The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 stands out as a compelling luxury SUV, offering a blend of comfort, performance, and advanced features. Building upon the foundation of the M-Class, the ML 350 delivers a sophisticated driving experience and a range of customizable options to suit discerning drivers. This article delves into the specifics of the 2015 ML 350, exploring its standard equipment, available packages, and how it compares within the broader Mercedes-Benz lineup. For those considering a pre-owned luxury SUV, understanding the nuances of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 is crucial.
Standard Features of the 2015 ML 350
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 is generously equipped right from the base model, ensuring a premium experience for both driver and passengers. Externally, the ML 350 makes a statement with its standard 19-inch wheels, enhancing its robust SUV stance. Adaptive suspension dampers are included to automatically adjust to road conditions, balancing comfort and handling. LED running lights and taillights not only improve visibility but also add a modern touch to the vehicle’s aesthetics. Practicality is also key, with automatic wipers, a sunroof to brighten the cabin, roof rails for added cargo versatility, and a power liftgate for easy access to the cargo area all coming standard on the 2015 ML 350.
Inside the cabin of the 2015 ML 350, luxury and convenience are paramount. Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort for front occupants, while cruise control is standard for relaxed highway driving. Wood interior trim adds a touch of classic elegance, complemented by a manual tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel. Comfort continues with eight-way power front seats including four-way power lumbar adjustment and heated front seats, essential for colder climates. Rear passengers are also catered for with reclining 60/40-split folding rear seats. The cabin is upholstered in MB-Tex premium vinyl, offering a durable and refined feel, with optional leather upholstery available for those seeking an even more luxurious touch.
Technologically, the 2015 ML 350 is well-appointed with the COMAND electronics interface, centered around a 7-inch color display. Mercedes’ mbrace2 communications system provides smartphone app integration, enhancing connectivity. Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity allows for 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, safety is a core tenet of Mercedes-Benz, and the 2015 ML 350 includes a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, detailed further in a dedicated section.
Available Packages for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML 350
To further personalize the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML 350, several packages were available, allowing buyers to tailor the SUV to their specific needs and preferences.
Premium 1 Package
The highly desirable Premium 1 package significantly enhances the features of the 2015 ML 350. It introduces a rearview camera, crucial for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. Power-folding exterior mirrors add convenience in narrow parking situations, while auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors reduce glare at night. Inside, the driver benefits from a 10-way power driver seat (upgraded from the standard 8-way) with four-way power lumbar support, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and driver memory functions, storing preferred seat and mirror positions. Double sun visors improve sun protection, and a navigation system is integrated into the COMAND system. Voice command functionality allows for hands-free control of various vehicle functions. Practical additions include a rear 115-volt household-style power outlet, satellite radio for expanded audio entertainment, and an iPod interface for seamless integration of Apple devices.
Sport Package
For a more athletic appearance, the Sport package for the 2015 ML 350 adds AMG exterior trim, giving the SUV a more aggressive and dynamic look. This package also includes the option of either 19-inch or 20-inch AMG wheels, further enhancing the sporty aesthetic and handling characteristics.
Lighting Package
Improving nighttime visibility and adding a touch of sophistication, the Lighting package includes adaptive bi-xenon headlights with automatic high-beam control. These headlights adjust their beam pattern based on driving conditions and automatically switch between high and low beams to optimize illumination without dazzling other drivers.
Driver Assistance Package
For enhanced safety and convenience on longer drives, the Driver Assistance package offers advanced driving aids. This package includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, and an advanced version of the Lane Tracking package, incorporating both blind spot and lane-departure warning systems to alert the driver to potential hazards.
Parking Assist Package
Making parking easier than ever, the Parking Assist package includes front and rear parking sensors, providing audible and visual alerts when approaching obstacles. It also features an automated parallel parking system, capable of steering the vehicle into suitable parallel parking spaces with minimal driver input, and a surround-view parking camera, offering a 360-degree view around the vehicle to aid in maneuvering in tight quarters.
On/Off-Road Package
For drivers planning to venture beyond paved roads, the On/Off-Road package (available for the ML 350 and ML 400) significantly enhances off-road capability. This package includes an adaptive suspension with air springs (“Airmatic”), allowing for adjustable ride height and improved comfort and control. A two-speed transfer case provides selectable gear ranges for varying terrains, a six-mode terrain selector optimizes vehicle settings for different driving surfaces, and underbody skid plates offer added protection to vital components when driving off-road. Airmatic suspension is also available as a standalone option for those primarily interested in on-road comfort and adjustable ride height.
Convenience Package
The Convenience package focuses on enhancing passenger comfort with heated and cooled cupholders, second-row sunshades for added privacy and sun protection, and a center armrest pass-through for increased cargo-carrying flexibility.
Interior Sport Package
For a sportier cabin ambiance, the Interior Sport package includes front sport seats, offering enhanced lateral support during spirited driving. Special seat trim, featuring simulated suede on the ML 350, adds a unique tactile element. A sport steering wheel completes the package, providing a more engaging driving feel.
Audiophile Options: Harman Kardon and Bang & Olufsen Sound Systems
For those who prioritize premium audio, the 2015 ML 350 offered options to significantly upgrade the standard sound system. A 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available, providing a richer and more immersive audio experience compared to the base system. For the ultimate audiophile, the top-tier option was the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system, renowned for its exceptional clarity, detail, and powerful sound reproduction.
Comparison with Other 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class Models
While the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 represents a core model in the lineup, it’s important to understand how it positioned itself relative to other ML-Class variants available in 2015.
ML 250 BlueTEC
The ML 250 BlueTEC, while sharing many of the standard features of the ML 350 such as 18-inch wheels (compared to the ML 350’s 19-inch), adaptive suspension dampers, and a similar suite of interior comforts, distinguished itself with its diesel engine focused on fuel efficiency. The ML 350, with its gasoline engine, offered more horsepower and a different performance profile.
ML 400
Stepping up from the ML 350, the ML 400 included many of the ML 350’s standard features and the contents of the Premium 1 package as standard equipment. Crucially, the ML 400 featured a more powerful turbocharged engine, providing enhanced performance. Additional standard features on the ML 400 included keyless ignition and entry, the 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, leather seating, heated and cooled cupholders, multicolor interior ambient lighting, and the Lane Tracking package, all of which were optional or not available on the base ML 350.
ML 63 AMG
At the top of the range, the ML 63 AMG represented the high-performance variant of the 2015 ML-Class. It boasted a turbocharged V8 engine delivering significantly more power and performance than any other model in the lineup. The ML 63 AMG also featured 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 elements both inside and out. Many of the option packages available on lower trims, such as Premium 1, Lighting, Lane Tracking, and Parking Assist, were standard on the ML 63 AMG, reflecting its premium positioning. Further performance enhancements were available through the AMG Performance package.
Conclusion: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 as a Smart Choice
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 offers a compelling blend of luxury, versatility, and performance, making it a smart choice in the pre-owned luxury SUV market. Its comprehensive list of standard features, combined with a wide array of available packages, allows buyers to find a 2015 ML 350 configured to meet their specific needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing comfort, technology, sportiness, or even off-road capability, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 provides a solid foundation with ample opportunity for customization. For those seeking a refined and capable SUV with the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand, the 2015 ML 350 deserves serious consideration.
