NEW 4matic models

[grober]

Does anyone know why Daimler/Chrysler aka Mercedes don't market their 4matic 4wheel drive models in the UK. It seems other markets can buy 4 wheel drive versions of both the C, E and S class saloons and estates. Why not the UK??? The previous 4matic 124 series got a reputation for being unreliable but the new 240 and 320 models use the same technology as the M class which Mercedes UK does market :?: :?: .

 

[steveperry]

I think it's because the UK market consists of RHD vehicles. I believe D/C 'can't be arsed', for want of a better phrase, to develop/adapt the 4matic system for use with RHD. The bean counters have probably deemed 4matic not economically viable for the RHD market.

S.

 

[6fd]

I think it is because 4wd is uneccessary in the UK - meaning hardly any would be sold. I know it is fashionable at the moment but in reality the weather in the UK means that it is a benefit < 1 week per year and is a weight/noise/fuel consumption penalty for the rest of the time. There are more than enough 4WD vehicles for those that really need them.
FD

 

[grober]

I would agree with Steve, D/C just cant be "arsed" to do it. After all they have got their market sewn up, just like Rolls Royce , Bentley ,Alvis Daimler (uk) Aston Martin , Jaguar etc had , relying on old motorsport or build reputation to sell their cars before they went bust or were taken over. I would have to disagree with 6fd. Having lived most of my life north of the highland boundary fault I can say that there are parts of the UK where having 4wd is useful for more than 1week per year!!! This is also to neglect the handling improvements imparted to a saloon/estate by 4wd in addition to purely traction. No I dont want to drive a vehicle which is part pickup truck part car either and there are plenty of noisy/heavy/poor handling/gas guzzling 4x4s to choose from as you say. D/C bean counters also seem to do different sums to Audi,VW,Mazda,Fiat,Renault,Ford,Jaguar,Mitsubishi, Skoda,Subaru,and Porsche who all seem to find a market for 4wd saloons/estates in the UK. In conclusion , although they are in a different market sector,I would point to probably the two highest profile sports saloons in the UK at present , the Mitsubishi Evo and the Subaru Impreza. They have probably made a bob or two for their respective manufacturers over the years by virtue of their handling/performance courtesy of 4wd!! It would have been nice to have had a performance 4wd version of the CLK for example but D/C gave us the innovative 270 diesel instead! Nuff said