Mercedes will have its next-generation 4Matic system — the first developed entirely in house — ready for serious S-Class action in the US by next winter, according to AutoWeek. The new system will be biased to the rear, with a 45/55 torque split, and is small enough that the company won't have to alter the chassis. The new system adds only 159 lbs to the car's weight, compared to around 200 lbs worth of clockworks for the previous system. The price of admission will be nearly the same, however, with the system adding $3,000 to the price of a base S-Class ($86,000).
Snow Machine: Mercedes new S-Class 4Matic arrives by next winter [AutoWeek]
Related:
Mercedes-Benz Unveils New S Class [internal]