What type of four-wheel drive system does the Mercedes-Benz C260 use?
3 Answers
According to the official introduction from Beijing Benz, the Mercedes-Benz C260 adopts a full-time four-wheel drive system with a multi-plate clutch central differential lock. This drive configuration enhances the vehicle's handling and stability, though it results in slightly higher fuel consumption compared to the two-wheel-drive version. Below are some key details about the Mercedes-Benz C260: 1. The dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz C260 are 4784mm in length, 1810mm in width, and 1457mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2920mm. 2. The Mercedes-Benz C260 Estate version features a 48-volt high-performance mild hybrid engine, combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a belt-driven starter/generator, offering high efficiency, energy savings, and improved environmental friendliness, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
During my last test drive of the Mercedes-Benz C260, I personally experienced its 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system, which proved incredibly capable. This system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute power, primarily driving the rear wheels under normal conditions, but automatically transferring more power to the front wheels when wheel slip is detected. On wet roads during rain, the car remained stable without any hint of skidding, with strong cornering grip—it felt glued to the ground even on mountain roads. For daily city commuting, it’s worry-free, with fuel consumption slightly higher than the pure rear-wheel-drive version, but the added safety and handling improvements are absolutely worth it. I’d advise new owners to regularly maintain the drivetrain components to prevent clutch wear. Overall maintenance costs are moderate to slightly high, but the peace of mind while driving makes it worthwhile.
Having played with cars for many years, I have a deep understanding of Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC system, which is exactly what the Mercedes C260 uses. It employs a multi-plate clutch mechanism paired with electronic sensors to monitor wheel speeds in real-time. When insufficient rear-wheel traction is detected, power is quickly distributed to the front wheels to maintain vehicle balance. I've driven it in snowy or muddy conditions, and the system reacts incredibly fast, never letting me down. Compared to other brands like BMW's xDrive, Mercedes' system is lighter, more stable in response, and offers both agility and safety for everyday driving. For maintenance, pay attention to the inspection cycle of the clutch plates—replacing them every 50,000 kilometers is slightly costly, but the technology is reliable and hassle-free.
