The 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, particularly the 2014 Mercedes Ml350, stands as a testament to luxury and versatility in the SUV market. This model year offers a range of choices, from the fuel-efficient ML350 Bluetec diesel to the high-performance ML63 AMG, ensuring a fit for diverse needs and preferences. Let’s delve into the standard features, optional packages, and individual upgrades available for the 2014 Mercedes ML350 and its siblings.
Standard Features Across the 2014 ML-Class Range
Both the 2014 Mercedes ML350 gasoline and ML350 Bluetec diesel models share a comprehensive list of standard equipment, emphasizing comfort, convenience, and style. These include:
- Wheels: 19-inch wheels provide a confident stance and smooth ride.
- Lighting: LED running lights and taillights enhance visibility and modern aesthetics.
- Exterior: A sunroof brings in natural light, roof rails add utility, and a power liftgate offers easy cargo access. Fog lamps improve visibility in inclement weather.
- Interior Comfort: Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort for driver and passenger. Wood interior trim adds a touch of classic elegance.
- Seating and Trim: A manual tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel provides a premium feel. Eight-way power front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment, along with heated front seats and reclining rear seats, prioritize passenger comfort. MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery offers a durable and luxurious feel, with optional leather upgrades available.
- Technology & Entertainment: The COMAND electronics interface is the central hub for vehicle controls. Mercedes’ mbrace2 communications system integrates smartphone apps for enhanced connectivity. Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, and an eight-speaker sound system with HD radio, a six-CD changer, USB/auxiliary jacks, and an SD card reader cater to entertainment needs.
Elevating the ML350: Sport Package and Beyond
For those seeking a sportier aesthetic for their 2014 Mercedes ML350, the Sport package delivers. This package adds AMG exterior trim elements and the choice of 19- or 20-inch AMG wheels, enhancing the vehicle’s dynamic appearance.
Stepping up to the ML550 model, the Sport package with 19-inch AMG wheels becomes standard, along with running boards (optional on the ML350 models) and a more powerful turbocharged V8 engine.
Premium Packages for Enhanced Luxury and Technology
The Premium 1 package available across the 2014 Mercedes ML-Class range significantly elevates the vehicle’s features, adding:
- Safety and Convenience: A rearview camera aids in parking and maneuvering. Power-folding exterior mirrors and auto-dimming mirrors add convenience and safety.
- Seating and Comfort: A 10-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar), a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and driver memory functions enhance driver personalization. Double sun visors improve passenger comfort.
- Navigation and Connectivity: A navigation system with 10 gigabytes of music storage and voice-command functionality streamlines navigation and media access. A rear 115-volt household-style power outlet adds practical charging capabilities. Satellite radio and an iPod interface expand entertainment options.
Further enhancing visibility, the Lighting package incorporates adaptive bi-xenon headlights with automatic high-beam control.
For advanced driver assistance, the Lane Tracking package includes a blind-spot warning system and a lane-departure warning system. The Driver Assistance package builds upon this with adaptive cruise control and an advanced version of the Lane Tracking package, offering a more comprehensive suite of safety features.
Parking becomes easier with the Parking Assist package, which adds front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel parking system, and a surround-view parking camera.
For those planning to venture off the beaten path, the special-order On/Off-Road package equips the 2014 Mercedes ML-Class with an adaptive suspension with air springs (“Airmatic”), a two-speed transfer case, a six-mode terrain selector, and underbody skid plates, enhancing its capability in various terrains. Airmatic suspension is also available as a stand-alone option.
The High-Performance 2014 ML63 AMG
At the pinnacle of the ML-Class performance spectrum is the 2014 Mercedes ML63 AMG. This model boasts a more potent V8 engine, an AMG-tuned Airmatic suspension with adaptive stabilizer bars, exclusive 20-inch AMG wheels, special leather upholstery, sport seats with ventilation, and unique AMG styling cues both inside and out. The Premium 1, Lighting, Lane Tracking, and Parking Assist packages are standard on the ML63 AMG, while the Driver Assistance package remains optional.
The AMG Performance package further amplifies the ML63 AMG’s capabilities, increasing engine output and top speed, and adding red-painted brake calipers and a carbon-fiber engine cover for a more aggressive look. Optional 21-inch AMG wheels and most of the other trims’ optional equipment are also available for the ML63 AMG.
Individual Options for Personalization
Beyond packages, the 2014 Mercedes ML-Class, including the 2014 Mercedes ML350, offers a range of individual options to tailor the vehicle to specific needs and tastes. These include:
- Utility and Convenience: A trailer hitch adds towing capability. Keyless ignition/entry enhances convenience.
- Comfort and Luxury: A panoramic sunroof expands the sense of space and light. “Multicontour” front seats with massage functions and ventilated front seats maximize front passenger comfort. Heated rear seats cater to rear passenger comfort.
- Entertainment: A rear-seat entertainment system keeps rear passengers occupied on longer journeys. For audiophiles, the ML63 AMG is eligible for a premium 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
- Interior Trim: Various alternative cabin accents in metallic and wood finishes allow for interior customization.
- Technology: A Splitview display for the COMAND system allows the driver and passenger to view different content simultaneously.
In conclusion, the 2014 Mercedes ML350 and the entire 2014 ML-Class lineup provide a vast array of features, packages, and individual options. Whether prioritizing fuel efficiency, sporty aesthetics, luxurious comfort, advanced technology, or high-performance driving dynamics, the 2014 Mercedes ML-Class offers a configuration to meet discerning SUV buyers’ requirements.
