Managing power distribution in an AMG vehicle can optimize performance, particularly in conditions where handling and traction are critical. While AMG steering wheels don’t directly control power distribution, many AMG models integrate power management features that can be influenced through the steering wheel by adjusting driving modes, traction settings, and performance features. Here’s how to use the AMG steering wheel to indirectly manage power distribution and optimize vehicle dynamics:

1. Select the Appropriate Drive Mode

AMG vehicles typically offer different driving modes that adjust various systems, including power distribution (particularly in all-wheel-drive (AWD) or rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles).

• AMG Dynamic Select or AMG Performance Select: These systems allow you to change the vehicle's settings through the drive mode selector. The steering wheel often houses the control to toggle between modes, such as:
  • Comfort Mode: Optimizes power distribution for everyday driving, favoring fuel efficiency and comfort. Power is typically distributed more evenly across all wheels.
  • Sport Mode: Adjusts power delivery for improved performance, focusing on sharper acceleration and quicker throttle response. It can send more power to the rear wheels for a sportier, rear-driven feel.
  • Sport+ Mode: Further enhances performance by sending more power to the rear wheels, creating a more dynamic and responsive driving experience with a greater emphasis on rear-wheel drive for aggressive driving.
  • Race Mode (if available): In this mode, power distribution is heavily biased towards the rear wheels, allowing for faster acceleration and higher performance, with minimal stability intervention.

To switch between modes:

• Locate the Drive Mode Selector on the steering wheel or the central console.
• Press or Rotate the button or dial to toggle through the available modes based on your preference.

2. Activate AMG Performance Features (e.g., AMG Traction Control)

In certain AMG models, there is the ability to adjust traction control settings that influence power distribution between the front and rear wheels, especially in all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles.

• AMG Traction Control: The steering wheel may have a button to activate or adjust AMG Traction Control, which affects how power is distributed to individual wheels based on traction conditions.
  • Adjusting Traction Control: By adjusting the level of intervention, you allow more or less wheel slip, affecting how much power is sent to the front and rear wheels during hard cornering or aggressive driving.
  • In Sport+ or Race mode, traction control is often dialed back to allow for more slip and a more dynamic feel, while Comfort mode gives a more controlled and conservative power distribution.

3. Manage Torque Distribution (AMG 4MATIC+ or AWD)

For AMG vehicles equipped with AMG 4MATIC+ (AWD), power distribution between the front and rear axles can be controlled dynamically, often based on driving conditions or the selected drive mode.

• AMG Performance All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC+): This system can vary power distribution automatically based on factors like throttle input, road conditions, and cornering forces.
  • In normal driving, it may provide a more even distribution of power.
  • In aggressive driving or track conditions, the system can shift power predominantly to the rear wheels for a more performance-oriented, rear-driven feel.
• Engage via Drive Modes: Use the steering wheel controls to select a driving mode that optimizes the power split for performance, such as Sport+ or Race Mode, where rear-wheel bias becomes more dominant.

4. Activate Rear-Axle Steering (Influencing Power Distribution in Curves)

In certain AMG models with rear-axle steering, the power distribution is indirectly affected as the rear wheels steer in coordination with the front wheels to improve cornering performance.

• Rear-Axle Steering: When this system is active, power distribution may favor the rear wheels to improve turning responsiveness in tight curves, making the car feel more agile.
• Steering Wheel Button: Rear-axle steering may be activated or adjusted through steering wheel controls (e.g., dedicated button or via Dynamic Select), allowing for enhanced cornering performance in curves.

5. Use AMG Performance Exhaust to Influence Power Perception

While AMG Performance Exhaust doesn’t directly influence the actual power distribution, it plays a key role in the driving experience by providing a more aggressive exhaust note when more power is delivered to the rear wheels.

• AMG Exhaust Button: By pressing the AMG Performance Exhaust button on the steering wheel (or via the drive mode selector), you can activate a more aggressive exhaust tone, which may be particularly noticeable when power is focused on the rear wheels for a more visceral driving experience in Sport+ or Race Mode.

6. Adjust Suspension for Better Power Transfer

The suspension plays a critical role in how effectively power is transferred to the road, especially during high-speed cornering or quick acceleration. The AMG Ride Control suspension system, which is often adjustable via the steering wheel or drive mode selector, can influence how the car handles the power distribution, especially on uneven roads or when traction is compromised.

• Adaptive Suspension Settings: In Sport+ or Race Mode, the suspension stiffens, providing better power transfer and grip during cornering, as the vehicle’s weight shifts.
• Adjust via Steering Wheel: Depending on your AMG model, you can adjust the suspension setting directly from the steering wheel, giving you more control over how power is distributed during aggressive driving.

7. Control AMG Dynamic Power Distribution (AMG DYNAMIC SELECT or MBUX Integration)

AMG vehicles with MBUX integration allow you to see and manage more complex aspects of power distribution in real-time via the vehicle’s instrument cluster or infotainment system.

• Interactive Displays: The AMG steering wheel can provide quick access to the instrument cluster display, where you can monitor power distribution, torque, and real-time vehicle dynamics.
• Dynamic Distribution Adjustments: Depending on the mode, MBUX provides real-time feedback about how the torque is being split between axles, and in some cases, you can adjust settings related to the AMG Dynamic Power Distribution through the steering wheel to influence the car's responsiveness.

Conclusion:

While the AMG steering wheel does not directly manage power distribution, it offers quick access to key settings that influence how power is distributed to the wheels. By adjusting the drive modes, traction control, and suspension settings via the steering wheel, you can optimize the vehicle for various driving conditions, including curvy roads, aggressive cornering, and spirited driving. These settings indirectly manage the car’s power delivery to ensure a more agile and controlled driving experience.