Enabling and adjusting AMG All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC) settings through the steering wheel is not typically a direct process, as AMG 4MATIC and other all-wheel drive systems are usually managed by the vehicle’s drivetrain control and do not require constant manual adjustments. However, there are certain AMG driving modes and features that interact with the AMG All-Wheel Drive system and can be accessed through the steering wheel to optimize the performance of the drivetrain, including power distribution between the front and rear axles.

Here's a guide on how to adjust AMG All-Wheel Drive settings or optimize its performance through the steering wheel:

1. Activate AMG Driving Modes

AMG All-Wheel Drive settings are usually embedded within different AMG Driving Modes (e.g., Comfort, Sport+, Race, and Individual modes). These modes adjust the behavior of the 4MATIC system, as well as other vehicle settings like suspension, throttle response, and stability control. You can change these settings easily through the AMG steering wheel controls.

• How to Activate:
  • On the AMG steering wheel, look for a mode selector button or touchpad controls (depending on the model). This button or dial is typically found on the wheel or near the instrument cluster.
  • Press the Drive Mode selector button or rotate the dial to toggle between different modes. Some AMG vehicles also have direct buttons on the steering wheel for fast switching.
• Modes Affecting All-Wheel Drive Performance:
  • Comfort Mode: Focuses on providing a smoother driving experience. In this mode, the AMG 4MATIC system delivers power primarily to the rear wheels for a more rear-wheel-drive feel. However, it can shift torque to the front wheels when needed.
  • Sport/Sport+ Mode: These modes increase the power sent to the rear wheels, but the 4MATIC system will still adjust for traction when needed. These modes enhance agility and performance, making them suitable for dynamic driving in various conditions.
  • Race Mode: Optimized for aggressive driving and track conditions. AMG 4MATIC may push more torque to the rear wheels for a more performance-oriented driving experience, while still offering all-wheel-drive stability if necessary.
  • Individual Mode: Allows drivers to customize the settings, including how much torque is sent to each axle, which can influence the all-wheel-drive balance.

2. AMG Performance 4MATIC – Torque Distribution

The AMG Performance 4MATIC system automatically adjusts the torque distribution between the front and rear axles based on road conditions and driving style. While you can't manually set the exact torque split through the steering wheel, you can influence the way it behaves through the available driving modes.

• Influence via Steering Wheel: By selecting Sport+ or Race Mode through the steering wheel’s controls, the 4MATIC system will optimize power distribution to enhance rear-wheel drive characteristics, providing a more aggressive driving feel. In contrast, Comfort Mode may send more power to the front wheels to provide better traction in slippery conditions, such as rain or snow.

3. Traction and Stability Control (ESP)

AMG vehicles come equipped with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which helps manage torque distribution to the wheels, preventing loss of traction. You can adjust the level of intervention from the ESP system through the steering wheel controls.

• How to Adjust:
  • Some AMG vehicles have a button on the steering wheel that allows you to toggle the ESP settings. This button will typically let you switch between full ESP intervention, a Sport mode (which allows for some slip), or a deactivated ESP setting for more advanced driving (e.g., track use).
  • ESP OFF: If you deactivate the ESP, the AMG 4MATIC system will allow more rear-wheel drive behavior for a more engaging, drift-capable experience (though this may be less ideal for snowy or slippery roads).

4. Torque Vectoring (If Available)

Some AMG models come with Torque Vectoring, which allows the system to send more torque to the outer wheels of the rear axle to help with cornering. This can enhance the car’s cornering agility and stability during spirited driving.

• Steering Wheel Interaction: In some AMG vehicles, you can control Torque Vectoring through drive mode settings accessed via the steering wheel. Activating modes like Sport+ or Race may enable more aggressive torque vectoring to improve cornering dynamics.

5. AMG Performance Features (e.g., Drift Mode)

On certain AMG models (especially higher-performance models like the AMG GT or AMG E 63 S), Drift Mode is available. This mode allows for a more rear-wheel-drive focused driving experience, disabling or reducing the intervention of the AMG 4MATIC system to allow controlled oversteering and drifting.

• How to Activate: Some AMG models feature a button on the steering wheel or console that enables Drift Mode. When Drift Mode is activated, the AMG 4MATIC system will send most or all power to the rear wheels, enabling the car to perform controlled drifts.
  • Note: Drift Mode is typically available only in specific models with the necessary hardware and software, and it may not be available in all AMG vehicles.

6. AMG 4MATIC Performance Settings via MBUX System

While direct interaction with the AMG 4MATIC system through the steering wheel is limited, you can access some performance settings via the MBUX infotainment system (available in newer AMG models). The MBUX system allows you to adjust drive modes, suspension settings, and other vehicle performance parameters.

• How to Access:
  • Use the steering wheel-mounted touchpad or MBUX control knob to access vehicle settings in the infotainment display.
  • Within the MBUX system, you can find settings related to drivetrain behavior, including AMG 4MATIC settings (e.g., torque distribution, ESP intervention, and driving modes).

Conclusion:

To enable or adjust AMG All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC) settings through the steering wheel, you will primarily rely on the drive mode selector and drivetrain control features integrated into the wheel. These modes influence how the 4MATIC system distributes torque between the front and rear axles for optimal traction and performance. While the steering wheel doesn’t typically offer direct access to manual torque adjustments, it allows for quick mode switching to adapt the system for varying conditions such as comfort driving, aggressive performance, or track day needs. Additionally, it may allow you to adjust stability control settings and activate performance features like Drift Mode for rear-wheel drive dominance.