The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered discerning drivers a range of choices, but for those seeking a blend of elegance and athletic prowess, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sport stood out. This model distinguished itself from its Luxury counterpart with subtle yet significant enhancements to both its appearance and driving dynamics, creating a compelling option in the competitive luxury sedan market. Let’s delve into what made the 2014 E350 Sport a desirable choice for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
Sport vs. Luxury: Defining the 2014 E350 Sport Difference
The most immediate way to identify a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sport is through its visual cues. While the Luxury model retained the classic Mercedes-Benz grille with a stand-up hood ornament, the Sport variant adopted a more contemporary and assertive stance. This was achieved through:
- Distinctive Grille: A two-bar grille with an integrated, centrally positioned three-pointed star replaced the traditional setup, lending a more modern and sporty face to the car.
- Larger Alloy Wheels: The 2014 E350 Sport rode on 18-inch alloy wheels, an inch larger than the Luxury model’s 17-inch wheels. This not only improved the car’s aesthetics but also contributed to enhanced handling.
- Sport-Tuned Suspension: Beneath the surface, the Sport model featured a sport-tuned suspension. This adjustment provided a firmer and more engaging ride, sharpening the handling and making the car feel more responsive on the road.
Inside the cabin, the sporty theme continued with subtle yet noticeable changes:
- White-Faced Gauges: The instrument cluster in the 2014 E350 Sport featured white-faced gauges, offering a brighter and more dynamic look compared to the Luxury model’s traditional design.
- Three-Spoke Steering Wheel: Replacing the four-spoke steering wheel found in the Luxury trim, the Sport model boasted a three-spoke steering wheel. This design is often favored in sportier vehicles for its feel and aesthetic. An optional flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel, bundled with 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, was also available for those desiring an even more athletic touch.
Standard Features of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sport: Luxury is Still Standard
Despite its sporting inclinations, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sport remained true to the E-Class tradition of luxury and refinement. It came generously equipped with a wide array of standard features, ensuring a comfortable and sophisticated driving experience:
- Advanced Lighting: Automatic LED headlights and LED taillight accents provided excellent visibility and a premium appearance.
- Adaptive Suspension Dampers: Standard adaptive suspension dampers contributed to a comfortable ride quality while still allowing for composed handling.
- Panoramic Sunroof: A sunroof brought natural light into the cabin, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Ensuring personalized comfort for both driver and passenger.
- Luxurious Interior Accents: A center-mounted analog clock and a choice of three wood trim options added touches of classic elegance.
- Power-Adjustable Seating: 14-way power front seats with memory functions allowed for personalized comfort settings, complemented by MB-Tex synthetic upholstery.
- Convenient Technology: A power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming mirrors, and the COMAND electronics interface provided ease of use and modern convenience.
- Connectivity and Entertainment: Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer and iPod/USB audio interface offered ample entertainment options.
For those opting for the wagon version of the E350 Sport, additional standard features included a power liftgate, a rearview camera, and a rear-facing third-row seat, further enhancing practicality and versatility.
Optional Packages to Personalize Your 2014 E350 Sport
To further tailor the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sport to individual preferences, a selection of optional packages was available. These packages allowed owners to add even more luxury, technology, and convenience features:
- Premium 1 Package: This popular package included a rearview camera (standard on the wagon), COMAND with navigation and digital music storage, satellite radio, a premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, and a power rear window sunshade (or AirScarf neck-warming system for the convertible). For enhanced comfort, it also added active ventilated front seats for the E550 sedan and heated front seats for other sedan models.
- Lighting Package: Upgrading the already impressive lighting system, this package added adaptive LED headlights and automatic high-beam control for optimal visibility in various driving conditions.
- Parking Assist Package: Making parking maneuvers easier and safer, this package included a surround-view camera system with front and rear parking sensors, along with an automated parallel-parking system.
- Keyless Go Package: Adding a touch of modern convenience, the Keyless Go package provided keyless entry and ignition, a power trunk lid for the sedan (wagon already has a power liftgate), and a hands-free access feature for the trunk or liftgate, activated by a foot wave under the rear bumper.
Beyond the 2014 E350 Sport: Exploring the E-Class Range
While the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sport offered a compelling balance of luxury and sportiness, the E-Class lineup extended further to cater to diverse needs and desires. Models like the E400 Hybrid, E550 sedan, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, and the high-performance E63 AMG provided a spectrum of choices, each with its unique character and features. However, for those seeking a well-rounded and engaging luxury sedan that didn’t compromise on comfort or style, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sport remained a highly attractive option within the esteemed Mercedes-Benz E-Class family.
