The 2014 Ml Mercedes Benz, a luxury SUV that blends performance with comfort, offered a range of models and customization options to cater to diverse preferences. From the well-equipped ML350 to the high-performance ML63 AMG, each variant provided a unique driving experience. Let’s delve into the details of what made the 2014 ML Mercedes Benz a standout in its class.
Standard Features Across the 2014 ML-Class Range
Regardless of the engine under the hood, the 2014 ML Mercedes Benz started with a robust set of standard features. Both the gasoline-powered ML350 and the diesel ML350 Bluetec shared a common foundation, including:
- Wheels and Lighting: 19-inch wheels, striking LED running lights and taillights, and practical foglamps ensured both style and visibility.
- Exterior Conveniences: A sunroof for open-air enjoyment, roof rails for added utility, and a power liftgate for effortless cargo access enhanced everyday usability.
- Interior Comfort and Design: Dual-zone automatic climate control maintained a comfortable cabin environment, complemented by elegant wood interior trim. A manual tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel offered a premium feel.
- Seating and Upholstery: Eight-way power front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment, along with heated front seats, provided personalized comfort. Reclining rear seats added versatility for passengers. MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery offered a durable and refined base, with optional leather upgrades available.
- Technology and Connectivity: The COMAND electronics interface served as the central hub for vehicle controls and infotainment. Mercedes’ mbrace2 communications system, featuring smartphone app integration, kept drivers connected. Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity enabled 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 provided comprehensive audio entertainment.
Model-Specific Enhancements and Packages
While the standard features provided a solid foundation, the 2014 ML Mercedes Benz truly shone in its model variations and available packages.
ML350 and ML350 Bluetec: Refining the Base
The ML350 and ML350 Bluetec, while sharing core equipment, offered distinct powertrain choices and opportunities for personalization. The Sport package for these models added AMG exterior trim for a more aggressive aesthetic and offered a choice of 19- or 20-inch AMG wheels to further enhance the sporty stance.
ML550: Stepping Up in Performance and Luxury
The ML550 marked a significant step up in performance, starting with the ML350 models’ standard equipment and adding a powerful turbocharged V8 engine. It also incorporated the Sport package with 19-inch AMG wheels as standard (with 20-inch wheels as an option), and running boards, which were also available as an option on the less powerful models.
Premium 1 Package: Elevating Comfort and Technology
Available across all 2014 ML-Class models, the Premium 1 package significantly enhanced convenience and technology features. This popular package included:
- Enhanced Visibility and Safety: A rearview camera for easier parking and maneuvering, power-folding exterior mirrors with auto-dimming functionality for added convenience and safety.
- Advanced Seating and Controls: A 10-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar), a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and driver memory functions for personalized comfort and convenience.
- Convenience Features: Double sun visors for improved sun protection, a rear 115-volt household-style power outlet for powering devices on the go.
- Navigation and Entertainment Upgrades: A navigation system with 10 gigabytes of music storage and voice-command functionality, satellite radio, and an iPod interface expanded entertainment and navigation capabilities.
Advanced Assistance and Safety Packages
Mercedes-Benz prioritized safety and driver assistance with several optional packages:
- Lighting Package: Adaptive bi-xenon headlights with automatic high-beam control improved nighttime visibility and safety.
- Lane Tracking Package: A blind-spot warning system and a lane-departure warning system helped to prevent accidents by monitoring lane position and blind spots.
- Driver Assistance Package: Building upon the Lane Tracking package, this package added adaptive cruise control and an advanced version of lane tracking for semi-autonomous driving assistance.
- Parking Assist Package: Front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel parking system, and a surround-view parking camera system simplified parking in tight spaces.
On/Off-Road Package and Airmatic Suspension
For drivers seeking enhanced off-road capability and ride comfort, the special-order On/Off-Road package was available. This included an adaptive suspension with air springs (“Airmatic”), a two-speed transfer case, a six-mode terrain selector, and underbody skid plates. The Airmatic suspension was also available as a stand-alone option for those prioritizing ride comfort.
ML63 AMG: The Pinnacle of Performance
The ML63 AMG represented the ultimate expression of performance in the 2014 ML Mercedes Benz lineup. It boasted a more powerful V8 engine, an AMG-tuned Airmatic suspension with adaptive stabilizer bars for enhanced handling, and exclusive 20-inch AMG wheels. Inside, special leather upholstery, sport seats with ventilation, and unique AMG styling elements created a sporty and luxurious environment. Many previously optional packages, such as Premium 1, Lighting, Lane Tracking, and Parking Assist, were standard on the ML63 AMG. The Driver Assistance package remained optional.
For even more extreme performance, the AMG Performance package was offered, increasing engine output and top speed, and adding red-painted brake calipers and a carbon-fiber engine cover. Optional 21-inch AMG wheels and most of the other trims’ extra equipment further allowed for customization.
Standalone Options for Further Personalization
Beyond packages, the 2014 ML Mercedes Benz offered a range of individual options to tailor the vehicle to specific needs and desires. Highlights included:
- A trailer hitch for towing.
- A panoramic sunroof for an expansive open-air feel.
- Keyless ignition/entry for added convenience.
- “Multicontour” front seats with massage functions, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats for ultimate comfort.
- A rear-seat entertainment system for passenger enjoyment.
- Various alternative cabin accents in metallic and wood finishes to personalize the interior.
- A Splitview display for the COMAND system, allowing the driver and passenger to view different content simultaneously.
- For the ML63 AMG, an exclusive 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system was available for audiophile-grade sound.
The 2014 ML Mercedes Benz offered a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and versatility. With its wide range of models, packages, and individual options, it provided buyers with the opportunity to create an SUV perfectly suited to their individual needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing fuel efficiency, performance, or opulent features, the 2014 ML Mercedes Benz delivered a premium driving experience.
