The best way to look at Mercedes-Benz’s classes is by examining them as vehicle subsets as opposed to single models with different trim levels. Why? Because each vehicle in a class can be separated into trims of its own. For instance, the E550 in the E-Class can be configured as either a 4MATIC Sedan, Cabriolet or Coupe, while the G63 in the G-Class can be either a regular G63 or G63 AMG SUV. That’s why comparing vehicles within a class makes a lot of sense.
In this feature, we are taking a look at the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350 crossover SUV to see how it stacks up against the newly-introduced ML400 model. The difference in model years is intentional since you can still find the 2014 ML350 for a solid price. Now let’s see how the two M-Class siblings compare:
2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350
MSRP: $59,900
The Mercedes-Benz ML350 is at the very bottom of the M-Class’ list, meaning that it’s the weakest entry in the lineup, engine-wise. Of course, being a lower-tier vehicle means very little in this case since you still get to enjoy all the Mercedes perks. One of them is the quiet interior, accompanied by a smooth ride and a selection of two excellent V6 engines. Not satisfied yet? You also get to enjoy a 7,200-pound tow rating and the vehicle’s sleek design. However, there are big two real problems here, and they apply to the entire lineup – the lack of a seven-seat setup and the vehicle’s lofty price.
WINNING ATTRIBUTES:
- The base 2014 ML350 costs $2,900 less than the 2015 ML400 thanks to the MSRP of $59,900.
- You get a choice of two V6 engines.
- Both engines boast solid efficiency numbers, with the 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 yielding 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway and 3.5-litre V6 getting 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway.
- The 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 engine serves up the impressive torque amount of 455 pound-feet.
LOSING ATTRIBUTES:
- No matter what engine you pick, the ML350 still gets less horsepower than the ML400, which produces 329 horses.
- The 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6, which can produce 455 pound-feet of torque, offers only 240 horsepower.
- The 3.5-litre V6 produces less torque than the ML400’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged version, which gets 354 pound-feet of torque.
- The price difference between the BlueTEC version (the one with the 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6) and the new ML400 isn’t that great.
Our review score: 8.8 / 10 (Read the full review)
2015 Mercedes-Benz ML400
MSRP: $62,800
The Mercedes-Benz ML400 is a new addition to the M-Class this year, which makes comparing it to the ML350 all the more interesting. Like its lower-tier sibling, this version of the crossover is for five passengers only. This means that those who need a bigger vehicle should look for something else, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, perhaps. It’s also quite expensive – more so than the ML350 model, but not by much. The good news is that the ML400 contains a more powerful engine than the ML350 and offers several sporty cues on its already sleek body. Like the rest of the 2015 M-Class vehicles, it strives for greater efficiency, though it doesn’t surpass the ML350.
WINNING ATTRIBUTES:
- The ML400’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine produces 329 horsepower, surpassing both engines in the ML350 in this regard.
- The ML400’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine yields 354 pound-feet of torque, which is more torque than in the ML350’s 3.5-litre version.
- It’s only $1,400 more expensive than the ML350 BlueTEC, while offering more horsepower and only slightly less torque.
LOSING ATTRIBUTES:
- The 2015 ML400 costs $2,900 more than the base 2014 ML350 due to the MSRP of $62,800.
- The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 is the only engine of choice.
- Fuel efficiency numbers are not as great as on the ML350, being rated at 13.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway.
- The ML400’s engine offers slightly less torque than the one in the ML350, which serves up 455 pound-feet.
Our review score: 8.8 / 10 (Read the full review)
WINNER: 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350
REASON: A lower price, better fuel economy ratings and more torque on the BlueTEC version make the 2014 ML350 a slightly more recommendable vehicle. That said, it wins only by a hairline, so if you can’t find a new version of this crossover, then we recommend settling for the 2015 ML400.
For a more detailed comparison, be sure to check out this page as well as Unhaggle’s free dealer cost report for all the latest deals and incentives.
