AWD vs 4MATIC®: A Guide to Mercedes-Benz’s Advanced Drivetrain System
4MATIC® is Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive, and Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert in Gilbert, AZ offers it on nearly every model in the lineup. It sends power to all four wheels for better traction and stability, and works with the stability and traction control systems to brake any wheel that slips.
Updated October 30, 2026 · Sales (480) 407-5800
How 4MATIC® works
A 4MATIC® car splits engine power between the front and rear axles. On rear-drive-based models such as the C-Class, E-Class, GLC and GLE, the system sends power to both axles all the time, with a bias toward the rear for a sportier feel. On front-drive-based compact models such as the CLA, GLA and GLB, the system drives the front wheels in normal driving and sends power to the rear as needed. Either way, the 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4ETS®) and ESP® stability control brake a spinning wheel so power goes to the wheels with grip.
4MATIC® vs 4MATIC®+ vs electric 4MATIC®
| System | How it splits power | Found on |
|---|---|---|
| 4MATIC® | Permanent AWD on rear-drive-based models; on-demand rear drive on compact models | Most Mercedes-Benz sedans, coupes and SUVs |
| 4MATIC®+ | Fully variable front-to-rear split for performance driving; some models offer a rear-drive Drift mode | Many Mercedes-AMG® models |
| Electric 4MATIC® | A motor on each axle, with the split controlled electronically in milliseconds | Dual-motor electric models such as the EQE and EQS SUV |
4MATIC® vs other AWD systems
All AWD systems aim to put power where there is grip. Where they differ is how quickly and how smoothly they react, and how they work with braking and stability systems. 4MATIC® is tuned to feel like a rear-drive Mercedes-Benz in normal driving while adding traction when you need it. “4MATIC®” vs “AWD” is a naming difference, not a choice you make between two options.
Which Mercedes-Benz models have 4MATIC®?
4MATIC® is standard or available on almost every current model, including the CLA, C-Class, E-Class, GLC, GLE, GLS, CLE and S-Class. The G-Class goes further with permanent four-wheel drive and three locking differentials. Look for “4MATIC®” in the model name, or browse the full lineup.
Do you need 4MATIC® in Arizona?
For driving around Gilbert and the Phoenix area, you don’t need all-wheel drive, but many East Valley drivers choose it anyway. 4MATIC® helps on the first slick rain of monsoon season, on gravel and dirt roads to trailheads and lake access, and on winter trips up to Flagstaff, Payson or the White Mountains. It also adds grip when accelerating hard from a stop. The trade-off is a small difference in price and fuel economy versus a rear-wheel-drive version, where one is offered.
Does 4MATIC® need extra maintenance?
4MATIC® needs little extra care. The transfer case and differentials have fluid that is checked and, at certain intervals, changed as part of the scheduled maintenance; keep tires matched and rotated so all four wear evenly. Our service team follows the Mercedes-Benz schedule for your VIN.
Frequently asked questions
What does 4MATIC® mean on a Mercedes-Benz?
4MATIC® is the Mercedes-Benz name for all-wheel drive. A model with 4MATIC® in its name sends power to all four wheels for better traction and stability.
Is 4MATIC® the same as AWD?
Yes. 4MATIC® is the Mercedes-Benz all-wheel-drive system, the same way quattro is Audi’s and xDrive is BMW’s.
What is the difference between 4MATIC® and 4MATIC®+?
4MATIC®+ is the performance version used on many Mercedes-AMG® models. It varies the split of power between the front and rear axles more freely, and some models offer a rear-drive Drift mode.
Is 4MATIC® full-time all-wheel drive?
On rear-drive-based models such as the C-Class, E-Class, GLC and GLE, yes. On compact front-drive-based models such as the CLA, GLA and GLB, the rear wheels are driven as needed.
Do I need 4MATIC® in Arizona?
Not for everyday driving in the Phoenix area, but it adds grip in monsoon rain, on dirt roads and on winter trips to northern Arizona, which is why many East Valley drivers choose it.
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Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert · 3455 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85297 · Sales (480) 407-5800 · Service (480) 466-0951. Updated October 30, 2026.
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