the mercedes benz 4matic all wheel drive system

[Gregadd]

Washington DC had the worst snow system in history. Businesses were shut down for an entire week. I have owned tow wheel drive vehicles. Yes my jeep Cherokee navigated tough terrain like a mountain goat. It is however a truck designed specifically for that purpose. The MB E350 4matic is a luxury vehicle which normally gives no hint ht it even has 4 wheel drive.

During the snow storm it was literraly "brush and go." With every mile it inspired more confidence. SUV owners were jealous as I passed them by. The bonus was that with its low center of gravity, it had zero risk of roll over.

 

[amirm]

I think one of the best things that has happened in the world of cars as of late is wide availability of all-wheel-drive. Having gotten stuck in my old BMW on 2 inches of snow, I sure can appreciate the concept .

What kind of tires does the E350 have? I thought most of these came with comfortable/quiet/all-season tires which didn't have great traction including stopping power in snow. Were you on stock tires or winter replacement?

 

[Gregadd]

Stock tires. Dead quiet at highway speed. Some wind noise but not from tires. AWD is a bonus in the rain also.

 

[Steve Williams]

you guys keep talking about snow.Brrrrrr

Winter was the reason I moved to California in 1978. Being an Ob/Gyn and frequently rushing to the hospital in the middle of the night for a delivery was often tantamount to taking your life in your hands in snowy conditions regardless of your car or tires.

 

[Gregadd]

Steve my Jeep was excellent in on flooded roads. With Global warming and earthquakes you might be needing it.

 

[kach22i]

4wd/AWD is pretty awesome.

As for as claims for it's usefulness, I once parallel parked on a hilly street, no snow on the ground on a spring day. There under the shade of a tree was the last patch of ice under my rear tire on my Geo Tracker which was in RWD mode. I was stuck on the hill spinning my wheels trying to park my car, how frustrating. I got out of the car, locked the front hubs and was easily able to finish parking. The Tracker was awesome locked in 4WD, but in 2WD on wet surfaces it was a danger to anything around it with it's short wheel base it was bound to be spin happy.

The 4matic in the first post is something I've only heard/read good things about.