How Mercedes-Benz Proves Its Worth in the Most Demanding Conditions

Nearly every global automaker offers vehicles with all- or four-wheel drive, but those systems aren’t created equally across the board. Some have more advanced tech features and more robust terrain-conquering capabilities, which is why we’re here today to talk about Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC® all-wheel-drive system. Paired with beefy vehicles like the G-Class and GLE-Class, the system offers near-unbeatable off-road performance while maintaining the luxurious ride quality and handling Mercedes buyers expect.

Mercedes uses 4MATIC® all-wheel drive to make its vehicles more capable off-road, give them better handling on the road, and to improve their all-weather performance for people living in snowy climates. A large part of its prowess comes from how it splits torque across the vehicle’s axles, with some versions able to split torque 50/50 and others offering torque vectoring, which can send most of the torque to one wheel if necessary to gain traction.

The G-Class features permanent all-wheel drive, which means the system never shuts off. Power is consistently sent to all four wheels, giving the vehicle a stable, confident feel on loose and broken surfaces. It works with Mercedes’ 4ETS® system, an advanced form of traction control that can alleviate wheel spin by applying the brakes to the slipping wheel and sending torque to the wheels that have grip.

Before going much further, it’s important to note that off-road and all-wheel-drive performance depend on more than mechanical systems. The vehicle’s tires play an outsized role in grip, safety, and confidence, so it’s a good idea to match your tires to the type of driving you plan to do to prevent unwanted challenges.

Beyond off-road capability, Mercedes’ 4MATIC® system provides excellent performance for its AMG® vehicles. The 4MATIC® system found in many AMG® models is focused on delivering the best acceleration, handling, and performance without sacrificing responsiveness or weight. All-wheel-drive vehicles almost always outweigh their rear- or front-drive counterparts, but the 4MATIC® system’s electronic magic cancels out the extra weight while providing better power delivery and grip in most scenarios.

In addition to weight, all-wheel drive comes with other downsides, mainly related to fuel economy. Even the most efficient SUVs are less efficient with all-wheel drive activated, and for vehicles like the G-Class that have permanent all-wheel drive, the numbers can be even worse. That said, the tradeoff is worth it for most buyers, and it’s hard to find a better all-wheel-drive system than Mercedes’ 4MATIC®.

If you’re interested in learning more about 4MATIC®, the new G-Class, or any other 2025 model, come see us at Mercedes-Benz of Plano. Our staff would be excited to walk through the brand’s all-wheel-drive vehicles, schedule a test drive, or help you order the Mercedes-Benz vehicle of your dreams.