4Matic is the marketing name of an all-wheel drive system developed by Mercedes-Benz. It is designed to increase traction in slippery conditions and is available on a number of cars across the Mercedes-Benz range. The system sends power to all four wheels, which enhances stability and traction, and adjusts itself to the road surface to maximize grip, improving safety. The 4Matic system was developed in conjunction with Steyr-Daimler-Puch (currently Magna Steyr), who manufactured the Mercedes-Benz G-Class in Austria. Nearly all Mercedes-Benz vehicles that feature this system are paired with an automatic transmission as the default transmission. The first design of the 4Matic system was introduced in 1987 on the W124 series (E Class) saloons (four-door) and estate (station wagon) cars. Since 2008, some versions of 4Matic have provided true AWD where the system is permanently active, and sophisticated engine management and ABS systems control the amount of torque transferred to each wheel, allowing the system to be effective at any speed. AMG Performance 4MATIC is a performance-oriented variant of the system.