The AMG U88 system in the W465 G-Class, when paired with Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC system, enhances the steering feel during off-road situations by integrating drivetrain and torque distribution adjustments, which directly affect how the vehicle behaves in challenging terrain. This collaboration provides better handling, traction, and steering responsiveness during off-road maneuvers, ensuring optimal control and stability, especially in tricky or uneven conditions. Here’s how the U88 system interacts with the 4MATIC system to improve steering performance in off-road scenarios:

1. Torque Distribution and Steering Response:

• The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is designed to dynamically distribute torque between the front and rear axles (and in some cases, between individual wheels, depending on the specific configuration). The AMG U88 system works in tandem with 4MATIC to adjust the torque delivery in response to steering inputs and terrain conditions.
• During off-road driving, especially on slippery or uneven surfaces, the U88 system may adjust the distribution of power to the wheels with the most traction. For example, when the vehicle is turning or navigating through soft terrain like sand or mud, the system can send more torque to the wheels with better grip. This torque vectoring helps to reduce the likelihood of the vehicle getting stuck and ensures that the steering feel remains responsive and predictable, even in difficult off-road conditions.

2. Improved Steering Precision:

• The U88 system adjusts the steering feel based on off-road conditions by modifying the level of steering assistance provided by the electric power steering (EPS) system. In off-road situations where steering inputs may be more frequent and subtle (like in technical trails or uneven terrain), the U88 system can lighten the steering to make it easier for the driver to make precise adjustments.
• Additionally, when the vehicle is in an off-road environment with significant wheel slip, the U88 system can provide more feedback to the steering wheel, allowing the driver to feel how each wheel is responding to the terrain. This increases the level of control the driver has, especially when maneuvering at low speeds over rough terrain.

3. Active Differentials and Stability:

• In more challenging off-road situations, the U88 system works with the active differentials (e.g., rear and front locks or a central differential) to optimize steering feel and traction. When one wheel loses grip (such as when traversing a rock or uneven surface), the system can adjust the power split between wheels or axles to maintain optimal stability and steering response. The active differential locks can engage to ensure that both wheels on the same axle receive equal torque, preventing the vehicle from losing momentum or steering response due to one wheel spinning freely.
• This intervention helps stabilize the vehicle during off-road steering, especially when navigating sharp turns on loose surfaces or steep inclines, ensuring that the driver receives precise feedback even in challenging terrain.

4. Terrain Adaptation and Driving Modes:

• The U88 system also works in conjunction with the multi-mode drive system (which can include modes such as Off-Road, Sand, Rock Crawl, etc.) to optimize the steering feel based on the specific off-road conditions. In more technical off-road modes, the system can adjust the steering response to make the vehicle more nimble and responsive at low speeds.
• Increased steering precision and lighter steering effort are often favored in these modes to facilitate easy maneuverability through obstacles, ensuring that the driver can maintain full control when navigating through rough trails, rocks, or inclines.

5. Increased Steering Sensitivity in Loose Terrain:

• In loose or slippery off-road conditions (such as sand, mud, or snow), the U88 system increases the sensitivity of the steering to provide immediate feedback from the wheels. This allows the driver to make fine adjustments to steering inputs to maintain vehicle stability and prevent slipping.
• The system also adjusts the steering effort in these conditions to make the vehicle easier to control at low speeds while retaining the necessary precision for navigating technical obstacles like rocks or sharp turns.

6. Enhanced Driver Confidence and Control:

• By integrating the U88 system with the 4MATIC system, the vehicle’s steering feel becomes more intuitive and responsive during off-road driving, which enhances driver confidence. The system constantly adjusts the vehicle’s dynamics to ensure that the driver maintains complete control over the vehicle, whether the terrain is smooth, rough, or slippery.
• The combination of torque vectoring, active differentials, and adjusted steering feedback ensures that the vehicle maintains a stable yet responsive steering feel, allowing the driver to adapt quickly to changing off-road conditions without feeling disconnected or uncertain.

Summary:

In the W465 G-Class, the AMG U88 system works in harmony with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system to provide enhanced steering feel during off-road driving by:

• Dynamically adjusting torque distribution between wheels and axles for optimal traction and stability.
• Offering lightened steering and improved feedback during low-speed off-road maneuvers, especially in rough or slippery terrain.
• Engaging active differentials to optimize steering response and prevent loss of control.
• Providing precise steering feedback in challenging conditions, increasing driver confidence and control.

This integration ensures that the G-Class remains agile and responsive on difficult terrain, offering both comfort and control for the driver during off-road adventures.