swdrdave

Well I ordered my 550 and my only debate is whether we add the rear sunroof.

Does it get used much?

I'm not sure if it actually opens or is a static piece of glass in the roof.

Was going to add it to the build just for potential resale since it seems popular but my salesman thought it wasn't a deal breaker for his customers.

Opinions?

BMcD-E500

I think you mean the panoramic roof option? Only the front panel tilts and slides, the remaining panels are fixed. Thought I heard somewhere on this forum the third fixed panel way in the back is MIA for 2015?? Either way I would order it - I like the extra light it brings in on a black interior. Good luck!

43221B

The great thing about the Pano roof, which I have, is that it lets a lot of light in. The bad thing about the Pano roof is that it lets a lot of light and heat in. So, when it's really bright and sunny the shade stays closed to keep the heat and glare down for the kids. If I lived in a hot climate where it was sunny 300+ days out of the year, I don't think I would want it because it lets too much heat in and I would probably leave the shade closed all the time. However, if you live in the Northwest, Midwest, or Northeast, I think having it during the winter months to let light into your GL, particularly on overcast days, would be a huge benefit. Also note, that from the front seats, you can't really tell if you have it or not. It really is a feature that benefits the second and third rows. My kids think it is pretty cool on a clear night and when it's raining.

cookstar

There is no third row sunroof anymore for 2015.

swdrdave

I live in Arizona so no lack of sunlight.

Heat is definitely an issue.

JimBarnhart

The pano roof does provide one feature that may or may not be interesting to you. For some reason the back rear window venting is part of that option. So to get those side windows to open, you need to order the pano roof.

swdrdave

Do people find those rear ventilation windows useful?

Ah_gl450

It's nice if people are sitting back there.

43221B

Yeah, they are if you have little ones in the third row. Not a must have but my 6 y/o always wants them opened when the second row windows are open. I used them all the time on my X164 and that was one of the reasons I purchased the Pano roof in my '14 GL. I would verify that you need to order the Pano roof to get them for 2015. It is one of those options that seem to change without mention from MB. If you drive with the side windows open much it might be a good indicator that you would use them or if you park with the windows down and engine off, like waiting to pickup kids, you might want them. Also a good way to air out the car when the kiddos have had too many re-fried beans.

BMcD-E500

I use those vent windows when I have the dog back there. Downside is I have to clean dog nose slime off the windows more often. Otherwise I don't use them too often as I tend to forget they are open and I leave it sitting in the parking lot with them open.

JimBarnhart

Excellent point, side vents were standard on the 2013, moved to the pano package on the 2014, I assumed they'd stay in that package for 2015.

Fab, can you verify?

cyclrder

We don't have sun here in NYC like you do in Arizona.... But the car never gets super hot...
The rear sunroof is useless as it has a manual removal screen... That is pain.

The rear side windows are actually quite useful, especially if someone opens a single rear door window... It causes a pressure imbalance in the car... So when opened they release the pressure...

swdrdave

Thanks. Now I'm thinking of adding it more for the addition of the side venting windows.

With my luck I'm too late to add it to my build.

fabbrisd1

Yes - rear quarter vent windo comes with Pano/double sunroof package

Frankly your salesperson has either no brain or no GL550 experience.

You properly equipped GL550 option list should contain:

Pano $1090 - you already have 3rd zone/added rear climate control - pano is no brainer

Heated 2nd row seat $630 - if you use front heated seats in your area, get 2nd row heat

Heated headlight washer $105 - used EVERYWHERE for better windshield cleaning

If you have not ordered designo - the MBTex wrapped dash/door panels: $300

Trailer Hitch $575 - if you don't tow, best added rear collision safety for your passengers you can have

If you want to be awesome - then add Active Curve for $3150

For those interested in reducing heat/UV from Pano sunroof - DuPont Crystalline film is available to reduce remaining IR and UV by another 85%+ available from clear thru to limo/dark tint based on your preference. $40-$60 per sunroof - why complain, address it !

JimBarnhart

Unfortunately Fab, I think there are a lot of salespeople that fit this assessment.

paomien

Pano roof does add to the resale of the GL. You get the option cost back, if not more.

DM335

My hesitation on getting the pano roof has been my desire to have the sun above me while my kids in the second row would prefer dark for movies or iPad usage. I believe the sun shade has to be open or closed over both rows.

paomien

You could consider putting a tint over the rear part of the pano?

swdrdave

Well, my salesman says the build is locked, good that it's coming, a little sad that I didn't add the pano, everything else is pretty much what I wanted.

Not sure if it's slated for 1st or 2nd decade in Sept but I'm ready for it!

Had I ordered the Pano I would've tinted the glass to reject more of that AZ sun.

43221B

Another possible downside to the Pano roof is that IMO it allows increased body flex. I rented a 13 GL without the Pano roof a while ago and it seemed a little more solid with fewer squeeks than mine. I also noticed slightly less wind noise. With or without it, you'll be very happy with your GL.