QUICKER, MORE INTUITIVE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE

The multi-disc clutch that is integrated into the rear axle and is responsible for diverting drive towards the rear wheels is now actuated electro-mechanically rather than electro-hydraulically, so it’s quicker to respond. The system as a whole is predictive now, too, and therefore able to determine exactly when drive should be shunted rearwards, rather than simply waiting for slip at the front axle, by which point it is, by definition, too late.

The 4Matic system also has a Sport mode – activated in ESP Sport Handling or ESP Off – which favours the rear axle more readily for even more agile handling behaviour.