2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC Review - TEST/DRIVE

Matt Farah reviews the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC.
Scored by all TEST/DRIVE hosts.

[@chrislaracy7265]

Really enjoying the new direction Drive is taking. As long as you guys can keep this up without running out of cars, I will be even more pleased with my favorite youtube channel than I was last year. Farah and Harris are both at the top of their game.

[@baudilus]

I have an ML350, and I must say, I love having the full number keypad. I didn't understand why they still included it at first, but believe it or not, it minimizes the need to look at the screen. Switch to phone (by simply hitting the phone button) and you can dial a number and call all without ever having to look away from the road. You can even use it to enter information in the navigation, again without having to look at the screen as often. My brother's Audi Q5 on the other hand, requires you to look at the screen to confirm almost every button press. It also has a voice command system, and to be honest I never use it, because it's so much faster to do it with the keypad. This is something that a 10 minute test drive wouldn't really show you.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Another good Test/Drive Matt! Really liking these!

[@MrRandomBackup]

1:38 Where is Larry, those swirls! :( AMMO NYC

[@hafferzitu]

this serie deserve more time

[@DubstepC2008]

This guy is really well spoken, the footage is fantastic and the music in the background is just the bow around the package. Subbed.

[@94BrunoO]

These videos are a huge step-up for /DRIVE. My honnest congratulations.

[@jwatwater]

Why does everyone always thing the keypad is for dialing the phone? Yeah, it can be used for that but it's primary purpose is the radio presets. It's easier (and safer) to change the station with a physical button, than having to scroll through 3 or 4 different touch screens.

[@brandonchism6960]

Yet again Matt you've proven yourself to be a truly gifted presenter on both wildly insane sports cars and more practical options like this Benz. Outstanding job and awesome insight.

[@Weasel4Fun]

I love that you also review more "normal" cars to...

[@adunski]

These Farah TEST/DRIVE videos are great.

[@sherman3211]

Thanks for the review, Matt. Was curious as to how the ML diesel was.

[@DJzSith]

MATT IS IN FULL ATTACK MODE!!

[@ltcarlston]

I just test drove it, loved it! True - it is boring in looks and could have more base features for the price, but it is the most comfortable ride ever. I was very close to getting an Audi Q7, tried the Cayman which I found to be full of torque, but cramped and overly expensive (happy with my Carrera for small, sexy sports car) but the MB ML350 Bluetec did what it was supposed to do.

[@SingsLikeThunder]

Loving these reviews, keep it up Matt. Cheers

[@tmh44]

Another quick, clear review--nice work!

[@heartbeatla]

I love this series. Keep it up!

[@ENZOmasta]

I have really enjoyed these test/drive videos. The next time somebody gives you 25 vehicles to test please do this again.

[@1994delicaman]

one of my favorite suv's

[@wauterz]

Dear drive, When will normal service presume? Like the reviews but imo the longer pieces are better

[@tvanb]

Really like the new rating system

[@dimitarttt]

I am really liking this Test/Drive!

[@slagertoothtiger]

Great new show, love it keep it coming

[@TheMaxiguy]

Very nice series, fun to watch. Keep it up!

[@pbaldwin18]

Very impressed on how /drive has decided to go about testing cars.

[@blindmonkey9999]

Love this show. It's funny to see how critical Matt is versus Chris when looking at the final scores

[@TheSmokingTire]

the final scores are the sum average of all the drive hosts, not just the one you see on camera. All five hosts drove all the cars and scored them. The Volt was tied with the Porsche 911 and was the highest scoring car we had among all the hosts.

[@bottomlayer]

Too bad we don't get the E350 diesel wagon over here :( Wagons like that with a third seat and a hood ornament are awesome

[@georgehardy4722]

I had to laugh at the car that was behind you for half the video. I realized something the other day. Saab 9-3, Entry level luxury sedan, Fwd, 2.0L, turbocharged. Less than a year after Saab shutdown, Mercedes CLA concept, Entry level luxury sedan, Fwd, 2.0L, turbocharged. Audi A3 Sedan looks great. My friend just bought a low mileage 9-3 ss Aero, its like a Group A rally car for the street.

[@longhairedanon]

Matt Farah's back must be thanking him for reviewing cushy SUVs with nice seats.

[@MikeFinnley]

Why did the gearbox get 2/5? Only because of the funky gearshifter lever?

[@TheSmokingTire]

It doesnt shift particularly quickly and drags the torque converter on downshifts, as opposed to the competition which rev-matches much smoother.

[@เรื่องราวของด.ญ.เตมูจินและด.ช]

My family love 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC

[@Huli-Man]

great series of videos but to short videos. They are to good to be this short.

[@palinex]

Great segment! And Matt is doing a great job. Perhaps a little bit of around the car "show and tell"? Also, can't get my head around the super long credits

[@Samael78]

I think your outros are way too long. 50 seconds of ads for your other vids? A little excessive.

[@MpghPurpleUsers]

it might be fuel savy but my dad had one for like 2 years (previous gen) and an oil change was around 900$ at the dealer for the spetial fluid they put in and 350$ at some other garage and the guy told us he still made incredible profit. you need to put in alot of miles to make it worth the money.

[@overboost7667]

I especially like your new rating at the end and when you give this one an average rating it shows to me, that you try to keep it real. Good car, but mind you: 'average' means in its purest form: Not better or worse than the rest, which Matt clearly stated.

[@MrHockeystar34]

I'm loving these reviews. Keep it up.

[@LZKS]

But again, the scoring system makes no sense. Matt likes this car for what it is, and yet it gets 64%. Why? Because they have to factor in criteria that doesn't matter to this car, like handling and speed. Please, drop the complicated scoring system, it's stupid. Just a simple 0 to 10 scale is fine. In that aspect, I'd give this car 7 or 8 depending on how bad the material quality was considering the price. Not a stupid 64%.

[@JasonBordeaux]

Woo Cheol Shin the scoring system is based on the averages of the scores of 2-5 drive personalities (depending on who got to drive the cars). There were ~28 car done in one weekend and not everyone got to drive everything. So the rating aren't perfect, but nor are they just one person's rating.

[@thisisbowser]

putting Matt to work this year!

[@Turshin]

Hey Matt I'm starting to notice you guys at /drive are becoming euro fan boys. The GMC Cyclone was the first fast suv. Then later came the 5.9 Grand Cherokees (which were the fastest suv's in the world at the time) and after that the R/T Durangos. We started the performance suv trend not the Europeans. Jus like your review of diesel cheyanne. It's funny how you failed to mention the grand Cherokee diesel which has over a 100 miles more range than the Porche and costs WAAAAYYYY less.

[@MrTacoma]

how do they hold up ?

[@DanDuffy071]

My mom has this and she still dials numbers on the dialpad

[@warikplaya]

Option in the design interior and have a look at the interior quality afterwards - virtually nothing compares for the price.

[@warikplaya]

Designo.. Stupid auto correct.

[@yogeshgopal4429]

I got the porcelain leather on my 63 amg and everyone how my co workers say its amazing. So far 4 out of 7 people in my group have an ml63 or gl550 and they all got the designo interior b/c its that great.

[@projectwheels]

Really enjoying this series guys! What do you film the in-car shots on? GoPro?

[@HRINACAR]

BMW X5 materials? Soft? Everywhere? Ha ha ... were you drunk? :)

[@chrisrefaei]

Looks like the X5 is coming up next to be reviewed by Matt Farah

[@traxnada]

I'm not too sure I like this new format of Drive... Shorter videos but more. They just end up being "less special" and less creative... Sure Matt or Chris Harris are equal to themselves in them, but it's just less fun and a bit on the "too classic" side of car reviews... Still interesting to watch nonetheless, but I'd rather see you guys spend times doing videos on awesome unique cars rather than on kind of boring diesel SUVs or electric cars. I'm sure I'll love to see reivews like that on similar cars in 30 years, but I'm only 29 for now so... not yet ;)

[@TheSmokingTire]

It's not replacing our other content, it's in addition to our other content.

[@traxnada]

TheSmokingTire Yeah I know, but these kind of videos do take quite a bit of time out of you or Chris and well, I enjoy your time more when you're not driving a diesel SUV (no sexual harassement of any kind were intended in this sentence... ). Whatever happen, I'll keep watching these little videos even when you'll be 60yo and reviewing the 2052 Buick Riviera...

[@JasonBordeaux]

traxnada While the videos can take a lot of time, the /DRIVE team is more than capable of the tasks at hand. Hence why they filmed 28 cars for this series in under 48 hours. So, everyone "sacrificed" one weekend to create almost a month long of releasable content and it didn't interfere with creating any of the normal content.

[@hdidane00]

glad you did a review on these Matt how about the other disel suv's?

[@bnmcmhn]

having watched this video I can't help but notice that no one seems to change lanes on the highway, don't the lanes mean anything in the states? In UK they are supposed to be overtaking lanes, although you still get lack of observation and lane discipline

[@TheSmokingTire]

No, people in the US just camp out in the left lane, especially in LA. It's infuriating.

[@redexpman]

Love the car reviews and love the responses in the comments from The Smoking Tire. Good job defending yourself. I have found these reviews to be fair and a very nice addition to the /Drive family. Keep up the great work.

[@nHeroGo]

Fine work. Good production. Quality. Thanks.

[@nlaspf]

I had to rewind and listen again when you mentioned the range. 600 miles on *twenty seven* gallons? Yes, the range is good but that has nothing to do with the fact that's a diesel. The milage actually sounds pretty poor.

[@markrussell24]

No mention of the Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel?

[@dunngh]

I like this new series. It's too bad all the commenters are getting all hung up on the scoring system. I think Matt (or whoever the host is at the time) should give a verbal synopsis at the end and just one overall opinion-based score.

[@JasonBordeaux]

Robert Dunn I would hope at least that once all 28 TEST /DRIVES have been released, that there is some sort of recap/score review show showing the in-class competition. The ratings system for each car is an average of 2-5 of the /DRIVE hosts scoring of each car.

[@TheDantheman887]

hi matt, please can you do a review of the 2.7 cayman? is it worthwhile spending the bucks on a 3.4? i liked the panama vid, you should start a travel channel!

[@crispyireland]

what gearhead cares about a $68k SUV? And you keep mentioning range as in it matters? why don't you mention MPG? range is entirely dependent on the size of the fuel tank, not how efficient it is...

[@JasonBordeaux]

Chris Ireland These videos aren't for gearheads. They are meant for consumers not enthusiast.

[@bmwnut535]

Doesn't the NA version have LED headlights? I know that the EU version has it as an option- looks quite striking in the dark.

[@mariahisthe1]

Love mine.

[@fe1138lix]

Matt, don't you think the Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel is another competitor or have you just forgotten to mention it? Also, will you drive the 2014 BMW X5 aswell?

[@TheSmokingTire]

We filmed this before I drove the Grand Cherokee Diesel. Now that I have driven it, yes I do think it's a competitor, but I don't like the VM Mottori engine they use in that car compared to the X5 or ML350's engines. It dosn't make power down low enough for a diesel.

[@Veyronp87]

great review

[@sudmanster]

Also when the Miata came on screen everything was invalid because Miata is the answer for everything.

[@khunopie]

When is Leon Prenatal going to be reviewing again?

[@ziiizzzooo]

3:08 2013 & 2014 e class in the rear view !!

[@Hannelore7]

LOOKING AT BUYING 2015 DIESEL ...would you recommend?

[@MichaelF1]

"Car has dial bottons and not touchscreen, recieves 4/5 in tech." Because touchscreens are shit, and knobs are very handy. You just got done with snow-pocalypse...You should know that by now. Knobs are epic winning. Cry about it mane.

[@Wurzelzwerg1212]

...but Audis and BMWs knobs work better. Command can be really clumsy to use.

[@reddeadflame1]

As long as it isn't haptic.... those are the worst.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Knobs are great, when they are intuitive. Command is an outdated system.

[@ghettoflyer]

Great Job on the review Matt! (Still not interested in SUV, but) Good Review!

[@sudmanster]

I think that the ranking system should be a little different. The percentage system is more biased for sports cars with categories like smile and agility. This car is definitely not trying to be a sports car so although it got a rating in the 60% area, that should be pretty good for an SUV. I belive that there should be a system that breaks down a scale based on what kind of car it's meant to be. 60 could really mean 80 because it's an SUV.

[@CM1032]

I like your reviews so far Matt but this one left me a little confused. You said it was doing a fine job of being a luxury car, praised the engine, the range, the ride. But it only scores in the "average" range according to your criteria at the end. It would have been nice to know why the gearbox and brakes weren't great but apart from that great review. In my humble opinion, although people hardly ever dial numbers now, it is a nice thing to have the keypad as a back up should the phone sync or dialing direct from a search for a restaurant, company etc, fails.

[@TheSmokingTire]

When I reviewed the car, I talked for like 20 minutes. The editor (who is on the opposite coast as me) chooses what to edit to get it down to the required length. The gearbox shifted slowly and dragged on the torque converter on downshifts, something I hate. The brakes felt a bit spongy for my taste.

[@CM1032]

Thanks, Matt. I knew there would be a good reason as your reviews for Tuned cover much more. I wrote it on another one of the tests that it would be nice if the editor and the bean counters find some way to make these videos a little longer, closer to the length of the Tuned, Big Muscle etc. I hope that doesn't sound too ungrateful as soon as Drive has given some great extra content with this series. Just a suggestion for a small improvement if it is possible. I'll still watch if the videos stay as they are.

[@TheSmokingTire]

CM1032 It's not an ungrateful thing, and its out of our hands. These TEST/DRIVE videos are part of our obligation to KZbin for the year. They told us we had to do these "normal reviews for consumers" if we want our money to go have fun, get sideways and roast off tires. They set the desired length based on what consumers want to see. We, as enthusiasts, always want more, but ordinary consumers want less. That's the way the cookie crumbles. It's not taking away from our normal programming.

[@CM1032]

I'm glad it didn't come across that way. Thanks for letting us know about the situation and I look forward to more good test drives from you all.

[@MahmoudAbdulhadi]

Dear Drive: why have you got Matt reviewing diesel SUVs and hybrid cars? If I wanted that, I'd go to some consumer magazine / channel... Please stick to tuned, big muscle, Chris Harris, and all your other fantastic vids. Thanks.

[@barbarareny5221]

fast like hell

[@mrhotguy001]

No DRLs ? Are they like an option on this model?

[@Sopiva]

The background music made me paranoid about my phone calling to someone accidentally.

[@morlaikoroma]

Like the music in the background

[@akashpatel2001]

Wait, did he say almost $70k for this? Please correct me if im wrong. I looked on the MB website and this car was way less money :)

[@ananas267]

hey mate, well it goes to 70k because of the extra options. The optionals are very nice, but very costly.

[@brucec43]

Akash Patel With discounts you can get a nicely equipped diesel awd model for around $54,000. (20' wheels, stereo upgrade, cooled seats, real leather, pano roof) If you need lots of gadgets you'll pay more.

[@davidmitchell5638]

haha i like to see Matt Farah driving meh cars it just makes me laugh cuz each time i see you i see a big smile on your face with ya know Gearhead CARs??

[@nashmkm360]

Could you please review the Merc GL 63 AMG or the new S 63 AMG or S 65 AMG?

[@ScottZ370]

Yeah there are a few downfalls on this new series but they are forgiven cos this is the first time this channel is doing proper 'normal' car reviews and honestly I really enjoy them and by the look of the comments so do you...this section will mature and fit in with the rest of the channel. I JUST HOPE IT WILL TRY AND KEEP THIS SPEED THAT VIDEOS ARE COMING IN! or at least 2 or 3 a week after a while.

[@JasonBordeaux]

Scott Miller well said. And yes, they created 28 of these in one weekend. But, it still isn't clear if they will be released at the same speed we witnessed this week.

[@ScottZ370]

highly doubtful however with a slow introduction of another presenter i'm sure he/she would be able to do videos at this rate as chris and this guy have already more engagements in the channell

[@JasonBordeaux]

Obviously we have seen some videos from Matt and Chris so far, we should be seeing ones from Mike Spinelli (of AFTER /DRIVE and Spinelli's Hair fame) & Mike Musto (of Big Muscle fame). Those 28 TEST /DRIVES were combined between all four of these presenters, not just Matt and Chris. Yes, we will be seeing everyone's "normal" /DRIVE videos soon.

[@ScottZ370]

Ohh yeah ok

[@MattyD209]

I thought you hated touch screens? I remember you saying in a review last year of a Cadillac that you liked the little knob controller better.

[@rousseau327]

The accuracy of the touch screen differ

[@TheSmokingTire]

I like knobs better, but dislike the Command system. It's outdated.

[@mariaperkins5432]

Does the 350 ML blue tech Diesel have a catalytic converter

[@aminman15]

Matt, where are the lads?

[@12factortest]

When I saw the title I almost didn't watch because, honestly, who cares? But you make a very compelling case for the Diesel SUV. The range thing is an interesting feature. I have to admit that frequent stops to fill the tank suck, so having long range would be pretty nice.

[@MichaelF1]

The only problem with long RANGE is...600+ miles is much longer than what most bladders, stomachs, or asses can handle.

[@12factortest]

Sure, but in a normal use, like commute to work, you would only have to go to the station once every 2 weeks or so. That is lux.

[@MichaelF1]

12factortest Very true.

[@martel7322]

Watch out for the design fault on the ML250 2.1 diesel...cracked inlet manifold...with a forced regen also required, looking at over £1000 to fix

[@Gavin756]

I think that car is a real looker!

[@kacperpawlowski7744]

Which one is faster, this or the gas model?

[@_conrad]

does someone know the song in the background ? Really chilly and nice

[@robertshinenne1584]

lol you can upgrade to the soft leather package as you could do with X5~~and X5 is a bit more expensive compare with similar equipped Ml~:D I have both, so I know....

[@vdevov]

1. More time. 8 minutes would be perfect. 2. How many of these are there?? You'll run out of cars by March at this pace!

[@TheSmokingTire]

There are 26

[@akorzan]

TheSmokingTire For the ML350 Blutec, why did you not mention the ridiculously light and twitchy steering? Thank you for mentioning the materials in the base/normal leather trims!

[@JasonBordeaux]

TheSmokingTire Matt did you end up doing the bulk of them? Or is it pretty well split between Chris, Mike & Mike? I remember JF telling me there were 28 cars shot, did some get cut?

[@TheKingamz]

TheSmokingTire should do the X5 and compare

[@TheSmokingTire]

akorzan I did mention the very light steering, it was edited out (I talk for like 20 minutes and an editor I've never met cuts them on the other side of the country from where I live).

[@nzdatsports9659]

i havent driven the merc xover diese yet , and i havnt driven the jeep diesel eather but after having a drive (thrash) of a 2014 jeep srt v8 i will take the jeep on looks alone over the merc, BMW, porshe and vw/audi without puting performance in the picture ! diesel or v8 , i think you faild to bring the jeep in to the equasion as i think it is a very worthy compeditor ,espeshioly value & qualety for money but seriosly mat jump in a jeep 6.4 liter hemi and review it on tuned its worthy for that too!! you wont just cruze around telling us about it like in the merc , you will rave about it i promise !!

[@Doggepp]

Test the Golf GTI or Golf R!

[@GT-gt4bf]

I would get a Grand Cherokee over any SUV of this class, except maybe the Cayenne. I really like the reviews, though.

[@autodelta93]

Finally Americans understand that diesel is the right way for "normal" cars! Leave petrol for sportier cars(not only ferrari but even cars like AMG, BMW 435, focus st ecc...) Leave petrol to petrolheads :)

[@ImTheSlyDevil]

that torque.

[@ChrisDorgan]

it's a little contradictory - doing a fine job of luxury, however the quality isn't great? Surely luxury should go hand in hand with great quality of materials and technology?! Saying that, these short format reviews are growing on me :P

[@beeeneee]

i wonder where the engine difference comes from, in europe it produces 260hp and 620 NM!

[@akorzan]

Emissions. Right now, diesels in Europe can release 0.25 g/km of NOx while in the USA diesels can only release 0.07 g/mi. Even in petrol cars, many performance cars were detuned for the American market to meet emissions. Ironically, we have bigger and thirstier engines in the states but cleaner exhaust than our european brothers. Originally the diesel in the benz was even more detuned for the american market. My 2011 ML350 blutec makes 210 HP and 410 foot pounds of torque. Finally, the ML is really cheap in the USA compared to Europe. It's base price is lower than that of a the cheapest E class. MLs in Europe are considered ultra-luxury cars and are relatively rare, here they are very common thanks to single digit taxes and high income.

[@DreamCarGarage1]

Now I like Matt, don't get me wrong but somehow this review and the one with the Porsche Cayenne they seem to lack a bit of soul. There's no apparent joy or enthusiasm, I don't know. It's as if someone's told him he needs to change his style and become sort of more 'corporate', know what I mean? My man 'don;t go changin'. This ain't a tv show it's youtube. People want to see different characters and even the roughness round the edges makes the reviews interesting. Sorry. Car looks sweet but MAN that was a boring review!!!

[@DreamCarGarage1]

...GRAPHS!!! Graphs for braking, a noise chart... nothing wrong with them but who's 'body snatched' Matt Farrah!!!

[@TheSmokingTire]

It's a boring car. Simple as that.

[@DreamCarGarage1]

LOL!!! fair enough.

[@siwini]

Do gl350 next:)

[@supremewhip]

What's with the E-Class following?

[@Sohoe1]

they've also tested it

[@trailgnomeadventures5691]

what about the grand chero... I bet you can get almost the same power group + Diesel for 55k

[@TheSmokingTire]

Grand Cherokee Diesel is the same price, more or less, as the X5 Diesel we recently tested at TST, and as nice as the new GC is, for the same money, we'll take the BMW.

[@o3tomas]

Have you seen a moose test of it? The shit is just dangerous.

[@TheSmokingTire]

o3tomas the 2014 model GC aced the moose test. Just saw the video on TTAC last week.

[@Conaghan100]

great video matt!

[@KR8810]

Why won't drive make a video of the Tesla model s? I love drive and all the videos but come on Tesla is the most talked about car of 2013 and its 2014 now

[@TheSmokingTire]

because everyone, ever, has already talked about it, and between Tesla's ridiculously strong sales and the NY Times fiasco, they have no need to lend out press cars anymore.