The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350 stands as a testament to luxury and versatility in the SUV market. Building upon the legacy of the M-Class, the ML350 offers a compelling blend of comfort, performance, and advanced features, making it a sought-after vehicle for discerning drivers. Let’s delve into the details of what makes the 2015 ML350 a standout choice.
Standard Features of the 2015 ML350
The ML350 doesn’t skimp on standard equipment, providing a rich foundation of features right from the base model. Rolling on standard 19-inch wheels, it immediately projects a confident stance. The adaptive suspension dampers ensure a comfortable ride, adjusting to road conditions for optimal handling and smoothness. LED running lights and taillights not only enhance visibility but also add a touch of modern elegance to the exterior. Automatic wipers provide convenience during inclement weather, while a sunroof brings natural light into the cabin. Roof rails add practicality for those needing extra cargo capacity, and a power liftgate simplifies access to the rear cargo area.
Inside the cabin, the ML350 is designed for comfort and convenience. Dual-zone automatic climate control allows for personalized temperature settings for the driver and passenger, while cruise control aids in relaxed highway driving. Wood interior trim adds a touch of classic luxury to the cabin’s ambiance. The manual tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel provides a premium feel and adjustable driving position. Eight-way power front seats, including four-way power lumbar adjustment, ensure optimal comfort for both driver and front passenger, complemented by heated front seats for colder climates. Reclining 60/40-split folding rear seats offer flexibility for passenger and cargo configurations. MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery provides a durable and refined seating surface, with optional leather available for those desiring an even more luxurious feel.
Technology is well-integrated with the COMAND electronics interface, featuring a 7-inch color display for managing vehicle functions and entertainment. Mercedes’ mbrace2 communications system adds smartphone app integration, enhancing connectivity. Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity enables hands-free calling and wireless music streaming. An eight-speaker sound system with HD radio, a USB port, and an auxiliary audio jack provides a solid audio experience. Of course, a comprehensive suite of standard safety features is also included, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Optional Packages and Upgrades for the ML350
For those seeking even more features and customization, the 2015 ML350 offers a range of optional packages to elevate the driving experience.
The Premium 1 package is a popular choice, adding a suite of convenience and technology enhancements. This package includes a rearview camera, significantly aiding in parking and maneuvering. Power-folding exterior mirrors add convenience in tight spaces, while auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors reduce glare. The driver seat is upgraded to a 10-way power adjustable seat with four-way power lumbar support, along with a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and driver memory functions, allowing for personalized comfort settings to be easily recalled. Double sun visors enhance comfort in sunny conditions. A navigation system is included for seamless route guidance, along with voice command functionality for hands-free control of various systems. A rear 115-volt household-style power outlet adds practicality for charging devices. Satellite radio provides a wide range of audio entertainment, and an iPod interface further expands media options.
For a sportier aesthetic, the Sport package for the ML350 adds AMG exterior trim, giving the SUV a more aggressive and dynamic look. This package also includes the option of upgrading to either 19- or 20-inch AMG wheels, further enhancing the sporty appearance.
Stepping up within the ML-Class range, the ML400 builds upon the ML350’s foundation, incorporating many desirable features as standard. It includes the ML350’s standard equipment, along with the contents of the Premium 1 package. Furthermore, the ML400 distinguishes itself with a more powerful turbocharged engine, keyless ignition and entry for added convenience, a premium 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system for audiophiles, luxurious leather seating, heated and cooled cupholders for year-round comfort, multicolor interior ambient lighting to personalize the cabin atmosphere, and the Lane Tracking package, incorporating blind spot and lane-departure warning systems for enhanced safety.
Beyond packages, numerous individual options allow for further personalization. The Lighting package enhances nighttime driving with adaptive bi-xenon headlights and automatic high-beam control. The Driver Assistance package significantly boosts safety with adaptive cruise control and an advanced version of the Lane Tracking package, adding another layer of driver aids. The Parking Assist package simplifies parking maneuvers with front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel parking system, and a surround-view parking camera. For enhanced off-road capability, the On/Off-Road package (available for ML350 and ML400) features an adaptive suspension with air springs (Airmatic), a two-speed transfer case, a six-mode terrain selector, and underbody skid plates. Airmatic suspension is also available as a standalone option for those prioritizing ride comfort.
Additional convenience options include the Convenience package with heated and cooled cupholders, second-row sunshades, and a center armrest pass-through. The Interior Sport package offers front sport seats, special seat trim (simulated suede on ML350), and a sport steering wheel for a more dynamic interior ambiance. For the ultimate audio experience, the high-end 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system is available for audiophiles seeking top-tier sound quality.
At the pinnacle of the ML-Class range, the ML 63 AMG represents high-performance SUV driving. It boasts a turbocharged V8 engine, an AMG-tuned Airmatic suspension with adaptive stabilizer bars for superior handling, exclusive 20-inch AMG wheels, special leather upholstery, sport seats with ventilation, and unique AMG styling elements both inside and out. The Premium 1, Lighting, Lane Tracking, and Parking Assist packages are standard on the ML 63 AMG, with the Driver Assistance package available as an option. The AMG Performance package further elevates performance with increased engine output, a higher top speed, 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 ML 63 AMG.
Individual highlights available across the ML-Class range include the “Active Curve” handling enhancement system for improved cornering, a trailer hitch for towing needs, a panoramic sunroof for an expansive view, running boards for easier entry and exit, keyless ignition and entry for convenience, three-zone climate control for enhanced passenger comfort, “multicontour” front seats with adjustable bolsters and massage functions for ultimate seating comfort, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel for cold weather comfort, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system for passenger entertainment, enhanced iPhone connectivity controls (Drive Kit Plus), and a Splitview display for the COMAND system which can show different images to the driver and passenger.
Conclusion
The 2015 ML350 Mercedes-Benz offers a compelling entry point into the luxury SUV segment, providing a well-rounded package of standard features and a wide array of options to tailor the vehicle to individual preferences. Whether prioritizing comfort, sportiness, technology, or off-road capability, the ML350 and the broader 2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class range offer choices to meet diverse needs and desires, solidifying its position as a leading luxury SUV.
