2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350 CDI BLUETEC (4×4) Review
I am struggling for the first time in my life as it is time to trade my 2014 ML350. I do not want to give this car up. Comfort and performance coupled with safety features such as Distronic Plus and 360-degree camera, lane departure features and the distance warning bell and auto slowing down make this car magic.
- Extremely comfortable
- engine is responsive
- very reliable
- love the interior
- AM radio is far from acceptable
- COMAND voice recognition is frustrating
I have had the car since new and everything still works fine and the leather upholstery is showing zero signs of wear. The ambient lighting and the instrument binnacle are very pleasing to the eyes when illuminated at night.
I am about 183cm tall and chubby, and the driver's seat is very comfortable with more than enough leg room for the front seat passengers.
Although there is a sometimes irritating turbo lag, most times the V6 diesel is silky smooth with no audible signs of diesel rattle.
The transmission is very quiet, the external noise is minimal and there is a lovely throaty roar when heavy on the throttle. When there is high winds the car does not feel fazed.
Initially, I experienced electrical issues, such as the key batteries becoming flat after three weeks and the camera failing to activate when the car was put in reverse. The dealer was on to it.
The most irritating is the AM radio which is very scratchy around the suburbs of Melbourne and, at times, inaudible. The COMAND system can be frustrating and finicky and often is so off the mark translating the suburb articulated to a name not even remotely close!
In summary, the new GLE 350d will have to be extraordinary to make a compelling case why I should not hang on to my beloved gem!