Mercedes-Benz S500 dimensions

The Mercedes-Benz S-class is now available with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. Designed completely in-house by Mercedes-Benz, this all-new drive system features ideal traction, first-class convenience and cool driving dynamics with good fuel efficiency. Two comprehensive eight-cylinder models are available in the form of the S 500 4MATIC and S 450 4MATIC while the S 320 CDI 4MATIC is the first S-class all-wheel-drive variant to be equipped with a particularly economical V6 diesel motor. The new models with all-wheel drive are identified clearly by the 4MATIC legend which appears both on the boot lid and on the wooden trim element on the centre control panel.

The top model from Mercedes-Benz with the new 4MATIC all-wheel-drive is aimed at drivers whose principal requirement is for a luxury saloon able to cope with all weather conditions with absolute assurance. This need is met by the S-class 4MATIC models, whose newly designed drive system features a planetary-type centre differential. The permanent, fixed performance split between the front and back wheels in a ratio of 45 to 55 percent guarantees assured and absolutely predictable handling on all road surfaces. An integrated multiplate clutch ensures add-on traction and optimum directional stability as soon as the wheels show any sign of slipping. With the support of the ESP, ASR and 4ETS electronic driving security systems, the S-class 4MATIC provides a dynamic, convenient and secure transport solution, even in adverse road conditions.

The 4MATIC system's compact, light and friction-optimised layout provides clear pros over other systems with regard to weight, fuel consumption, convenience and passive security. Depending on the motor type, the all-wheel-drive technology results in an unrivalled low add-on weight of just 66 or 70 kilograms.