4matic models in the UK poll

[grober]

muddy waters

Heres a W124 4matic dealing with some serious mud on what appear to be standard tyres. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-qVAd-915E&mode=related&search=

Maybe folks would prefer if I stopped posting about Mercedes 4matic on this thread . I am just trying to demonstrate how good the present system is and the advantages it confers on everyday motoring situations. I still feel Mercedes decision to deny RHD Mercedes owners this technology is short sighted and must be losing them customers to Audi Subaru and Volvo.

 

[DC_insider]

I still feel Mercedes decision to deny RHD Mercedes owners this technology is short sighted and must be losing them customers to Audi Subaru and Volvo.

The only reason we are not getting new 4-matic cars in the UK is lack of interest. If enough people told DCUK that they need 4-matic on their Mercedes-Benz then RHD vehicles will be produced.

 

[glojo]

The only reason we are not getting new 4-matic cars in the UK is lack of interest. If enough people told DCUK that they need 4-matic on their Mercedes-Benz then RHD vehicles will be produced.

Even on vehicles that have that horrible bulge on the right hand side of the transmission tunnel?

Like Grober, I believe it should be offered on vehicles where it can be fitted and surely we are NOT the only RHD country in the world?

As far as I am aware NO RHD country has a 211 4Matic although with the new versions it should now finally be possible?

Regards
John

 

[DC_insider]

Even on vehicles that have that horrible bulge on the right hand side of the transmission tunnel?

I don't believe that new 4-matic models (those using the 7G gearbox) have the bulge in the transmission tunnel.

 

[glojo]

I don't believe that new 4-matic models (those using the 7G gearbox) have the bulge in the transmission tunnel.

Spot on,
The newest of new Mercedes have finally lost this 4Matic blocking irritating bulge for RHD vehicles.

I once posted a picture of this bulge on a pre face-lift W211. It would make comfortable driving of a RHD 4Matic impossible. This vehicle did have the 7G transmission, but has the four wheel drive system been modified\upgraded on the latest range of vehicles?


John

 

[grober]

Take a chance MBUK

The only reason we are not getting new 4-matic cars in the UK is lack of interest. If enough people told DCUK that they need 4-matic on their Mercedes-Benz then RHD vehicles will be produced.

I HAVE A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT VIEW AS YOU WOULD PROBABLY GUESS.

Good products create a market for themselves by their excellence or unique qualities.
Innovative companies understand this and are prepared to embrace the risks involved to stay ahead of the opposition.

So I would say to MB UK stop hiding behind your spreadsheets, live a little, dare to be the manufacturer who people naturally turn to if they want an upmarket 4x4 saloon or estate car.
Heres my suggestion for a couple of models.

New C class estate 4 matic or E class estate 4 matic A SUV replacement model -a luxury /utility model diesel v6 engined possibly slightly jacked up a la subaru outback or audi allroad

I reckon you could sell enough of these ESTATES to reintroduce the 4matic concept to the UK. With changing social and legislative attitudes to large 4x4s you could be on to a winner!

 

[wallingd]

Yes that is a niche isn't it, against the Allroad + Outback.

 

[BTB 500]

Yes that is a niche isn't it, against the Allroad + Outback.

And the Volvo XC equivalent.

 

[DC_insider]

New C class estate 4 matic or E class estate 4 matic A SUV replacement model -a luxury /utility model diesel v6 engined possibly slightly jacked up a la subaru outback or audi allroad

I reckon you could sell enough of these ESTATES to reintroduce the 4matic concept to the UK. With changing social and legislative attitudes to large 4x4s you could be on to a winner!

This is already coming. The X204 (GLK is the latest name) is a rebodied C-Class Estate with 2 or 4 wheel drive. However, I wouldn't want to make too many comparisons with the Subaru Outback or the Audi Allroad as these sell in very small numbers.

 

[grober]

Yes that is a niche isn't it, against the Allroad + Outback.

I realised after I wrote this that folks would jump to the wrong conclusions. I am sorry I expressed myself so badly. What I would personally think would be best would a straight forward 4 matic estate with normal ride height, not a jacked up version. I simply meant a jacked up version could be an option which would require little further development from a RHD 4matic estate and perhaps broaden the appeal of such a model further. Sort of 2 models for the development cost of one like the subaru legacy/outback, the audi avant/allroad, volvo estate/XC.
As far as the X204 ( GLK) is concerned I thought that although it was based on the new C class floorpan and running gear it was in essence a smaller bodied M CLASS ( SUV) type of vehicle? The type of vehicle I was talking about would essentially be the same as the normal estate in appearance and driving characteristics except with addition of 4 wheel drive. In otherwords a RHD version of what already exists in LHD form.
I accept that Audi,Subaru, Jaguar and Volvo are the established names in the market but I thought that competing for new customers against rival manufacturers was the name of the game when selling cars. Why would people buy a 4MATIC mercedes rather than those established manufacturers. Well maybe for the same reason they buy a normal 2wd Mercedes rather than an AUDI, Jaguar, BMW, Volvo or Subaru. Because its a better product-- better design---better technology, better looking etc. All the reviews I have read on 4MATIC Mercedes have been full of praise for their refinement, handling characteristics, engineering excellence and supreme ability in difficult driving conditions. Its disappointing that MBUK hasn't sufficient faith in one of their own designs that they feel it wouldn't be competitive in the UK? After all it must be competitive against these other makes in the LHD market?

 

[glojo]

Its disappointing that MBUK hasn't sufficient faith in one of their own designs that they feel it wouldn't be competitive in the UK? After all it must be competitive against these other makes in the LHD market?

Are we the World's biggest importer of RHD E and C-class estates?

Regards,
John the curious

 

[grober]

Rhd World

Not sure John but the UK must be one of Mercedes major RHD markets. I have a feeling I posted a list of RHD countries at one point in the past but I have forgotten when. Heres another list in alphabetical order. I have highlighted the ones I feel are important markets. They include 2 continents ---Australia and much of Africa. Most of the unexploited markets are in hot countries rather than ones experiencing snow and ice but have their share of unmade roads or muddy tracks to make use of 4wd.

Anguilla, Antigua, Australia,
Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bhutan, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Brunei,
Cayman Islands, Channel Island, Cooke Islands, Cocos Island, Cyprus,
Dominica,
Fiji,
Granada, Guyana,
Hong Kong
India, Indonesia, Ireland, Isle of Man,
Jamaica, Japan,
Kenya, Kiribati,
Lesotho,
Macao, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique,
Namibia, Naunu, Nepal, New Zealand, Norfolk Islands,
Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairin Island,
St.Helena, St.Kitts and Nevis, St.Lucia, St.Vincent, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland,
Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turke and Caicos Islands,
Uganda, United Kingdom,
Virgin Islands (U.S.),
Zambia, Zimbabwe.

 

[DC_insider]

Spot on,
The newest of new Mercedes have finally lost this 4Matic blocking irritating bulge for RHD vehicles.

I once posted a picture of this bulge on a pre face-lift W211. It would make comfortable driving of a RHD 4Matic impossible. This vehicle did have the 7G transmission, but has the four wheel drive system been modified\upgraded on the latest range of vehicles?


John

I don't think all models have the latest 4-matic, 7G gearbox system. The facelifted E-Class 4-matic still uses the 5 speed auto so most likely still has the transmission bulge.

 

[grober]

New MB 4matic Promotion

Mercedes has just announced a new advertising campaign to promote their 4matic transmission in which quote "Mercedes-Benz offers the world’s widest range of premium all-wheel drive vehicles, encompassing numerous 4MATIC variants in a total of seven model series. " the MB PRESS RELEASE is here. http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Mar07/...ertise_Its_4MATIC_All_Wheel_Drive_System.html
or watch the new german advert on their dedicated website http://www.4MATIC.de

They seem to be very keen to sell this technology to the rest of the world why not the UK.

 

[grober]

New W204 4matic

Mercedes have revealed details of the new 4matic versions of the new C class.--- 3 V6 ENGINES---C280 C350 petrol and C320CDi diesel but still no mention of a RHD version. details here:- http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cf.../mercedes-benz-c-class-4matic-all-wheel-drive

 

[glojo]

Many, many years ago Andy Williams used to have his own TV show, one of the characters on this program was a bear!

Okay, I'm getting to my point.


This bear kept appearing during the show and would ask for a cookie (biscuit) Andy Williams would always respond by saying, "No cookie now, no cookie ever!"

I think we can safely say, "No 4Matic now, no 4Matic ever!"

Sad that Mercedes-Benz have 4Matic versions throughout their range, but even though the transmission tunnel is no longer an issue they have decided not to have this safety aid in a RHD vehicle? (apart from the R-class)

John (can I have a cookie)

 

[grober]

cogito ergo sum

As Descartes might have put it. Cookies exist, therefore I am the bear.

 

[glojo]

Now that the trasnsmission tunnel is not a problem, it does beg the question WHY? If 4 wheel drive is a safety feature then we are being deprived of having this option. If it is not a safety feature then why all the advertising that claim it is?

John

 

[grober]

SAAB new Haldex 4WD System

Heres some detail on the new HALDEX SAAB 4wd system for those interested in such things. Its rumoured it will also find its way into cars from VW/Audi and Ford in the near future. Saab XWD is a fully automatic, on-demand system capable of sending up to 100% of engine torque to the front or rear wheels whenever necessary yielding sure-footed handling in low-grip conditions. Fine balancing of the drive torque between the front and rear axles raises the threshold at which ESP throttle and braking interventions are triggered, providing more scope for closer driver involvement.
The system is governed by its own electronic control unit, which functions in harness with the engine, transmission and ABS/ESP control modules. The hardware consists of a Power Take-off Unit (PTU) in the front final-drive that transmits engine torque through a prop-shaft to the Rear Drive Module (RDM). This incorporates a Torque Transfer Device (TTD) and an electronically-controlled Limited Slip Differential (eLSD). Both are wet, multi-plate clutch units from Haldex.
At take-off from rest, the TTD is initially activated when the clutch plates are forced together under hydraulic pressure, thereby engaging the RDM. This pre-emptive function is a valuable improvement in current technology, which requires the detection of wheel slip before the TTD is activated. For the driver, the enhanced functionality gives maximum traction immediately for smooth, strong acceleration from rest without the possibility of any initial hesitation. On the open road, drive torque is seamlessly and continuously varied between the axles by the control of a valve in the TTD, which increases or reduces the pressure on the wet clutch plates. Data from the vehicle's ABS/ESP sensors - measuring wheel speed, yaw rate and steering angle - is utilized, and careful programming of Saab XWD enables the application of rear drive to balance oversteer and understeer characteristics, improving stability and roadholding. In highway cruising conditions, when traction or optimum grip is not an issue, only 5% to 10% of engine torque is typically transmitted to the rear wheels. This helps provide the driver with a measure of greater stability, while helping to save fuel. The ultimate 'icing on the cake' with Saab XWD is the eLSD. This is the first application of an electronically-controlled, rear limited slip differential in this segment of the market. The eLSD is installed alongside the RDM and operates via pressurized clutch plates on a principle similar to the larger TTD. In icy or wet split-friction conditions, for example, it uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40% of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip.

 

[grober]

the new C CLASS 4MATIC

Here's a comprehensive Mercedes press release on the new 4MATIC C class detailing the numerous design improvements made with the new model introduction. In addition there's some nice pictures to enjoy of the new models whose advanced technology MB UK have decided "in their wisdom" we don't want! http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Dec07/...f_The_New_4MATIC_C_Class_Models_Revealed.html