MB S-class 4matic
The executive sleigh
S-Class: Sure-footed at all times
- Outstanding stability and traction with 4MATIC
- AIRMATIC air suspension for top-class ride comfort
- New front suspension with dual wishbones and anti-roll bar
Since autumn 2002, 4MATIC full-time four-wheel drive has been available for certain six and eight-cylinder versions of the S-Class. These are the S 350 with further improved V6 engine developing 180 kW/245 hp (available with 4MATIC from January 2003), the S 430 (205 kW/279 hp) with high-torque eight-cylinder engine and the S 500 (225 kW/306 hp) with powerful and refined V8 engine.
The ride comfort of these 4MATIC saloons is up to the customary high standards of the S-Class, thanks in particular to the AIRMATIC air suspension, which is standard on the four-wheel drive models too. As on the C-Class, to cater for four-wheel drive it was necessary to redesign the front axle, replacing the four-link system with a dual-wishbone axle with 4WD-matched kinematics. The precise rack-and-pinion steering system remains largely unchanged, except that the steering gear has been moved further back. At the rear, the S-Class 4MATIC models are fitted with the proven, patented multi-link independent suspension.
Changes to the body of the 4MATIC models are principally focused on the front end and on the main floor in the area of the transmission tunnel:
- The front side members have been cut away to make room for the front axle shafts. The openings incorporate additional reinforcements.
- The integral subframe, on which the engine, transmission and front axle are mounted, has been modified to provide clearance for the axle shafts. The steering gear is fitted at the rear.
- The transmission tunnel has been enlarged to accommodate the transfer case and the front axle shafts.
The level of the body at the front and rear axle has been raised by five millimetres in order to provide more ground clearance.
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