E63SThe E63 AMG AWD Wagon delivers all-season performance, all-occasion accommodations and safety innovations. Build your E63 AMG luxury wagon today.

Karl901

The AMG specialists at my dealer, told me Saturday, without me even asking, that the 2014 E facelift, that E63 will offer a 4matic option.

BenzoBoi

Interesting...If I had to choose, I'd opt for the rear wheel drive. I think 4matic will add a lot of weight to the car.

fasttommyv

Awd all the way. I love the way awd handles, and you can actually use full throttle at low speeds. On my 55, anything more than half throttle in first gear just burns the tires up. I would love to be able to use the full power of the beast at lower speeds. You can also get on the gas a lot sooner coming out of corners.... The winter benefits are just another plus... It's not about just getting going from a stop, but an awd car will also be easier to recover from a skid than a rwd as well.

I remember several years back motor trend or something did a comparison between a G35x (awd, non sport suspension) and a g35s (rwd and sport suspension) and the awd version was a tick faster around a track in dry conditions and several seconds faster around the track in wet conditions. Don't forget the x didn't even have the sports suspension that the s did.

Just look at all of the ridiculous fast cars that have awd. (lambos, porches, GTRs, Veyrons etc...). The awd is not there for winter handling, it's there for the added performance!

Karl901

I built my own Amg 4matic in Ohio. i bought a E550 2012 Biturbo tune it to 530hp 535tQ. I put 18 Real Amg rims on it 265/285. I run a easy 12.5 qtr mi.113mph. And i am no drag person. The only thing though, they limit the TQ in 1st gear to protect the drive train.