Photo: Daimler AG
Not many people apparently know this, but all four models developed until now on the Mercedes-Benz MFA (Modular Front-wheel drive Architecture) platform have a 4Matic all-wheel drive system that is unlike any other 4Matic system used by the rest of the Mercedes-Benz range.
On the other hand, since the A-Class W176, B-Class W246, CLA C117 and the new GLA X156 are all based on a front-wheel drive architecture the info above was kind of obvious, but what wasn't so obvious is the fact that these four models are actually using a highly-efficient all-wheel drive system made by Magna Powertrain.
Called Pro-Active Rear Drive Module, the system was apparently specifically designed as a platform solution for compact vehicles, which in our view means that we may see it on other cars from the C-segment as well.
“As a long-time supplier partner of Mercedes-Benz, we are pleased to support their entire global platform with our ProActiveTM AWD system,” says Jake Hirsch, President Magna Powertrain. “We are confident that the performance enhancements enabled by this technology will add tremendous value to this vehicle segment.”
The all-wheel drive system was jointly developed by Magna Powertrain and Daimler, with the rear axle drive and the coupling being developed by Magna and the integration into each vehicle was done by the Stuttgart carmaker.
Apparently, the system is better integrated than other similar ones, with the entire package being downsized thanks to one common oil circuit for the coupling function, the elimination of seal rings and of the bearings.
According to Magna, these solutions result in drag being reduced by 14 percent and a 2 kg (4.4 pounds) lower mass compared to other systems, creating a new benchmark level for this type of on-demand all-wheel drive systems and lower fuel consumption.
Called Pro-Active Rear Drive Module, the system was apparently specifically designed as a platform solution for compact vehicles, which in our view means that we may see it on other cars from the C-segment as well.
“As a long-time supplier partner of Mercedes-Benz, we are pleased to support their entire global platform with our ProActiveTM AWD system,” says Jake Hirsch, President Magna Powertrain. “We are confident that the performance enhancements enabled by this technology will add tremendous value to this vehicle segment.”
The all-wheel drive system was jointly developed by Magna Powertrain and Daimler, with the rear axle drive and the coupling being developed by Magna and the integration into each vehicle was done by the Stuttgart carmaker.
Apparently, the system is better integrated than other similar ones, with the entire package being downsized thanks to one common oil circuit for the coupling function, the elimination of seal rings and of the bearings.
According to Magna, these solutions result in drag being reduced by 14 percent and a 2 kg (4.4 pounds) lower mass compared to other systems, creating a new benchmark level for this type of on-demand all-wheel drive systems and lower fuel consumption.
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