Mercedes is one of the famous car brands that everyone knows. Standing out with luxury cars and the most advanced technology on its supercars, 4Matic is one of the systems that brings highlights of technology and particularly impressive performance on Mercedes models. Do you wonder what’s interesting about this system? Let’s find the answer with CarOn!
What is 4Matic technology?
4Matic is a full-time four-wheel drive system (AWD – All-wheel Driving) developed by German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The name 4Matic is derived from a combination of 4-wheel and automatic drive systems. 4Matic was first introduced by Mercedes in 1987 on the 4-door W124 (E Class) car. Currently, most Mercedes-Benz models use this drive system.
Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic system uses a torsion ratio decoupler that moves the front and rear axles, ensuring even traction distribution to all wheels. The system is also capable of adjusting the traction distribution ratio between the front and rear axles depending on road conditions, helping to improve vehicle stability and control.
In addition, the 4Matic system is also integrated with other advanced technologies such as suspension control system, ABS braking system and engine traction control system, helping to improve performance and safety for rider.
History of formation of 4Matic technology
In 1903, Paul Daimler created the world’s first four-wheel drive cars. This can be called an important milestone in the history of the automobile manufacturing industry. After 4 years, it was officially named the Daimler Dernberg-Wagen system. A few decades later, Mercedes Benz launched the Unimog truck designed with this 4-wheel drive system.
The German car company officially introduced the name 4Matic to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1985. The cars using this 4Matic technology are passenger car models. The W124 E-Class also used this drive system two years later
In its first generation in 1987, 4MATIC was a complex electronically controlled four-wheel drive system. Under normal conditions, the system only uses the rear axle. However, when detecting signs of vehicle slippage, the system will automatically switch to 2-wheel drive mode (4WD), locking both the center differential and rear differential to maximize traction.
The second generation of 4MATIC was introduced in 1998-1999, the system continued to be upgraded for M Class models (later known as ML Clalss). Continuing its development process, the 4Matic 4-wheel drive system continued to launch in 2008, with the advantage of helping the car reduce vehicle weight by 90kg compared to cars of the same generation using the old system. The first car to apply this second generation 4Matic technology is the CL 550 Coupe.
To this day, Mercedes Benz provides this 4-wheel drive system for more than 50 of its vehicle models including trucks, sedans, and SUVs. From gasoline engines to diesel and hybrid engines.
Principle of operation
The operating principle of 4Matic is to share traction evenly across the four wheels to increase grip and improve the vehicle’s performance on all terrains. First, when the vehicle accelerates, there will be a change in load on the rear axle that will be exploited to provide rear wheel torque. Second, the torque between the front and rear axle is changed by the differential lock. Divided into 3:7 or 7:3 ratio depending on different road surface conditions.
This system, when combined with Mercedes’ automatic transmission developed with low weight, will help reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, reduce noise and operate more smoothly. Along with that is a limited-slip system that helps balance the power between the front and rear axles by a differential.
Under normal conditions, the 4Matic system will only send traction to the front wheels to save fuel. However, when the sensor shows that a wheel is slipping or losing quantitative grip, the system will automatically transfer traction to the remaining wheels to increase grip and maintain vehicle stability.
In addition, the 4Matic system is also equipped with an electronic brake force distribution system (EBD) and a traction control system to enhance control and minimize the risk of losing control when driving. Driving on low-grip or difficult road surfaces.
Structure of the 4Matic system
The structure of the 4Matic system includes a number of main parts as follows:
- Gearbox: is an automatic transmission with multiple speeds, power distribution inside the gearbox helps transmit power to the wheels.
- The center anti-slip differential helps adjust and balance traction between the front and rear axles
- Four-wheel electronic traction control system (4-ETS) helps manage and accurately distribute torque to each wheel in different operating conditions. This system will use the same sensors of the ABS anti-lock braking system, ESP electronic balance system…
Outstanding features of the 4Matic system
Whatever the conditions, wet or dry, slippery or rough, Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system creates traction by applying pressure. In addition, some outstanding features can be mentioned such as:
Increased traction thanks to power transmitted to all 4 wheels
Almost all braking, steering, and acceleration processes are performed between the 4-wheel contacts on the road surface. Motion is created from frictional forces, 4Matic was developed to provide the best driving experience, increase stability and precision when driving, and increase safety for drivers and passengers. passengers in the vehicle regardless of the different terrains.
Distribution of traction force according to vehicle weight
Mercedes’ 4Matic system has the advantage of distributing traction according to vehicle weight. This means that traction is distributed evenly to all four wheels, helping the vehicle operate stably and respond to different driving situations, especially when encountering slippery road conditions. slip. For example, when braking, gravity is put on the front wheels, when cornering, the weight is put on the 2 outside wheels, when accelerating, the weight is put on the 2 rear wheels.
Adjust wheel speed automatically
Mercedes’ 4Matic system has the advantage of being able to adjust wheel speed automatically. With the support of sensors and control software, this system can flexibly distribute traction between the wheels to keep the vehicle’s speed stable on all types of terrain and in all weather conditions. .
When running on a straight road, the speeds of all four wheels will be equal. However, when in position, the wheels on the outside tend to spin faster than the wheels on the inside. This is when the 4Matic system monitors the speed and adjusts the most appropriate speed to help stabilize the vehicle body as well as corner or move most accurately in different handling situations.
Contact surface
When the vehicle travels on flat and dry roads, the wheels are in contact with the road surface. However, on slippery or rough roads, the wheels will sometimes not contact the road surface.
The 4Matic system helps intelligently and flexibly distribute traction between the wheels, thereby significantly improving traction and minimizing wheel slippage on difficult road surfaces, reducing fuel waste, minimizing Optimize vehicle balance in the best way.
Why does Mercedes favor the 4Matic system?
The 4Matic system is not just an add-on to your luxury vehicle, it is fully integrated into your Mercedes-Benz machine. It works in conjunction with all the safety features already present in your car. This ensures that you’re getting the most out of the luxury and safety features you deserve.
This system significantly improves acceleration, reduces slippage, enhances off-road ability and significantly improves vehicle control and positioning in harsh conditions. With flexible traction distribution, the 4MATIC system allows Mercedes to increase fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions, an important issue in today’s automotive industry.
Using this system, Mercedes successfully became one of the most popular, high-end car brands with impressive performance engines in the world, becoming a car company with a solid foothold in the market.
Above is a summary of interesting information about the 4Matic system, considered the most advanced system used on Mercedes-Benz cars. Hopefully the above useful information will help you have a more objective view of this system!
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