1907 Dernburg-Wagen: World First AWD Passenger Car

It's winter, and as those of you living in northern climates are well aware, winter means road conditions are often less than ideal. Snow, freezing rain, ice patches, and a host of other perils can all await you on a daily basis.



In an effort to make life a little easier for the aforementioned individuals - those growing tired of constantly struggling to gain traction as they journey to and fro - Mercedes today has published an exceptionally in-depth press release outlining their entire 4MATIC lineup, offering some additional incentive as to why you may want to consider opting for a four wheel drive model. In addition, the press release also includes a brief retrospective taking a look back at the origins of four wheel drive technology, providing an interesting look back at what paved for the way for current 4MATIC fleet.

If you'd like to learn more about Mercedes 4MATIC, keep scrolling for the full press release. To make viewing easier I've split the press release up into seven sections, and I've also added a number of photos showcasing various four wheel drive Mercedes models throughout the years.

Enjoy.



1. Model Range
2. 4MATIC Technology in the S-Class
3. The New-Generation E-Class with 4MATIC
4. The Mercedes-Benz SUVs
5. The G-Class
6. Tradition with Traction
7. Overview of 4MATIC Model Range

Model range: Four S-Class models with 4MATIC

• Two powerful V8 models initially, two V6 variants to follow
• All-wheel drive available with powerful V6 CDI engine for the first time
• Performance range from 173 kW/235 hp to 285 kW/388 hp
• Comprehensive high-tech standard equipment for all models

Stuttgart, Jan 04, 2007
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4MATIC range impresses with its wide variety and its ability to meet the most diverse customer requirements. Four different engines and two body variants with a long and a short wheelbase are available. At the top of the range, the S 500 4MATIC has a 5.5-litre V8 engine which develops 285 kW/ 388 hp and thus offers an increase in performance of more than 26 percent compared with the previous eight-cylinder powerplant. Its torque figure of 530 Newton metres is also significantly higher (by some 15 percent) than the peak value attained by its predecessor. Maximum torque is available from 2800 rpm and remains constant across a wide engine speed range up to 4800 rpm, for excellent acceleration and mid-range power:

• The new S 500 4MATIC accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, the same time as that taken by the S 500 with rear-wheel drive. Compared with the predecessor model, the Saloon is more than a second faster.
• In third gear, the S 500 4MATIC accelerates from 60 to 120 km/h in just 5.6 seconds.
• The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically governed).

The eight-cylinder powerplant in the S 500 4MATIC is the top drive unit in the new generation of Mercedes-Benz V-engines which was successfully introduced in mid-2004. Equipped with four valves per cylinder, infinitely adjustable intake and exhaust camshafts, a two-stage intake module and tumble flaps in the intake ducts, the V8 is among the engines with the highest power output and torque in its displacement class. Other technical highlights of this eight-cylinder engine include special shifting camshafts. These reduce the inherent pressure fluctuations in the exhaust train and thereby considerably improve the engine's gas cycle. This makes itself felt among other things by smoother running and higher torque in the lower and medium engine speed ranges. The Mercedes V8 employs the latest lightweight construction principles, with an aluminium crankcase, low-friction cylinder liners of aluminium/silicon alloy, a forged steel crankshaft and weight-optimised connecting rods.
Fuel consumption up by just 0.4 litres compared with S 500
The fact that the combined NEDC fuel consumption of 12.1 to 12.3 litres per 100 km returned by the S 500 4MATIC represents a saving of almost one litre compared with the predecessor model – despite the new unit's higher power and torque – clearly demonstrates the efficiency of the up-to-date design and high-tech features of the new Mercedes eight-cylinder engine. Furthermore, the newly developed all-wheel drive system also has a positive impact. Optimised for weight and friction characteristics, it results in only a slight increase in fuel consumption – just 0.4 litres – compared with the two-wheel drive version of the S 500 (11.7 to 11.9 litres per 100 km).
Key data at a glance:
S 500 4MATIC Cylinder arrrangement/
valves per cylinder V8/4Displacement cc 5461Bore x stroke mm 98.0 x 90.5 Compression ratio 10.7 : 1 Output kW/hp
at rpm 285/388
6000Max. torque Nm
at rpm 530
2800-4800Combined fuel consumption
l/100 km 12.1-12.3Accel. 0-100 km/h s
60-120 km/h s 5.4
5.6Top speed km/h* 250*Electronically governed

S 450 4MATIC – second V8 model with 250 kW/340 hp
The second V8 model is the new S 450 4MATIC which is now also available as a rear-wheel-drive model. Its engine technology is closely related to that of the 5.5-litre eight-cylinder unit and includes four valves per cylinder, infinitely adjustable shifting intake and exhaust camshafts, a two-stage intake module, tumble flaps in the intake ducts, an aluminium crankcase, low-friction cylinder liners, a forged steel crankshaft and weight-optimised connecting rods. With a displacement of 4663 cc, it develops a peak output of 250 kW/340 hp and its maximum torque of 460 Newton metres is available across a wide engine speed range from 2700 to 5000 rpm. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 5.9 seconds puts the S 450 4MATIC on a par with its rear-wheel-drive counterpart. The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically governed). At 11.6 to 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres, its fuel consumption is only 0.4 litres higher than that of the "normal" S 450. This is analogous to the difference in fuel consumption between the corresponding S 500 models.
Key data at a glance:

S 450 4MATIC Cylinder arrrangement/
valves per cylinder V8/4Displacement cc 4663Bore x stroke mm 92.9 x 86.0 Compression ratio 10.7 : 1 Output kW/hp
at rpm 250/340
6000Max. torque Nm
at rpm 460
2700-5000Combined fuel consumption
l/100 km 11.6-11.8Accel. 0-100 km/h s
60-120 km/h s 5.9
6.6Top speed km/h* 250*Electronically governed

Premiere for S-Class with diesel engine and all-wheel drive
The third S-Class all-wheel drive model – and also the most economical one – is the S 320 CDI 4MATIC. This is the first time that all-wheel drive has been combined with a turbodiesel engine in the top Mercedes-Benz model series. The advanced six-cylinder CDI unit develops 173 kW/235 hp and offers maximum torque of 540 Newton metres which is available between 1600 and 2800 rpm. These impressive figures put the direct-injection diesel among the engines with the highest power output and torque in its displacement class. As the figures suggest, the powerful six-cylinder engine offers extremely respectable performance: with a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 7.8 seconds, the all-wheel drive Saloon performs to the same high standard as its two-wheel drive counterpart; the top speed is 245 km/h; thanks to the favourable NEDC combined fuel consumption figure of between 8.7 and 8.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, operating ranges in excess of 1000 kilometres are possible. Compared with the rear-wheel-drive S 320 CDI, the 4MATIC model consumes only an additional 0.4 litres of diesel fuel per 100 km.
Key data at a glance:

S 320 CDI 4MATIC Cylinder arrrangement/
valves per cylinder V6/4Displacement cc 2984Bore x stroke mm 83.0 x 92.0 Compression ratio 17.7 : 1 Output kW/hp
at rpm 173/235
3600Max. torque Nm
at rpm 540
1600-2400Combined fuel consumption
l/100 km 8.7-8.9Accel. 0-100 km/h s
60-120 km/h s 7.8
6.7Top speed km/h* 245Powerful six-cylinder diesel engine with high-tech features
A glance at the technical refinements which characterise the 3.0-litre engine explains the impressive performance data. The high-tech features of this compact V6 powerplant include third-generation common rail direct injection. The combination of an injection pressure of up to 1600 bar and particularly fast-acting piezoelectric injectors ensures efficient mixture formation. Further highlights of the 320 CDI engine include electrically controlled intake port shut-off, intake air throttling, a VNT (Variable Nozzle Turbine) turbocharger with electrically adjustable guide vanes and exhaust gas recirculation with a control valve. Like all Mercedes-Benz diesel passenger cars, the S 320 CDI 4MATIC is equipped as standard with a maintenance-free particulate filter system.
7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with Sport program as standard
Power transfer in all S-Class 4MATIC models is handled by the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with steering-column DIRECT SELECT gear selector and steering-wheel gearshift buttons. This combination ensures that optimum use can be made of the impressive performance and torque capabilities in every driving situation. Furthermore, the all-wheel drive models have identical gear spacing and ratios, which has a positive effect on the performance and fuel consumption figures.
An all-new development for all S-Class V6 and V8 petrol models is the 7G-TRONIC Sport transmission. The S/C/M button on the centre console can be used to activate the manual "M" driving mode, allowing the seven gears to be shifted using the two steering-wheel shift buttons – downshifts are performed by pulling briefly on the left button while the right button is used for shifting up. In "M" mode, the system's electronics reliably maintain the last gear selected, even at full throttle. It is thus possible to make optimum use of the high pulling power of the V6 and V8 engines. However, fully depressing the accelerator (kickdown mode) causes the transmission to shift down in order to deliver maximum acceleration. 7G-TRONIC Sport reduces shift times by up to 30 percent in manual mode.
PRE-SAFE® as standard, Brake Assist PLUS as an optional extra
The unique PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system also forms part of the standard equipment of the S-Class all-wheel drive models. PRE-SAFE® recognises a potential accident situation in its early stages: if the braking deceleration exceeds a certain level or there is a risk of skidding, the system tightens the front seat belts and moves the front passenger seat backrest into a more upright position as a precaution. If the vehicle is fitted with the optional multicontour seats, air is pumped into the chambers so that they envelop and support the front passenger and other vehicle occupants. The sliding roof is also closed (optional extra).
Available as an option, Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS) uses radar to register vehicles ahead and warns the driver if the distance is too small or if he or she is approaching the vehicle ahead too quickly. If a collision is imminent, the system instantly calculates the ideal braking assistance, which is immediately supplied even if the driver applies the brakes too gently. This makes it possible to reduce substantially the number of rear-end collisions. The combination of the new Brake Assist PLUS and PRE-SAFE® makes it possible to provide a higher level of occupant protection. Mercedes-Benz is the first car manufacturer in the world to offer such a comprehensive safety system as standard, which goes into action as soon as an accident risk is detected.
PRE-SAFE® Brake uses the latest radar technology
For the first time in the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz is complementing this multiple-award-winning anticipatory protection system with the newly developed PRE-SAFE® Brake. This works in combination with Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS), which not only gives the driver visual and audible warnings that he or she is in imminent danger of running into the vehicle ahead, but also automatically calculates the brake pressure required to prevent an accident. This braking assistance is available as soon as the brake pedal is operated. If the driver does not react to the BAS PLUS warnings, the PRE-SAFE® Brake system triggers automatic partial braking if an acute accident risk is detected and decelerates the S-Class with about 40 percent of the maximum braking force. The automatic partial braking, which is in effect a virtual crumple zone, provides the driver with another clear signal of the need to take action. If the driver then immediately applies the brakes, the maximum braking force is available and it may be possible – depending on the situation – to avert the accident at the last moment. If an accident is unavoidable, the PRE-SAFE® Brake system reduces the impact severity and, in turn, the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants. Mercedes-Benz offers BAS PLUS and the PRE-SAFE® Brake system in conjunction with the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control system.
DISTRONIC PLUS: even operates in stop-go traffic
The radar-based DISTRONIC PLUS system works in a speed range from 0 to 200 km/h and makes driving even more comfortable. In stop-go traffic, DISTRONIC PLUS keeps the new S-Class at the right distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically brakes the car to a standstill if necessary and accelerates it back to the pre-programmed speed following intervention by the driver. In this way the assistance system reduces the driver's workload and provides considerable benefits with regard to driver-fitness safety.
The Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS equipment package also includes a radar-based Parking Assist system. The system provides early warning if there is danger of a collision when manoeuvring backwards and forwards.
Night view assist: infrared technology for greater safety after dark
Night view assist represents another contribution by Mercedes-Benz to reducing the risk of accidents at night. This system uses infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye and therefore does not dazzle oncoming traffic. Two infrared headlamps illuminate the road, significantly extending the driver's range of vision when on low beam. An infrared camera mounted on the inside of the windscreen picks up the reflected image of the road ahead and displays this in the instrument cluster.
Comprehensive and stylish standard equipment and appointments
Many high-tech systems which increase safety and comfort are standard in the S Class 4MATIC models. They include the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system, second-generation PRE-SAFE®, AIRMATIC air suspension with the Adaptive Damping System, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, the COMAND system with a DVD player, the DIRECT SELECT gearshift and automatic climate control.
Highlights of the standard equipment list include:

• Adaptive driver and front-passenger airbags
• Adaptive brake light
• AIRMATIC with Adaptive Damping System
• 7G-TRONIC Sport automatic transmission (S 350, S 450 and S 500)
• Brake Assist
• ADAPTIVE BRAKE
• COMAND system with CD/DVD player and PCMCIA slot
• Diesel particulate filter (S 320 CDI)
• DIRECT SELECT gearshift
• ESP®
• Electric parking brake
• Belt force limiters on front and outer rear seats
• Belt tensioners on all seats
• Automatic climate control
• 17-inch seven-spoke light-alloy wheels
• Multifunction steering wheel
• NECK-PRO head restraints
• Speed-sensitive power steering
• PRE-SAFE®
• Two-stage rain sensor
• Tyre pressure loss warning system
• Front and rear outer seatbelts with automatic comfort-fit feature
• Sidebags front and rear
• Doorhold
• Front seats with lumbar supports and electric adjustment for height and fore/aft position
• Windowbags

The specification of the S 450 4MATIC V8 Saloon includes the following additional features:

• Tinted, sound-insulating, infrared-reflecting laminated glass all round
• 17-inch five-spoke light-alloy wheels

The S 500 4MATIC includes the following additional top-level features:

• Automatically dimming rear-view mirror and driver's side exterior mirror
• Leather upholstery
• Memory package for front seats, steering column and exterior mirrors
• Metallic paintwork
• Heated front seats

The long-wheelbase version of the S-Class includes the following additional features as standard:

• Leather upholstery
• Roller blind for rear window, electrically operated
• Tilting/sliding glass sunroof, electric, with PRE-SAFE® function
• Front passenger seat also electrically adjustable from
  Rear bench seat with electrically adjustable outer seats; outer seats and outer head restraints with PRE-SAFE® positioning function
• Heated front and rear seats

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Copyright © 2007, DaimlerChrysler AG

Re: An In-Depth Look At Mercedes' Four Wheel Drive Model Range, Technology And Histor

Great article

My family has been a firm believer in the 4-Matic system. We've had a couple of 4-Matic Station wagons, our current E430 4-Matic and I used to have a W124 300E 4-Matic.

We used to live in snowy northern Michigan where the roads weren't plowed so well and that car never failed me.

Re: An In-Depth Look At Mercedes' Four Wheel Drive Model Range, Technology And Histor

Love those W124 shots. Ok and the W221 ones too.

Edit: I just noticed there is a shot of a W126 S-Class! The W126 had a 4Matic option?

M

Re: An In-Depth Look At Mercedes' Four Wheel Drive Model Range, Technology And Histor

Speaking of the W126, a local dealer here, acutally the Mitsu dealer where I used to get old car serviced has a 1990 420SEL on their lot for 8.9K, it has only 75K miles on it! A mint of a car really, at least in pics without knowing the history:


This example appears to be in extraordinary shape for a 17 year old car!

M

1907: World First AWD Passenger Car
Dernburg-Wagen from Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft

• 100 years ago: The “Dernburg-Wagen” features all-wheel-drive and even all-wheel steering
• Highly sophisticated design by Paul Daimler
• Everyday use in the colony of German South-West Africa, today’s Namibia

The first all-wheel-drive car for everyday use was built by Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) in 1907. The "Dernburg-Wagen", as it was known, even featured all-wheel steering. It is called after the then Secretary of State Bernhard Dernburg who drove many a kilometer in it in Africa the following year.

In fact the all-wheel-drive history of the company began slightly earlier, in 1903, when Paul Daimler laid the foundations for this technology with a first design draft. The first all-wheel-drive vehicle appeared in 1904, and was quickly followed by others. Since then, the watchword has been that all-wheel drive is the best technology when it comes to better traction and safe, assured progress. Over the decades it has been successfully used in all kinds of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, and from vans to heavy-duty trucks. Some of these models, for example the G-Class or the Unimog, have gained a legendary worldwide reputation, and are to be found virtually everywhere on earth. All-wheel drive also scores heavily in day-to-day driving on normal roads, however, as the Mercedes-Benz saloons with 4MATIC demonstrate.

thanks for the link! it's a very interesting article!

*i guess this is what they called evolutionary design 100 years ago

Very interesting read, Siko. Thanks for posting.

I didn't even know about this car. I always thought the first AWD Mercedes was the 1933 500 G4. I learned something new thanks to you.

[image no longer available]modelline/00-Preguerra/slides/1939-Mercedes-Benz-G4.jpg

wow, christian the one you posted is just great! any info on this? (engine, remaining cars, history info)

Thank you Siko. What an interesting vehicle.

Giannis said:

wow, christian the one you posted is just great! any info on this? (engine, remaining cars, history info)

Click to expand...

Yep, pretty good-looking car.

The history behind it is a bit dark. It was primarily created for the German Army, who found it too expensive. Then, it became a favorite with high-ranking Nazi party members. Adolf Hitler was often driven around in one of these, particularly in Nürnberg and when Germany annexed the Sudetenland (part of the modern-day Czech Republic).

It was powered by a Kompressor-less 5.4-liter inline-8 with 100-horsepower that took it up to a top speed of about 70 km/h. I think the truck weighed around 3.7 tons but I have to refresh my memory on it.

Only 57 were built - of which only 3 survive today. One of them was used by General Franco in Spain after World War II.

That's all I know about it.

Re: An In-Depth Look At Mercedes' Four Wheel Drive Model Range, Technology And Histor

Merc1 said:

Speaking of the W126, a local dealer here, acutally the Mitsu dealer where I used to get old car serviced has a 1990 420SEL on their lot for 8.9K, it has only 75K miles on it! A mint of a car really, at least in pics without knowing the history:

Click to expand...

Yet another reaon why Mercedes is portrayed as the "inivator"

Re: An In-Depth Look At Mercedes' Four Wheel Drive Model Range, Technology And Histor

cawimmer430 said:

Looks in very good condition.

You thinking of buying it?

Speaking of which, yesterday my father and I started-up the 300SE with a fresh battery and took it on a drive on the nearby Autobahn. We slammed the brakes a couple of times to get them back into shape and brought her up to about 160 km/h. She still drives like a dream. The engine is a little rough and loud now, and the steering needs some calibration, but overall, the W126 still feels like a tank.

The car is currently de-registered, but I hope to use her full-time as soon as I find a job.

A picture I snapped yesterday...

Click to expand...

Well as you know I'm a big fan of the W126 and this one is in unbelievable shape and the mileage is ridiculously low for a 17 year old car, but nope I'm not buying. If this were a 1990 500SL or 1992 500E with this mileage and condition I'd have to find a way to make it happen. This is a sweetheart of a car though, almost too good to be true as far as the mileage and condition.

M

Re: An In-Depth Look At Mercedes' Four Wheel Drive Model Range, Technology And Histor

Merc1 said:

Well as you know I'm a big fan of the W126 and this one is in unbelievable shape and the mileage is ridiculously low for a 17 year old car, but nope I'm not buying. If this were a 1990 500SL or 1992 500E with this mileage and condition I'd have to find a way to make it happen. This is a sweetheart of a car though, almost too good to be true as far as the mileage and condition.

M

Click to expand...

I hope you change your mind and get it. We need more W126 owners.

I feel the same way about the older W123 series. I want one of them so bad. I don't care if it is a 55-hp 200D or a 185-hp 280E. I want one.

1907: THE FIRST AWD CAR - THE DERNBURG WAGEN

With the "Dernburg Wagen", which was produced in 1907 by the Daimler-Motoren Gesellschaft as a one-of-a-kind piece in the Berlin-Marienfelde plant, the world's first four-wheel-drive car also came on the road. For then 34,750 Mark the vehicle constructed by Paul Daimler offered space for 2 seats on the chauffeurs' bench and 4 seats in the rear.





The "Dernburg Wagen" remains a unique piece

When placing its production order at the beginning of the last century, the German Colonial Office knew precisely what it was entitled to expect from Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG): a reliable vehicle that would withstand long journeys on unmade roads without complaint, while offering the flexibility that the motor vehicle had already amply demonstrated by the beginning of the last century. The engineer Paul Daimler, son of the company’s founder, was chiefly responsible for the design of the new vehicle, which was finally built as a one-off at the factory in Berlin-Marienfelde in 1907. This all-wheel-drive vehicle was based on a DMG commercial vehicle chassis, and had a wheelbase of four metres with a track width of 1.42 metres. The ground clearance of 32 centimetres was not unusually high for the time, as almost all vehicles were often used on heavily rutted unpaved roads.



With a length of around 4.90 metres and a height of a good 2.70 metres including the roof structure, the majestic vehicle weighed around 3.6 tonnes when fully equipped with all the items specified by the Colonial Office, such as a particularly heavy-duty clutch, petrol and coolant reserves for tropical conditions, replacement parts and tools.

Despite this, the four-cylinder engine performed manfully, delivering a very respectable output of 35 hp (26 kW) from a displacement of about 6.8 litres at 800 rpm – allowing a maximum speed of around 40 km/h on level tarmac. In view of the intended operating conditions, however, a more important factor was its climbing ability of 25 per cent made possible by the all-wheel drive.

The vehicle featured permanent all-wheel drive, the engine delivering its power to the four wheels via a sophisticated mechanical system. A shaft connected it to the centrally installed gearbox, which had four forward gears and one reverse gear. From there prop shafts transferred the torque to the front and rear axle differentials, which in turn used bevel gears to split and transfer it to the wheels.



Developed by Paul Daimler

Designer Paul Daimler took special precautions to keep airborne sand out of the drive components. Many of the joints were packed with lubricating grease to keep sand at bay and prevent rapid wear, but the front axle proved to be a real challenge at first: owing to the expected heavy impacts and fine airborne sand, it was not possible to use conventional protection for the bevel gears on the wheels, a telescopic system that followed steering movements. Instead Daimler shrouded the vulnerable components with a robust, cylindrical sleeve. But since this solution limited the maximum steering angle to just 23 degrees, the vehicle was also equipped with steered wheels at the rear to achieve a reasonable turning circle. The rear wheels were also encapsulated as a protection against airborne sand. One positive side-effect was that front and rear axle components, including the differentials, wheels and brakes, were of identical construction, which considerably simplified supply of replacement parts.



Pneumatic tires

The solid steel wheels also served to protect the mechanical components and drum brakes against soiling; wheels with wooden (and more rarely steel) spokes were usual at the time, however, these would have let sand into the drive components. Moreover, spoked wheels would have made it practically impossible for the vehicle to free itself after sinking into the sand. The steel wheels were shod with size 930 x 125 pneumatic tyres, another unusual feature as solid rubber tyres were still in widespread use at that time. Presumably Paul Daimler made this choice to assist the robust leaf springs in their work in view of the vehicle’s weight. Not unusually for the time, only the rear tyres carried a tread while the front tyres had a smooth surface. The tyre valve was located on the inside of the wheel so it was not so exposed to damage.

The cooling system was specifically configured for the tropical climate, with a larger cooling surface, a larger cooling mantle around the cylinders and more coolant – the circuit contained 140 litres in total. In addition to the radiator at the front end, a second radiator was mounted on the front bulkhead, enclosing it in horseshoe fashion and extending its honeycomb structure into the slipstream. Both radiators were connected via two side-mounted water reservoirs, and the heated water had to pass through all the lines and tanks before flowing around the cylinders again.



Testing in 1908 between Berlin and Stuttgart

In late March/early April 1908 the colonial vehicle was subjected to a thorough, 1677-kilometre trial in Germany. The route ran from Berlin-Marienfelde to Stuttgart-Untertürkheim and back. Untertürkheim was reached during the morning of the fourth day, and four days after that the car was back in Marienfelde. The route included off-road sections, too, so as to test the all-wheel drive. ‘A turn in a deeply ploughed field with a gradient of five to ten per cent was negotiated impeccably,’ a Colonial Office report stated. ‘Near Wittenberg the vehicle was driven into a sandpit, in which it sank well up to its axles in the sand, but from which it managed to free itself with ease despite gradients of 20 and 21 per cent.’ In the Thuringian Forest ‘a hill approximately 150 metres high was climbed on stony, twisting, narrow roads with gradients of up to 20 per cent without difficulty. Even the steering, which was inherently cumbersome as a result of the four-wheel drive, proved itself.’ The Colonial Office’s test report was positive.

In May 1908, the vehicle was shipped to Swakopmund in Africa on board the ‘Kedive’. The Secretary of State at the German Colonial Office, Bernhard Dernburg (1865-1937) received it for his personal disposal in German South-West Africa one month later. His task was to coordinate and improve relations between Germany and the colonies. As a result of his travels the all-wheel-drive vehicle was nicknamed the ‘Dernburg-Wagen’ many years later. At the same time, these trips served as a general test of the motor vehicle as a means of transport in the colony, and to this purpose the all-wheel-drive ‘Dernburg’ was accompanied at least some of the time by other, rear-wheel-drive vehicles from Benz and Daimler, namely a seven-seater, largely armoured car from Benz and three trucks from Daimler.

About the whereabouts of the original vehicle - which incidentally required on 10,000 km 36 tires and 27 tubes - there is no documentation. A replica of the model on a 1:4 scale is now in the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

1907: Der erste Allrad-PKW der Welt - der Dernburg Wagen

Wow, eMercedesBenz is still around?