Are you ready to indulge in the luxury of a Mercedes ML350 but unsure which year to go for? Well, you’re not alone in this dilemma.
The ML350 has been a favorite midsize SUV for years, and with several redesigns over time, it’s easy to understand which year is the best fit for you. But don’t worry; I got you covered!
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the ML350’s generations, from its inception in 2002 to its discontinuation in 2015, and help you find the perfect year to make your dream of owning a Mercedes ML350 a reality.
So, get ready to read our report and buy your dream cars!
Contents
- 1 History of the Mercedes ML350
- 2 First Generation
- 3 Second Generation
- 4 In 2005,
- 5 In 2010,
- 6 In 2012,
- 7 In 2015,
- 8 The Best Year for Mercedes ML350
- 9 2015 Mercedes ML350
- 10 2016 Mercedes GLE350
- 11 2010 Mercedes ML350
- 12 Performance and Reliability
- 13 Engine and Drivetrain
- 14 Fuel Economy and MPG
- 15 Off-Roading Capabilities
- 16 Handling and Steering
- 17 Quiet and Sporty Driving Experience
- 18 Reliability and Dependability
- 19 Interior and Exterior Features
- 20 Cabin and Cargo Space
- 21 Luxury and Refined Interior
- 22 Exterior Design and Practicality
- 23 Why Was ML350 Discontinued?
- 24 Changing Consumer Preferences
- 25 Introduction of GLE-Class
- 26 Increased Competition
- 27 Share this post:
History of the Mercedes ML350
First Generation
The Mercedes ML-Class was first introduced in 1997 as a midsize luxury SUV. The first generation, the W163, was produced from 1997 to 2005.
The ML350 was introduced in 2003 as part of the facelifted W163 lineup. It was powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine that produced 232 horsepower.
The W163 was known for its off-road capabilities and was one of the first luxury SUVs to offer stability control and side airbags. However, it was criticized for its poor fuel economy and lack of interior space.
Second Generation
In 2005,
Mercedes introduced the second generation of the ML-Class, known as the W164. The ML350 was again part of the lineup, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 268 horsepower.
The W164 was larger than the W163 and offered more interior space. It also featured improved fuel economy and a more refined ride.
In 2010,
Mercedes introduced a facelifted version of the W164, including minor exterior changes and an updated interior. The ML350 remained part of the lineup and continued to be powered by the 3.5-liter V6 engine.
In 2012,
Mercedes introduced the third generation of the ML-Class, known as the W166. The ML350 was again part of the lineup, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 302 horsepower.
The W166 was larger than the W164 and offered even more interior space. It also featured improved fuel economy and a more refined ride.
In 2015,
Mercedes changed the name of the ML-Class to the GLE-Class. The ML350 was once again part of the lineup, now powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 302 horsepower.
The Mercedes ML350 has been a popular midsize luxury SUV for many years.
While the first generation had some drawbacks, the second and third generations offered improved performance, fuel economy, and interior space.
If you’re looking for a used ML350, a second or third-generation model is likely your best bet. TIPS: Here are the G Wagon years to avoid and many issues!
The Best Year for Mercedes ML350
While each year has pros and cons, a few years stand out as the best for the ML350. Here are the top three:
2015 Mercedes ML350
The 2015 Mercedes ML350 is one of the best years for this SUV. It has a V6 engine produces 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.
It also has a smooth and comfortable ride, making it a great choice for long road trips. The 2015 model year also features a redesigned interior with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system.
2016 Mercedes GLE350
The 2016 Mercedes GLE350 is another great year for the ML350. This model year features a name change from ML to GLE and a total redesign and refinement of the ML features and performance.
The GLE350 comes with a V6 engine that produces 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It also has a spacious and luxurious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
2010 Mercedes ML350
If you’re looking for an older model year, the 2010 Mercedes ML350 is a great choice. This year comes with a V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
It also has a comfortable and refined ride, making it a great choice for daily driving. The 2010 model year also features a high-quality interior with plenty of standard features.
The 2015 Mercedes ML350, 2016 Mercedes GLE350, and 2010 Mercedes ML350 are the best years for this SUV.
Each year has unique features and benefits, so it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the right year.
Performance and Reliability
Engine and Drivetrain
The ML350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.
This engine provides power and acceleration, making it a great choice for drivers who want a high-performance SUV.
The ML350 also comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, which provides excellent handling and traction in all kinds of driving conditions.
Fuel Economy and MPG
The ML350 gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in combined city/highway driving. While this isn’t the best fuel economy in its class, it’s still respectable for an SUV of this size and power.
Off-Roading Capabilities
The ML350 has several off-road features, making it a capable SUV for off-road adventures. These include hill descent control, a locking center differential, an optional off-road package with skid plates and a two-speed transfer case.
Handling and Steering
The ML350 offers precise handling and responsive steering, making it a pleasure to drive on the road. It also has an optional air suspension system that provides a smooth ride and excellent handling.
Quiet and Sporty Driving Experience
The ML350 is designed to provide a quiet and comfortable ride, with plenty of sound insulation and a sporty suspension that provides a smooth and responsive driving experience.
Reliability and Dependability
The ML350 has a solid reputation for reliability and dependability, with a high overall rating from J.D. Power and Associates.
However, some owners have reported issues with the NOx sensor and oil leaks, so it’s important to maintain regular maintenance and repairs to ensure the vehicle stays in top condition.
The Mercedes ML350 is a high-quality SUV with excellent performance, handling, and reliability.
Whether you’re looking for a comfortable family vehicle or a high-performance SUV for off-road adventures, the ML350 is worth considering.
Interior and Exterior Features
This section will look closer at the cabin and cargo space, luxury and refined interior, and exterior design and practicality.
Cabin and Cargo Space
The cabin of the Mercedes ML350 is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both the driver and passengers.
The cargo space is also impressive, with up to 80.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded down. It makes the ML350 an excellent choice for families or anyone who needs to haul large items.
Luxury and Refined Interior
The interior of the Mercedes ML350 is luxurious and refined, with high-quality materials and attention to detail.
The seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of adjustability to ensure a perfect fit. The steering wheel is also well-designed, with intuitive controls that make it easy to operate the vehicle.
Exterior Design and Practicality
The exterior design of the Mercedes ML350 is sleek and stylish, with a bold grille and distinctive headlights.
The vehicle’s practicality is impressive, with features like all-wheel drive and good fuel economy.
However, some owners have reported issues with dents and scratches, so it’s important to take care of the vehicle to ensure it looks its best.
The Mercedes ML350 is a great choice for anyone who wants a practical and luxurious SUV with plenty of cargo space and refined interior features.
Whether you’re looking for a new car or a DIY project, the ML350 will impress you.
Why Was ML350 Discontinued?
The ML350 was a popular midsize SUV produced from 2002 to 2015. The GLE-Class, which was introduced in 2016, eventually replaced the model.
There were a few reasons why Mercedes decided to discontinue the ML350. Here are some of the key factors that led to the model’s discontinuation:
Changing Consumer Preferences
One of the main reasons why the ML350 was discontinued was due to changing consumer preferences. In recent years, there has been a shift towards smaller, more fuel-efficient SUVs.
The ML350 was a midsize SUV known for its power and performance, but it was less fuel-efficient than some of its competitors.
As a result, Mercedes decided to discontinue the model and focus on producing smaller SUVs that were more in line with consumer preferences.
Introduction of GLE-Class
Another reason why the ML350 was discontinued was due to the introduction of the GLE-Class. The GLE-Class is a midsize SUV that was designed to replace the ML350.
The GLE-Class offers many of the same features and capabilities as the ML350 but is more modern and technologically advanced.
Mercedes decided to focus on producing the GLE-Class and discontinue the ML350 to streamline their SUV lineup.
Increased Competition
Finally, the ML350 faced increased competition from other midsize SUVs.
As more and more automakers began producing midsize SUVs, the ML350 faced stiff competition from models like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Lexus RX.
To stay competitive, Mercedes decided to discontinue the ML350 and focus on producing more modern and technologically advanced SUVs.
Overall, the discontinuation of the ML350 was a strategic decision made by Mercedes in response to changing consumer preferences and increased competition in the midsize SUV market.
While the model may no longer be in production, there are still many used ML350s available for sale that offer excellent performance and features.