4-Matic question

I have just read an article that talks about passenger car all-wheel drive cars and it mentioned that the 2000-2002 4-Matic system is a 35/65 permanent split and that traction at one tire can drive the car. I was surprised to see Japanese cars using all-wheel drive, including Subaru, need traction at two wheels for the the car to move. My question is: Is the split permanent, meaning it doesn't go to 0/100 or any increment from 35/65 front/rear to 0/100? Does MB simply use traction control at all wheels and apply brakes to slipping wheels and leave the split permanently at 35/65?