Mercedes' latest all-wheel drive system has been unveiled, as have the first official pictures of the car it will be featured in - the oft rumoured, but not yet confirmed CLA four-door 'coupé'.

Designed to be deployed in front-wheel drive biased cars the new 4MATIC system is used in conjunction with Mercedes' 7G-DCT automated dual-clutch gearbox. The set up works in a similar way to most all-wheel drive systems with power only being sent to the rear axle when driving conditions require extra grip. Mercedes insists, however, that the system has been designed with the 'as often as necessary, as rarely as possible' theory, in that power will be sent to the rear wheels as quickly as it's taken away.

In essence, Mercedes claims that fuel economy figures should not be too greatly affected by the addition of the 4MATIC system; and as such Mercedes has fitted all 4MATIC systems with three driving modes. The Eco setting sends a minimal level of torque to the rear axles, sending power to the front wheels only most of the time. Sport and Manual modes will each send higher power levels to the back with the aim of giving drivers a sportier experience.

Mercedes claims that the best way to demonstrate the new system is in the upcoming range-topping CLA model - the CLA 45 AMG. Featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, output is said to be as much as 350hp with over 400Nm of torque. Equipped with sports suspension as well as an adapted 4MATIC system Mercedes claims that the CLA 45 AMG will be 'one of the most dynamic, powerful and efficient four-cylinder coupés around.'

Along with the CLA, the 4MATIC set up will find its way into the M-Class, G-Class and GL-Class - as well as a variation making an appearance in the all-electric SLS AMG Electric Drive.

James Giddings - 18 Dec 2012