I'm going through the decision process of which options to order, and thinking of interior upgrades. After spending a couple hours in an ML last week, I realized that the dashboard and panel plastics are somewhat hard and cheap looking. Since one can't order the stitched version of the same dashboard that's used in the GL-class, my options are limited to the sport appearance package that includes alcantara seat inserts minus the wood trim, or real leather seating (though not sure if this includes door panels). I haven't really been able to do a good comparison on the leather, since few ML's seem to be ordered that way. The alcantara, on the other hand, does look more unique.
The few people I've talked to about this have said neither are worth getting. One can argue that the alcantara is not as practical, and may not wear as well....and the leather doesn't really look any different from the MB-Tex or Artico faux-leather.
If anyone has either of these, I would welcome any comments or suggestions.
I have leather in my 06 ML 350, it is very nice, I do not believe that the door panels are leather. Also, over the years I have had several benz with MB-Tex, and I felt that it was quite good and over a period of time it held up well and looked great. I have leather on this unit because that is the way it came, had I been ordering it I would probably have taken the MB-Tex.
I made the call to get the Alcantara over the leather - more because the Sports seats were more comfortable than the standard seats in the leather (which seemed quite a bit "flatter") and could not get the sports seat in leather (or so I was told). I was not certain as to how well the Alcantara would wear and having only had the car for 2 months, bit hard to work out whether this is the case or not. Having said that, pretty pleased with the experience of the Alcantara to date and overall just LOVE this car.
For what it is worth, two best "add-ons" have been the Ipod kit and the Comand system.
i actually have the MB-Tex on my '07 ML500, and I love it. It still looks and smells brand new after about 10,000 miles. I got it in the black color and it hasn't faded or shown worn at all. Each time I get in the car it seems like it's brand new, like I Just got it last week. MB-Tex cleans easily and again, won't show wear/cracking/wrinkles like leather bolsters. I'll be ordering MB-Tex for future vehicles too
I have leather and love it. I am not fond of the "mouse fur", Alcantra. As for leather looking like tex, its the other way around, MB Tex is about the best synthetic leather replica there is and its been that way for many years. It would have been my second choice.
I have a question for all of those who have the leather package. Are the door inserts flat panels or are they some sort of "leather insert?" (see attached pics.; 1st picture shows some sort of "leather" and 2nd shows a flat panel")
Thanks,
-Jay
Quote:
Originally Posted by bear279
I have leather in my 06 ML 350, it is very nice, I do not believe that the door panels are leather. Also, over the years I have had several benz with MB-Tex, and I felt that it was quite good and over a period of time it held up well and looked great. I have leather on this unit because that is the way it came, had I been ordering it I would probably have taken the MB-Tex.
Are the leather inserts exclusive to the GL? Looks like a GL in the above photo with leather. I think one of the biggest weaknesses of the ML are the cheap looking door panels.
I have the leather option in my '07 ML. In my opinion, regarding the quality of the leather which is their lowest grade, it's not worth the price. The leather upgrade in the GL is nicer. If you prefer the Burl Wanut Wood trim which is included (Brown Birdseye Maple Wood trim is standard) and the interior ambient light package also included, then it might be worthwhile. Unlike the GL, the leather package does not improve the dash or doors. Brabus makes leather or alcantara door inserts that look as good or better than the GL's
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