Was Audi Right All Along With The Quattro? AMG To Move All Models To AWD

Although it used to be renown for its rear-wheel drive monsters, AMG, which is now integrated into Mercedes-Benz as its performance division, is set to make all-wheel drive standard across all of its models.

While recently speaking with Autocar, AMG boss Tobias Moers said that this decision was taken due to customer demand.

“Customers have given us the answer, and most want four-wheel drive. Back in the days when we had an AMG E-Class as rear-wheel drive and with four-wheel drive as an option, over 90% chose 4WD. In the new E63 with drift mode, you have a real rear-wheel-drive car but with four-wheel drive also,” Moers said.

countguy - 4/29/2019 10:44:26 AM

+1 Boost

High power vehicles are always better with AWD, helps put the power to the ground.

dumpsty - 4/30/2019 10:52:55 AM

+2 Boost

nobody complains about Ferrari & Lamborghini AWD systems today? Whats so wrong with an advanced system that can completely disengage the front wheels & do full RWD when so desired?

dlin - 4/29/2019 11:07:42 AM

+1 Boost

Inevitable... as long as it stays rear-biased

ricks0me - 4/29/2019 4:50:26 PM

+3 Boost

Aspy11:AMC and Subaru mentioned in the same sentence. Where's Matt. Just last week he said and I quote "Subaru is the AMC of Japan."
I fell off my chair when he posted that.

MDarringer - 4/29/2019 7:13:38 PM

-2 Boost

And yet Aspergers11 you don't ignore me. You mention me in commentary. If you were ignoring me you would never respond to anything I say nor would you say anything about me. As it is, at minimum you're a liar but that's what hypocrites are.

MDarringer - 4/29/2019 7:14:18 PM

-1 Boost

AWD is a sales tool. People think they need it when they don't.

PUGPROUD - 4/29/2019 7:39:13 PM

0 Boost

Because in the end you are only as fast as as much power you can get hooked up with the ground...

MDarringer - 4/29/2019 8:27:21 PM

0 Boost

But most people have no need to hook up all the power their vehicle produces so FWD and RWD are fine. Snow? AWD. Performance? AWD gets the power down but as any Audi will demonstrate, the steering is numb compared to an RWD Mercedes.

Runamukk - 4/29/2019 9:36:12 PM

+3 Boost

AWD wasn't necessary until we got to modern day engine output levels....RWD was much more fun and balanced.

MDarringer - 4/29/2019 10:11:40 PM

-1 Boost

Again, the ONLY place where you can safely play with that power is at the track. My Z06 has traction issues if I'm going to try to lay down all the power at once or be an idiot and put down too much power for the conditions, but for normal driving--even sport driving on curvy mountain roads--AWD isn't necessary. It's a sales tool and nothing more.

senft - 4/30/2019 6:11:42 AM

+2 Boost

My daily driver's a Subaru and I'll tell you, gotta admit I love full-time AWD. Of course, at a certain point, overpowered* vehicles need it as part of a suite to prevent wealthy, shitty drivers from having accidents. (*Not meant as any sort of criticism. Power is good but as vehicles get powered more and more beyond drivers' abilities, there's an issue. This need for power combined with the demographic of wealthy shitty drivers is why Ferarrie and Lambo don't offer manuals.)

rdce34 - 4/30/2019 9:11:27 AM

+2 Boost

AWD is the answer for daily drivers. My Subaru OB proved it.

cidflekken - 4/30/2019 2:55:58 PM

+1 Boost

I do miss the Quattro from my Audi. My last and current cars both are RWD and though they're not AMGs or Ms, hitting the slightest damp spot or a slightly slick painted street line (especially crosswalks) has made things a bit squirrelly even under normal/casual driving.

OneOfOne - 5/1/2019 10:20:29 AM

+1 Boost

many rich buyers live in areas that are not california or dubai. its simple economics