If you’re shopping for a new Mercedes-Benz, one of the things that you will look at is the vehicle’s drivetrain. You will have to choose between three drivetrain systems: FWD, RWD, or AWD.
Several Mercedes-Benz models are fitted with the front-wheel-drive system, including the A-Class, B-Class, CLA-Class, and GLA-Class. Other Mercedes models have the option to choose either the FWD or another drivetrain system. One of those models is the GLB-Class, which has the FWD as its standard drivetrain system.
Mercedes-Benz models with front-wheel-drive systems
A-Class
The A-Class comes with the front-wheel-drive system as the standard drive system. However, buyers also have a choice of picking an A-Class with an AWD system. Note that the A-Class with an all-wheel-drive system is slightly more expensive than the A-Class with the front-wheel-drive system. The difference is around $2,000.
The average price of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is around $34,000. The price may increase or decrease depending on the model that you desire. Apart from featuring an FWD system, this car is beautifully designed and very appealing. It’s better looking than the cars in its category, such as the Audi A3 sedan.
This entry-level Mercedes has a beautiful, luxurious, and comfortable interior. It boasts features like power-adjustable seats, dual-zone climate control, and 64-color LED ambient lighting. Fitted with a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 engine with 7-speed automatic transmission, this is a fantastic car to own.
B-Class
The B-Class may be one of the least popular Mercedes-Benz models on the market, but it still offers high-tech and luxurious features that people look for in Mercedes vehicles. It is also equipped with front-wheel-drive, which makes it great for tricky weather conditions such as snow or ice.
This model is only suitable for individuals looking for a Mercedes-Benz hatchback with a front-wheel-drive. Mercedes also offers an A-Class hatchback with FWD, which is the only competitor in this category. This car has a classy and comfortable interior.
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class sells for around $38,000, which is slightly more expensive than the A-Class hatchback. Regardless of its compact size, this FWD car is fitted with a powerful inline-4 engine that enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in 10.6 seconds. The car is also safe and reliable.
CLA-Class
If you want a Mercedes-Benz coupe, but can’t afford the high-end models, you can settle for this classy front-wheel-drive car. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is not your ordinary coupe as it comes with four doors. On top of that, it doesn’t feature an AWD system, but it’s fitted with an FWD system.
Despite the unconventional features that this car is fitted with, it still performs at a high level and has high-tech features. Going for about $39,000, this elegantly designed coupe is safe, but still very comfortable to drive around. Besides, it comes with one of the best infotainment setups.
GLA-Class
After mentioning the A-Class and CLA-Class models, it’s pretty obvious that the GLA-Class was bound to be on this list. These cars share a lot in common as they all have an “A” in their class. However, unlike the previous two, the GLA-Class is a subcompact SUV and not a car.
Featuring a FWD system, the GLA-Class is a well-designed and comfortable subcompact SUV. On top of that, it’s luxuriously constructed with lots of safety features. It’s also comfortable, but with a somewhat compact interior. This car also has an AWD option and its price ranges between $36,000 and $39,000
GLB-Class
You may be surprised that such a powerful vehicle is equipped with a front-wheel-drive system. Even though this SUV comes with a FWD system as the standard, it also has an AWD option. The price of this SUV falls between $36,000 and $39,000.
It’s fitted with a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine with 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Apart from that, it has an optional third-row that converts this car into a 7-seater. Other features include 64-color LED ambient lighting, active brake assist, a power liftgate, remote start, and more, making this SUV a joy to ride.
FAQ about drive systems
What are the advantages of having a front-wheel-drive vehicle?
One of the biggest advantages of a front-wheel-drive system over a rear-wheel-drive system is that it offers great traction. Therefore, it’s better suited for ice, snow, or poor road conditions. Besides, vehicles with an FWD system tend to be more spacious and efficient than RWD vehicles.
What’s the difference between front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive systems?
The main difference is that the FWD system works by the horsepower and torque being distributed to the front axle, which powers and steers the vehicle. On the other hand, the RWD system works by power being distributed to the rear axle, instead of the front axle. Therefore, the front axle is dedicated to steering.
Why is rear-wheel-drive bad for snowy conditions?
A car with a rear-wheel-drive system is bad for snowy conditions because the drive wheels are on the lighter part of the car, where the cargo space or trunk space is rather than the engine. As a result, it lacks great traction like that found in FWD or AWD systems. That’s why a RWD car will easily spin or fishtail on snowy surfaces.
Is the all-wheel-drive system the best among the three drive systems? Why?
Yes, it is. An all-wheel-drive system is the best because it automatically applies acceleration and braking force to all four wheels, independently of one another. So, the driver has more control of the car with the use of torque to all wheels, instead of the common two-wheel-drive systems that send power to either the front or rear set of wheels.
Does the C-Class come with a front-wheel-drive system?
No, it doesn’t. The C-Class comes with a rear-wheel-drive system. As a result, it’s easier to handle, stop, control, and accelerate than a car with a front-wheel-drive system. It has an overall powerful performance, which is why it’s common in racing and high-end cars.
The bottom line
Several Mercedes-Benz models are equipped with a front-wheel-drive system and they are Mercedes-Benz A-Class, B-Class, CLA-Class, GLA-Class, and GLB-Class. The FWD system is ideal for people who live in snowy conditions. It is also cheaper to manufacture and fantastic on gas mileage.
Even though the above Mercedes-Benz models come with a front-wheel-drive system as the standard system, most of them have either a rear-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive system option. For instance, the A-Class has FWD and AWD options, while the GLB-Class has FWD and AWD options.
