2014 Mercedes-Benz ML350 CDI BLUETEC (4×4) Review

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!