Mercedes-Benz’s First All-Wheel Drive Wagon: The 300TE 4Matic
Mercedes-Benz’s first all-wheel drive wagon, the 300TE is considered the great-grandfather of today’s E-class All-Terrain. With seven seats, a hydraulic self-leveling rear suspension, and computer-controlled all-wheel drive, the 300TE 4Matic was the ultimate luxury longroof of the early ’90s. This particular 300TE 4Matic, up for auction on Bring a Trailer, is in exceptional condition with just 28,000 miles on the odometer and few signs of wear. It might well be one of the nicest examples still in existence.
Preserved by Spare Use and Colorado’s Climate
The Mercedes-Benz 300TE 4Matic up for auction on Bring a Trailer hails from Vail, Colorado, a fitting location considering the vehicle’s history as a luxury longroof that was often used to transport well-heeled families to ski slopes. With electronically-controlled all-wheel drive, a hydraulic self-leveling rear suspension, heated seats, and accommodations for seven passengers, the 300TE 4Matic was both capable and luxurious. Despite its high price tag, the concept was popular enough to endure and evolve into the E-class All Terrain we see today. This particular vehicle has been preserved by its spare use and the cold, dry climate of the Colorado mountains, making it a rare find with its low mileage and excellent condition.
The Evolution of 4Matic Technology
The 4Matic all-wheel drive system that debuted on the Mercedes-Benz 300TE 4Matic was a product of the German battle of all-wheel-drive systems that took place at the 1985 Frankfurt IAA show. Responding to the success of the Audi Quattro, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 4Matic concept on a W124-series sedan. The system was computer-controlled and worked in conjunction with other innovative technologies of the time to maximize traction and performance. The 300TE 4Matic was one of the first modern all-wheel drive vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and provided a new level of capability and luxury for customers who sought both.
Challenges and Unusual Solutions
Adapting the existing rear-drive W124 platform for all-wheel drive presented unique challenges for Mercedes-Benz’s engineers. Instead of designing an entirely new front suspension, they created innovative springs with a section that bent around the front axle shafts. The system included numerous sensors, hydraulic lines, and three differentials, including locking center and rear units. The 4Matic system allowed for power to be split between the front and rear wheels depending on driving conditions, providing improved traction and handling. Additionally, wagons like the 300TE 4Matic were equipped with a standard hydropneumatic load-leveling rear suspension for added comfort and performance.
Unique Features and Lasting Appeal
Although the 300TE 4Matic had a niche appeal due to its high price tag, complex technology, and limited availability, it remains a sought-after vehicle for collectors and enthusiasts. With proper maintenance, these wagons can be long-lived, offering a combination of luxury, performance, and capability that is still appreciated today. While parts and repairs can be expensive, well-preserved examples like the one up for auction on Bring a Trailer are rare finds that command high prices. The exceptional condition, low mileage, and originality of this 300TE 4Matic make it a valuable collector’s item that will likely attract significant interest from buyers in search of a well-maintained classic Mercedes-Benz wagon.