[brianch]

It is FWD bias being FWD most of the time but it is capable of sending almost all the power to the rear if no traction is detected in the front.

 

[Mike T]

"Up to 50% to the rear" is what I read.

 

[BODHI85]

"Up to 50% to the rear" is what I read.

Is that right? I've been spreading bad info then lol. Where did you read it, so I can see for myself.

 

[600Benz]

"Up to 50% to the rear" is what I read.

"up to 50%" sucks cause i just recently read 50%. I guess we can expect on average 30% to the rear.

hopefully it won't feel so much FWD biased when we drive it.

what was your source for this info?

 

[carrillj]

Which vehicles have you had in the past where it was fwd? Just trying to gather some advice and figure out whether i should get the Mercedes CLA 250 in fwd or 4matic awd. I wouldn't mind saving that 3000$ but if its gonna help me with safety during those harsh snow conditions then why not.

I've owned a lot of FWD vehicles in my life, but while in snowy Germany the FWD cars I've driven in snow/ice with no problems were an Opel Astra, Nissan Altima and most recently a 2011 Ford Fusion Sport. If those cars can easily handle winter weather with FWD, then I'm sure the Mercedes CLA will be alright.

 

[BenzFan]

I've owned a lot of FWD vehicles in my life, but while in snowy Germany the FWD cars I've driven in snow/ice with no problems were an Opel Astra, Nissan Altima and most recently a 2011 Ford Fusion Sport. If those cars can easily handle winter weather with FWD, then I'm sure the Mercedes CLA will be alright.

Yup, even FWD cars as cheap and affordable as an older Honda Civic with a set of good winter tires will do very well in winter.

Nearly any FWD vehicle can be driven in winter safely, can't say the same thing about all RWD vehicles.

 

[Mike T]

I read about the "up to 50% of torque to the rear" in the M-B CLA press release.

 

[brianch]

I've read conflicting reports. Some articles have mentioned being able to send most of the power to the rear. We really won't know until the car is officially released. The more to the rear the better.

 

[MrRyte]

FWD for me. It seldom gets below freezing here in San Antonio TX.

 

[BenzinoXL]

I've read conflicting reports. Some articles have mentioned being able to send most of the power to the rear. We really won't know until the car is officially released. The more to the rear the better.

With the more recent articles out there now they are saying it will do a 50/50 torque split between the front and back. What do you think is mroe affective though the split with the front and rear or being able to have most power transfered to the rear?

 

[brianch]

A recent video threw up the 90% to the rear number again :O

What is the truth?!

 

[SimpsonTide985]

I'm not quite sold on the 4Matic right now. $3000 for AWD, compared to some other vehicles, is quite on the high side to me but then again, I don't fully understand these gains from the 4Matic. I mean, the FWD has quite the sophisticated suspension and electronic set up already to reduce torque steer and unless you plan on ripping up the track or plowing through the snow (which I don't for both cases), I personally don't see the need for the 4Matic

 

[CLAJoe]

I'm not quite sold on the 4Matic right now. $3000 for AWD, compared to some other vehicles, is quite on the high side to me but then again, I don't fully understand these gains from the 4Matic. I mean, the FWD has quite the sophisticated suspension and electronic set up already to reduce torque steer and unless you plan on ripping up the track or plowing through the snow (which I don't for both cases), I personally don't see the need for the 4Matic

I remember having this decision to make on a 330i vs 330XI in 2000. The XI added $3500 to the price. Being in a snowy area, I went with the XI, plus the lease cost went up by $30 or so a month. I think I was fortunate to test drive in a cold season, because with the XI I could definitely tell the difference. Without snow tires the car never had any issues getting through snowbanks. 4matic probably sells far better in the winter as well

I agree with you though, for most driving conditions and with good snow tires (which we all get anyway) it seems like a lot of money to add to a car for very little gain.

Joe

 

[SimpsonTide985]

Or living in Arizona for me doesn't exactly scream a need for snow tires.

 

[CLAJoe]

Or living in Arizona for me doesn't exactly scream a need for snow tires.

Guess it depends how close you are to Tuscon! They sometimes get frost no?

 

[SimpsonTide985]

Guess it depends how close you are to Tuscon! They sometimes get frost no?

I'm in Tucson and yeah, we get maybe 40 minutes of frost in the morning in January but it's gone by 8am usually.

 

[CLAJoe]

I'm in Tucson and yeah, we get maybe 40 minutes of frost in the morning in January but it's gone by 8am usually.

True

 

[sleepyhead]

The model I'm buying only comes with 4Matic, so . . . I'm buying 4Matic.