Mercedes-Benz uses the term 4Matic as a catch-all for all-wheel drive. Be warned: not all 4Matic systems are identical, though all are alike in that power goes to all four wheels at various times, in various circumstances.
Confused? As Mercedes-Benz's product-planning chief Chris Goczan says about the 4Matic system newly available on the B-Class wagon and Merc's compact CLA sedan, "We're not here to tell you you're going to take it out and conquer the Rubicon Trail. This is an everyday system."
We're talking about a front-wheel-drive system – catering to fuel economy – that jumps into 4-mode when the fronts start to slip, sending torque to the rear axle, where a clutch pack distributes it, left and right. Wheel slip at all the wheels is controlled by what Merc calls 4ETS (electronic traction system). That's a fancy label for what boils down to the anti-lock braking system applying the brakes at one or more wheels when necessary, to the point where if just one tire has grip, you can still keep going.
Goczan adds that the system is alive and thinking all the time, adjusting to road conditions and your driving. The changes come only as necessary, as to save gas yet deliver traction on mud, gravel, sand, snow and in the corners when you're frisky.
Canadians will buy it in big numbers. Already, 83.5 per cent of Merc Canada customers take 4Matic. They haven't had 4-mode available on the B and the CLA until now, but four of five will surely go 4Matic now.
The system does what you'd expect. In the winter snow, slush and ice of Montreal, B and CLA 4Matics performed as advertised and seamlessly. One can feel the grip, but not the shifting nature of it here. There are no jerky moments when torque shifts and braking is in play.
The price is right, too. The B250 4Matic starts at $33,500, which means the bump from B250 front-drive is $2,200. There is also a price to be paid in fuel economy (8.9 litres/100 km for 4Matic versus 8.0 for front-drive) and keep in mind the B in Canada is powered by a four-cylinder turbo (208 horsepower) that wants premium.
Merc has also tweaked the B in a few other, relatively subtle ways for 2015 – this being a "facelift" year. The essential story, however, is an affordable and useful 4Matic for the masses. Good story.
You'll like this vehicle if … your heart is set on a small, affordable, safe, all-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz wagon.
TECH SPECS
- Price: $33,500; $2,074 freight.
- Engines: 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder
- Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
- Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 8.9 combined using premium fuel (versus 8.0 for the front-drive B-Class).
- Alternatives: Nissan Juke, Buick Encore, Mini Cooper Countryman, Mitsubishi RVR, Subaru XV Crosstrek.
RATINGS
- Looks: 7.5 – A little boxy for sure, but the sheetmetal is dressed up a bit with curves and creases that disguise the fundamental fact that this is a wagon with a hatchback at the rear.
- Interior: 8.0 – A seven-inch colour display is now standard for what continues to look like an add-on infotainment/navigation interface. It’s just there, like an iPod sitting on the dashboard. An eight-inch display is optional. Even the base car is Internet capable with MB Apps and all the rest of this sort of thing. Cabin is roomy for four adults, the vents are big and literally airy and the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel is anything but toy-like.
- Performance: 7.5 – A 208-horsepower turbo four has to deal with the extra weight of all-wheel drive. Responses are decently quick, but not racy. The steering responds like you’d expect in a very nice small wagon and the brakes are first-rate. The added grip of all-wheel drive fits Canadians winters and the electronic stability control reigns in wheel spin to keep you between the lines.
- Tech: 8.5 -- Lots of it technology here for an entry Merc: seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox is standard, while options include rear view camera;, blind spot assist; panoramic sunroof; dual-zone climate control; voice controls; LED headlamps; KEYLESS GO; PARKTRONIC; DISTRONIC; Harmon/Kardon surround sound. The 4MATIC system is fully variable, front to rear – from pure front-drive on dry, normal surfaces to a 50/50 split on snow or slippery surfaces.
- Cargo: 8.0 – The bread-box design means the cargo area is big, and the hatch opens wide, with a low load height. A very good wagon design.
THE VERDICT
8.5
The basic wagon is nicely equipped and that's why the score is strong – just watch out for the costs of loading up on pricey options.
The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.
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