The 2014 Mercedes-benz M-class Ml 350 stands as a testament to luxury and versatility in the SUV market. Equipped with a gasoline-powered V6 engine, the ML 350 offers a compelling blend of performance and comfort, further enhanced by a wide array of standard features and optional packages designed to cater to diverse preferences and needs. This detailed overview delves into the specifics of the 2014 ML 350, outlining its standard equipment, available upgrades, and how it compares within the broader M-Class lineup.
The standard configuration of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 is generously appointed, establishing a high baseline of sophistication and convenience. Exterior highlights include 19-inch wheels that provide a strong stance and smooth ride, complemented by the modern aesthetics of LED running lights and taillights for enhanced visibility and style. A sunroof invites natural light into the cabin, while roof rails add practicality and visual appeal. The power liftgate provides ease of access to the cargo area, and foglamps ensure enhanced visibility in inclement weather.
Inside the cabin of the ML 350, dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort for both driver and passengers. Elegant wood interior trim adds a touch of classic luxury, while the manual tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel offers a premium feel and adjustable driving position. Eight-way power front seats, complete with four-way power lumbar adjustment and heating, provide exceptional comfort for front occupants, and reclining rear seats enhance passenger relaxation. The seats are upholstered in MB-Tex premium vinyl as standard, with optional leather available for those desiring an even more luxurious touch.
Technologically, the 2014 ML 350 is well-equipped. The COMAND electronics interface serves as the central hub for infotainment and vehicle settings. Mercedes’ mbrace2 communications system offers smartphone app integration, enhancing connectivity and convenience. Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity allows for seamless hands-free communication and wireless music streaming. An eight-speaker sound system with HD radio, a six-CD changer, USB/auxiliary jacks, and an SD card reader provides a wide range of audio entertainment options.
For those seeking a sportier aesthetic, the Sport package available for the ML 350 models adds AMG exterior trim, giving the SUV a more aggressive and dynamic appearance. This package also offers a choice of 19- or 20-inch AMG wheels, further enhancing its sporty appeal.
Moving beyond the standard features, the 2014 M-Class offers a range of packages to further customize and enhance the ML 350. The Premium 1 package is a popular choice, adding a rearview camera for enhanced safety during parking maneuvers, power-folding exterior mirrors for convenience in tight spaces, and auto-dimming mirrors to reduce glare. Inside, this package upgrades the driver’s seat to a 10-way power adjustable unit with four-way power lumbar support, adds a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver memory functions to store preferred seating and mirror positions, and double sun visors for improved sun protection. Technological upgrades include a navigation system with 10 gigabytes of music storage, voice-command functionality for hands-free control, a rear 115-volt household-style power outlet for powering devices, satellite radio for a wider range of audio entertainment, and an iPod interface for seamless integration of Apple devices.
The Lighting package focuses on enhancing visibility with adaptive bi-xenon headlights that adjust to driving conditions and automatic high-beam control for optimal nighttime illumination without dazzling other drivers. Safety is further enhanced by the Lane Tracking package, which includes a blind-spot warning system to alert the driver to vehicles in their blind spots and a lane-departure warning system to help prevent unintentional lane drifting. The Driver Assistance package builds upon the Lane Tracking package by adding adaptive cruise control to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead and an advanced version of the lane tracking system for more comprehensive driver assistance. For parking convenience, the Parking Assist package includes front and rear parking sensors to aid in maneuvering in tight spaces, an automated parallel parking system to simplify parking, and a surround-view parking camera for a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
For drivers anticipating varied terrains, the special-order On/Off-Road package significantly enhances the ML 350’s capability. This package includes an adaptive suspension with air springs (“Airmatic”) for adjustable ride height and comfort, a two-speed transfer case for optimized off-road performance, a six-mode terrain selector to tailor the vehicle’s systems to different driving conditions, and underbody skid plates for added protection when venturing off the paved path. Notably, the Airmatic suspension is also available as a stand-alone option for those primarily seeking enhanced ride comfort and adjustable height.
While the ML 350 provides a strong foundation, the 2014 M-Class lineup extends to higher-performance models. The ML550 elevates performance with a turbocharged V8 engine while incorporating the Sport package with 19-inch AMG wheels as standard, with 20-inch wheels as an option. Running boards, also available on the ML 350 and other models, are included as standard on the ML550.
At the top of the range, the ML63 AMG represents the pinnacle of performance and luxury. It boasts a more powerful V8 engine, an AMG-tuned Airmatic suspension with adaptive stabilizer bars for enhanced handling, exclusive 20-inch AMG wheels, special leather upholstery, sport seats with ventilation, and unique AMG styling elements both inside and out. Key packages like Premium 1, Lighting, Lane Tracking, and Parking Assist are standard on the ML63 AMG, and the Driver Assistance package remains an available option. For ultimate performance enthusiasts, the AMG Performance package further increases engine output and raises the top speed, along with adding distinctive red-painted brake calipers and a carbon-fiber engine cover. Optional 21-inch AMG wheels and most of the other trims’ extra equipment are also available for the ML63.
Beyond packages and trim levels, a range of individual options allows for further personalization of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz M-Class. These include a trailer hitch for towing capability, a panoramic sunroof for an expansive open-air feel, keyless ignition/entry for added convenience, “multicontour” front seats with massage functions and ventilated front seats for ultimate comfort, heated rear seats for passenger comfort in colder climates, a rear-seat entertainment system to keep rear occupants engaged, various alternative cabin accents in metallic and wood finishes to tailor the interior aesthetic, and a Splitview display for the COMAND system that can project different images to the driver and passenger. Exclusively for the ML63 AMG, a premium 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system is available for audiophiles seeking the highest level of sound fidelity.
In conclusion, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML 350 offers a luxurious and well-rounded SUV experience. With its standard features providing a solid foundation of comfort and technology, and a vast array of optional packages and individual upgrades, the ML 350 and the broader M-Class range offer a high degree of customization to meet individual needs and preferences within the luxury SUV segment.
