4Matic

The four-wheel-drive system was developed in conjunction with Steyr-Daimler-Puch (currently Magna Steyr), who manufactured the Mercedes-Benz G-Class in Austria.

The first design of 4Matic system was introduced in 1987 on the W124 series (E Class) saloons (sedan) and estate (station wagon) cars.

This employs the ABS system with additional valves to monitor and then partially brake any wheel which loses traction.

In the fifth-generation E-Class an additional setting was introduced in the E63 S AMG model that disconnects the front axle from the powertrain, effectively turning it into a rear wheel drive automobile.

This has become known as "Drift Mode", riding the wave of attention drawn by the eponymous setting first deployed in the third-generation Ford Focus RS.

The second and third generation 4MATIC systems are currently available on the A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, G-Class, S-Class sedan, S-Class coupé (formerly CL), GLA, GLB, GLC (formerly GLK), GLE (formerly ML), GLS (formerly GL), GT CLA, CLS, Vito and Viano (North American name; Metris), and Sprinter 4x4 although certain right-hand-drive models are not available due to the position of the steering column.