Your terminology implies some illegality in the classification system. That is not the case. It is not arbitrary. There are specific attributes that determine vehicle classification.

 

Most US auto regulations are silly and are based on what you said, with some rules designed to protect the domestic industry. Others simply haven't kept up with the pace of technological progress. Back when I worked for several OEMs, I pushed hard to try and get lobby time to join things like the UN Harmonized Vehicle Regulations for safety, emissions, etc. Non-domestic manufacturers have to modify vehicles to meet US standards. This adds up. And ultimately means less choice for American consumers. Lots of Americans are also just dumb and lawsuit-trigger-happy, so other regulations force idiotic nanny regulations, like the massive airbag warning labels on sun visors or the "objects in mirror are closer than they appear" text on the passenger mirror. We learn these things in German driver training and don't need constant reminders in our cars. Heck, my Volvos had a manual switch to disable the front seat passenger airbag!

I'm probably in the minority, but I actually order my cars (when feasible) without the tinted glass in the rear. This way, I can use my preferred brand of tint (currently Stek NEXseries) on all windows for uniformity and consistency. My E 53 wagon was built with code U50, like all US cars. It's an a la carte option for other markets.

 

All of the above, are as applicable to the GLC, as to the GLE. "Illegal" is only applicable if it is a violation of the law. Not if the law (or more specifically, the "regulation") itself is rigged to favor a portion of the market, fueled by well-oiled lobbying, from well-funded interest groups.

 

I like it that way too. Untinted from the factory. I added near-transparent 3M Crystalline film, to all glass areas of the car, including the Pano roof and the front and rear windshields. So my rear windshield is totally transparent, while cutting out 100% of the UV, and 97% of the Infra-red. I would have added this film, even if it came with dark tint from the factory, since I do it for the properties of the film, rather than to darken up the car. I added this into my 2024 GLE, which came with "privacy glass" in the rear.

 

You are missing the point. Rigging refers to the dishonest or illegal manipulation of processes to achieve a desired outcome.
If there is collusion, which you are implying, then it is also illegal.

 

I just include the IR and UV blocking package as an option when I order the car. One get thicker laminated glass which is also quieter as well as more insulation and sound control floor padding. There is no noticeable tint. Window film doesn't hold up very well in my climate as it tends to bubble and distort vision.

 

Remove the highlighted portion above, and now you are hitting the mark. This kind of rigging happens all the time, within the government. If you believe otherwise, then I have an oceanfront property for sale, in the middle of the Kalahari desert......just for your consideration.

 

I have had high-end tint on my cars for well over 15 years. Professionally installed. I go back and look at my oldest car, and it stil has absolutely no deterioration.

 

How much?

 

sorry for all the questions...just so excited to have put my build in for an E53 wagon!!!

Does the E53 wagon come with a 115v outlet? There is a part for it online:
000-820-57-05 - Socket-Outlet 1954-2026 Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz USA Parts

Also, what is the standard wheel for the 2026 E53 wagon? Online is says it is twin 5-spoke but my build says "20in AMG Multispoke Wheels". What does a "multispoke" wheel look like?

I have heard though can't find on the internet that there is some special way that you have to re-fuel the gas...something about aeration when it comes to PHEV's?

 

There's nothing special about refueling. The only difference with a hybrid is that the fuel tank is pressurized, and you need to unlock it prior to fueling using a switch in the door.

 

These are your wheel choices for the US market.

 

Yeah...I have this same information, but my dealer says that on their build the 5-spoke is an extra $200 and not "standard". Anyone else hear this info?

 

There may still be some inconsistencies with the pricing on the web versus in Netstar. For example, my dealer contact in the US says the sun package still shows $800 in Netstar, but $380 on the website (which is accurate). I would place your order for the wheels you want and wait for MSRP data to be updated in connection with the actual release of cars, then have them change if you don't want to pay the extra.

 

Any known Manufaktur paint orders submitted for the e53 yet?

 

Custom MANUFAKTUR (PA1) orders are not available for the 214 generation. I would have loved this, having done it on my S213. There are, however, 4 pre-defined colors available: primer (Alpine Gray), Patagonia Red, and Moonlight White in Metallic or Magno/Matte. Alpine Gray is available on all US models except the E 53 wagon for the moment, as it is being "exclusively" offered on the Edition 1.

 

Dang...takes some of the fun out of it for sure.

 

hmmm, I wonder what that means for the E53 wagon I ordered in alpine gray from the Mercedes published order sheet. Will it arrive in a different color picked by MB? Would definitely be hugely disappointing, spending over $100k I am not able to just accept whatever they give me. Know what I mean?

 

From what I understand, Alpine orders with allocation and confirmed before the Edition 1 announcement to dealers will be built as specified. Your dealer would be alerted through Netstar if there was a change. They can confirm for you.

 

Phew.... I almost panicked here, lol. My order was confirmed in early June, prior to the Edition 1 announcement. That's a huge relief. Interestingly, the initial promotional photos surrounding the E53 AMG wagon announcement feature it in Manufaktur Alpine Gray, which is what prompted me to go for that color because it's stunning in the Alpine Gray.

 

Just contacted my dealer, my E53 AMG wagon is confirmed in Alpine Gray, thank goodness. As you mentioned, my order was accepted prior to Edition 1 announcement. That said, I had wondered why on the MB website car configurator alpine gray could not be selected, now I know why. I thought it was just a glitch.

 

Yes that’s what I recall - I was considering Alpine and was told it was order-able. In the end went with Cirrus Silver - bummer that they don’t have the old silvers with less blue-ish hue.

I know they had something about Edition 1 cars in the first press release but no specs on them. If it was the Moonlight White like the sedans I would have been tempted, but at the cost probably would have to take a think. My dealer also didn’t let me know about E1 cars, just went straight to ordering.

Do E1 cars get released to dealers first?

I haven’t heard anything about my car since a couple days ago. Mine is not an E1, so hope they don’t hold them back any more than needed.

 

and you will have something unique - alpine without the edition 1 stickers and such.

 

The E1 was a surprise. The 48 inbound to the US have been sitting at VPCs, some since July. They are pre-built and non-configurable. Dealers found out about them the other day, and allocation was apparently random.

E1s should not be released first. All should be released at once.

 

I was surprised that they would not allocate them earlier.

Thought the high-performance wagon market in the US would be a bit niche, but now just remembered the M5 Touring was doing well that BMW pumped up production of it.

Seeing the 122k price tag of the E1 on some cars in inventory (albeit not final), like one at MB Rockville Center in NY, glad that my car is not an E1. I think I’ll be in the 107-108k range.