Mercedes Cars with All-Wheel Drive (21 Models: Full List)
Mercedes-Benz vehicles aren’t just luxurious automobiles that offer a plush ride and are among the quietest cabins in the class, some are ferocious speedy machines.
Although the German marque equips its cars with various drivetrains, 4MATIC, Merc’s advanced proprietary AWD technology is the highlight.
Are All Mercedes-Benz All-Wheel Drive?
RWD had been car manufacturers’ preferred drivetrain for sporty driving machines due to the rear-biased power delivery providing stronger acceleration.
Although many mid and higher-end models have rear-wheel drive, newer Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs have all-wheel drive if the all-wheels propulsion isn’t already standard.
Car shoppers will likely find an AWD Mercedes-Benz regardless of their chosen model.
Mercedes-Benz Sedans with AWD
#1 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: A 220 4MATIC, AMG A 35.
It may be the smallest sedan in the marque’s stable, but the A-Class is every bit a Merc in driving dynamics, build quality, and luxury features.
Although front-wheel drive is the base provision, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has all-wheel drive in two more expensive trims, including the high-performance AMG (up to 2021).
The punchy powertrain, athletic handling, and compact size make the A-Class a joy to drive.
The A-Class is no longer available stateside after 2022.
#2 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: C 300 4MATIC hybrid.
The C-Class sees a mix of sedans, coupes, and convertibles available with AWD and RWD drivetrains.
A hybrid engine powers the Merc C-Class sedan to become one of the leading models in the small luxury sedan class, bettering competing similar-size AWD sedans from Audi and arch-rival BMW.
Its interior is among the better-crafted ones in the segment.
#3 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: E 350 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC hybrid, AMG E 53 hybrid, AMG E 63 S.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a commendable leader in a competitive class with top entrants from Audi (A6) and BMW (5 Series).
The Merc E-Class base trim sends power to the rear wheels, but most others are all-wheel-drive models with the automaker’s proprietary 4MATIC system.
E-Class strong suits include an exquisitely-crafted cabin, a supremely quiet and comfortable ride, and an AWD system that does an excellent job putting power onto the pavement, especially in the Sport mode.
#4 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: S 500 4MATIC hybrid, S 580 4MATIC hybrid.
Mercedes’s flagship sedan inevitably enjoys the company’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
Neck-and-neck with the AWD BMW 7 Series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the exemplary premium full-size sedan: potent yet efficient powertrain, a high-tech luxurious interior, and a silent ride that provides a high level of isolation from the outside world.
All Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans have all-wheel drive, unlike the coupe and convertible models (later in this post) that get AWD and RWD.
#5 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: CLA 4MATIC, AMG CLA 35, AMG CLA 45.
The retirement of the A-Class means the CLA-Class takes over as Mercedes-Benz’s most affordable sedan.
While the standard trim carries a front-wheel drive, the rest in CLA-Class are all-wheel-drive sedans.
It is as luxurious as most Mercedes cars, but its sub-$50k price tag is excellent news for German car buyers to own one.
#6 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: CLS 450 4MATIC, AMG CLS 53 hybrid.
The CLS-Class is a stylish way to own a Mercedes-Benz sedan with a sloping coupe-like roofline for a sportier look.
It offers an expert balance of engine performance, handling, and ride comfort.
All Merc CLS-Class are all-wheel drives with a commendable above-average fuel economy; the hybridized CLS-Class is an option if you need AWD.
#7 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
Trim Levels with AWD: 43 hybrid, 53 hybrid sedan.
The German automaker discontinued the AMG GT coupe and convertible after 2021, leaving the sedan as the sole model.
A gas/electric hybrid engine is standard for the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT sedan, and so is an all-wheel drive for enhanced wet-weather traction.
Again, the sloping roofline compromises practicality, making the AMG GT unsuitable for those needing a family vehicle for daily chores.
#8 Mercedes-Benz Maybach
Trim Levels with AWD: S 580 4MATIC hybrid, S 680 4MATIC sedan.
If you love the flagship S-Class sedan but desire a longer wheelbase with full-loaded luxury-oriented features, the Maybach meets those requirements.
All-wheel drive is standard in all Mercedes-Benz Maybach sedans.
Mercedes-Benz Wagon with AWD
#9 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: E 450 4MATIC hybrid; AMG E 63 S.
For drivers who appreciate the E-Class’ excellence in the midsize luxury segment and need a greater utility for daily needs, the E-Class wagon is the ideal choice.
The E-Class wagon trims have all-wheel drive, although the hybrid variant is less expensive than the AMG and more fuel-efficient.
Mercedes-Benz SUVs with AWD
#10 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: GLA 250 4MATIC, AMG GLA 35, AMG GLA 45.
This subcompact is Merc’s smallest member of its SUV family.
Most GLA-Class models have the all-wheel drive for peace of mind when driving in poor weather conditions.
Other GLA-Class highlights cover the smooth ride, spacious interior in both rows, and excellent outward visibility for the driver.
#11 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: GLB 250 4MATIC, AMG GLB 35.
It’s still an extra-small SUV like the previous model on this list, but the boxy GLB-Class has marginally more room for the passengers and cargo.
Most Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class have all-wheel drive, though the less-expensive front-wheel drive is perfectly fine traction-wise when the sun shines and the pavement is dry.
Plus, the cabin remains quiet even at elevated speeds, which is ideal for long-distance travel.
#12 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: GLC 300 4MATIC, AMG GLC 43, AMG GLC 63, AMG GLC 63 S.
The small luxury SUV class has many compelling models.
Still, the GLC-Class stars shine brightly, with benchmark qualities like an admirable balance of performance and comfort, plus an elegantly designed and roomy cabin.
Although rear-wheel drive is standard equipment, most Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class trim levels have the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
The latter is ideal for those living in cold or snowy climes.
#13 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: GLE 350 4MATIC, GLE 450 4MATIC hybrid, GLE 580 4MATIC hybrid, AMG GLE 53 hybrid, AMG GLE 63 hybrid.
Mercedes loyalists wanting something a little larger than the compact GLC-Class will find similar segment-topping attributes in the midsize GLE-Class.
The precise steering, upscale cabin, and abundant head and legroom in both rows make the GLE-Class the perfect luxury vehicle for small to midsize families.
Most GLE-Class models are all-wheel drives.
#14 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: GLS 450 4MATIC hybrid, GLS 580 4MATIC hybrid, AMG GLS 63 hybrid.
Larger families needing an SUV that can seat up to seven will find plenty of space and appeal in the three-row GLS-Class.
All-wheel drive and hybrid powertrain are standard provisions for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class large SUV.
It’s one of the strongest picks in the field with competing models from BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, and Lincoln.
#15 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS
Trim Levels with AWD: GLS 600 hybrid.
This Maybach is the super-luxury version of the already-premium GLS SUV.
The exceptionally quiet drive, excellent ride quality, and high levels of opulence make the GLS a match for similar offerings from Bentley and Rolls Royce.
AWD is standard for the Maybach.
Mercedes-Benz Coupes & Convertibles with AWD
#16 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: C 300 4MATIC coupe & convertible, AMG C 43 coupe & convertible.
Although coupes and convertibles have traditionally been rear-wheel drives, premium car brands tend to offer both RWD and AWD options with their newer models to broaden the appeal of these sporty vehicles.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupes and convertibles have an all-wheel drive for greater wet-weather traction and to manage the engine’s high horsepower better.
2022 is the final year for the C-Class coupe and convertible.
#17 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: E 450 4MATIC hybrid coupe & hybrid convertible, AMG E 53 hybrid coupe & hybrid convertible.
The E-Class sedan’s exquisite interior and quiet refinement exist in the coupe and convertible forms.
While the base trim has rear-wheel drive, the optional all-wheel drive will benefit those driving in less-than-ideal weather.
#18 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: AMG S 63 coupe & convertible.
Like their sedan sibling, the S-Class coupe and convertible represent the best the German marque offers in performance, opulence, and ride comfort.
#19 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Trim Levels with AWD: AMG SL 55 convertible, AMG SL 63 convertible.
The SL-Class is one of a few Mercedes-Benz models that exist solely as a convertible.
All Merc SL-Class have all-wheel drive, so the torquey V8 is more manageable to maximize all-weather traction.
Mercedes-Benz Electric Vehicles with AWD
#20 Mercedes-Benz EQB
Trim Levels with AWD: EQB 300, EQB 350; SUVs.
This electric SUV bases on the extra-small GLB without noticeable loss of interior space despite the presence of the electric motors.
All-wheel drive is standard for the EQB electric SUV.
#21 Mercedes-Benz EQS
Trim Levels with AWD: EQS 580 4MATIC Exclusive, EQS 580 4MATIC Pinnacle, AMG EQS Exclusive, AMG EQS Pinnacle; sedans.
The EQS represents the German automaker’s first electric sedan and is essentially an electrified S Class, featuring the latter’s qualities like ride comfort and a luxurious interior.
Most EQS trim levels have AWD, although RWD is available.
Is Mercedes-Benz 4Matic Reliable?
Mercedes-Benz has a near-abysmal reliability record, with the latest Consumer Reports survey ranking the car maker lowly.
Known issues with the Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system include faulty or weak viscous couplings, worsening fuel economy, and the need to change the AWD’s catalytic converter after 60k miles.
Consumer Reports rated the E-Class as the most reliable among a long list of unreliable Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Is Mercedes-Benz 4Matic Good in Snow?
An all-wheel-drive system helps the car find grip and turn better on ice and snow.
The 4MATIC system is essential for driving Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs in light snow, and the all-wheel-drive technology makes driving safer when fitted with proper winter tires.
Still, care and caution are necessary when driving in the snow with an AWD car on winter tires.
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