Well, I threw caution into the wind and placed an order for a GT55. I was indecisive to the last minute, waffling mainly between another S Class but was also considering an RS6, M5 Wagon and 911 Carrera until Porsche went bonkers on their pricing versus last year. I do enjoy nice cars but I’m also kind of a cheapskate. These are normally mutually exclusive attributes but I’m weird I guess.

My build, which was just submitted to MB yesterday (we’ll see what they say), reflects my persona: it’s no frills but with two expensive options: High-End Burmester and Carbon Ceramics (which will be behind 20” wheels lol). I got carbon ceramics because I intend to keep this car for at least 7 years and the cost of a full brake job at the dealer can approach the cost of the options for carbon ceramics, which can theoretically last the life of the car sans pads. So, I figured I’ll be in the clear after one brake job, plus no brake dust bonus. 20” wheels because I’ll probably get all-seasons at some point and the availability and cost of the 20” tires are orders of magnitude cheaper than the 21s. I didn’t get vented or heated seats because I don’t need them where I live and never used either in my S Class. Not once.

Also, it’s confirmed that the hydraulic AMG Active Ride Control is now an option on the 55 while standard on the 63. Instead, it’s just air suspension with metal sway bars I presume. No pricing is announced at the time of my order and of course, I left that option out as I’m not tracking this but it will be my main daily driver. The dash cam is now an option and I got that. Also, I think big changes are coming for the 28 MY, including that awesome flat-plane crank engine, but I’ll be honest, I hate the star taillights. It’s look damn cheap to me. The current aesthetics on this thing is perfect.

 

I think your build is just fine!!

Now with that being said, one of the first things I noticed on my GT63 is indeed the Active Ride Control; the dynamics of the car change and its planted beyond what I thought a 4400 lb car could feel like. Most will say the engine is the key thing and of course they are right but I have had several M177/178 engines already so Im kind of used to that. But the ARC is new to me (last two AMG cars were a 2017 C63 and a 2017 E63 Edition one) and MBZ has done a brilliant job creating a German GTR LOL. I liken the car to the GTR (had that too) because its heavier but creates incredible confidence in the turns and bends.

If you can drive one with it, please test it out.

 

I always need cooled/ventilated seats with leather seats, I regret that the RS3 I just purchased doesn't have them, my *** is consantly sweaty in those seats LOL! I should have gone with a GT with cooled seats.

 

Nothing the matter with that build at all. Obviously there are some things I would add, based on me (duh), however that is solid. I really like the ceramic brakes - that's my thinking as well.

 

active ride control is standard in both the 55 and 63 in usa specs

 

Unfortunately, they changed it for the 2027 MY. Active ride control is now a packaged option for the GT 55.

 

oh shoot, I see it now. Part of a dynamic pkg with the engine mounts and race mode. Always interesting how they change the "menu".

 

Changed the color to Alpine Grey. I considered the cheapest Magno but chickened out…

 

alpine is cool color on that car, Mine is selenite. Always have thought grey is very "mean" and muscular on the sports cars

 

I don't understand the magno craze. A "dull" finish is everything most car aficionados have sought to avoid, and they're ridiculously difficult to touch up and paint match. But, to each his own. Give me a glossy clear coat on magnetic paint any day!

 

I really like Mercedes Magno paint myself. They look amazing in person. There’s three of them that I’ve seen personally: Starling Blue Magno, silver magno and of course that black/shadow magno that is synonymous with mango paints. The blue and silver magno were stunning. But I agree, they are not easy to maintain.

I wanted to get a 911 before the prices on them went bonkers over the past two years. I was dead set on getting one in Chalk. Alpine Grey is Mercedes’ equivalent albeit more grey. I also really like Audi’s Nardo as well and all are similar

 

The mango (matte) finish is a cool look that is total hell if you chip or scratch. If I did a matte paint it would 100% go in for xpel stealth wrap. At that cost you are better just ordering a non-matte finish and then just doing xpel stealth. On the other hand if you have money to burn and just want to drive it a year and eat the depreciation, let 'er rip.

 

Dealer called and said the Dynamic Plus Package for the 55 is $5,400, which adds the Active Ride Control

Personally, I think this nothing more than a fleece. Hopefully, they lower the MSRP some amount because of the elimination of what was once standard, but I somehow find that unlikely. But they should imo.

 

When's your build date Frenetic?

 

I’m still waiting for my allocation and build date but they told me six months more or less. Has anyone else received a 2027 allocation and build?

 

I ordered a 2026 GT 63 back in November, and by "ordered" I mean I created a build, left a deposit, and began the wait for that dealer's allocation to come up. Forward to January- build date assigned to last week in June, 2026. I was not pleased with the wait considering that it would be near the end of the MY. A month ago I get the "great news!" text saying my b uild date would be moved up to last week in May, and that it is now a 2027.

Why would MB build the 2027 MY so soon and ostensibly release it mid-year 2026? That doesn't follow the previous model year release date patterns. My big worry is that the vehicle will be built in May... but not released to me until the fall. In either case, it's a long wait. But worth it as we know!

 

Did they tell you how long it will take to receive the car once it does enter production?

 

There's the rub. They don't know that or what the final price will be bc MB hasn't released 2027 MSRPs yet. I have a buyer's agreement for a vehicle that is no longer being made, but the '27 version will have minimal changes. The mid-model refresh for the GT 63 coupe is not occurring in 2027, so I'm told, unlike with the 4 door sedan. So, same car, more money. We are set to have a pow-wow over who's paying the up charge once pricing is announced.

The good news for me is that I can unwind the deal if I want, and there are plenty of unsold 2026 63s out there. Just not the color/option combo I want. This was to be my dream, hold for many years retirement gift to myself, but MB has potentially mucked up those plans.

 

My GT 55 is in the middle of production right now. scheduled completion April 29.

 

My dealer emailed me and said I’m the first build request for the 55. I thought that there were others that put in an order for a 2027 before me? To be fair, now many people custom order a 55 anyways come to think of it. Not many vs the 63 or higher I presume. They still haven’t announced an MSRP yet, either.