order/build sent in by dealer but MB is waiting to process it so i get a 2021 vs 2020... so as soon as i can be guaranteed a 2021 upon order, which will likely be sometime next week, they will start the process for my car.

Any dealer can submit a request for a build but until an allocation becomes available it is just that, a request.

Won't allocations for 2021 builds start around July? I thought the slots were assigned 2-3 months out?

My dealer just got an allocation today for a 2020 G550 with a build at the end of May, and he expects the next slot to bump out the times about 2 months, when he gets the allocation.

here is from sales guy:

“....You are correct I did put the order in however MB said if I put it in this week it will get billed as a 2020 and as you and I know we both want a 2021.
So they do have the order you’re just waiting for the proper time to process it. There are no problems and everything is perfect...”

Not to sound sceptical - but I've heard (and read) so much BS from sales guys reported on this forum, I'm not fully inclined to believe him. That said - it's your relationship with the sales team, so you've got the "read of the room".

"Billed as a 2020" is another alarm bell for me. Given that those of us who placed ordered for 2020s ("billed"?) some time ago have dealt with both spec changes and price increases mid cycle - you don't know what you're getting until the car actually shows up.

My guess is that the guy hasn't actually "spoken" to MB at all. He's spoken to his sales manager, and they've agreed that you'll get the very first 2021 allocation that dealership gets, unless the dealership owner wants one for a friend, or a more profitable deal comes along first.

Sorry to be such a downer - but the ordeal of buying these things, with the price gouging from both dealer and manufacturer, deposit madness, lengthy delays and more, I wouldn't believe anything that's not in writing... and no dealer is going to commit to "We agree to sell spourreza a 2021 G63 at $xxx + tax for delivery in October, in return for a $y,000 deposit. We agree to pay spourreza his deposit plus damages of $yz in the event that we fail to maintain this agreement".

Totally 100% correct. Do not believe anything you are told until the car is in front of you and have the final paperwork with a pen in your hand. Everything else is just speculation.
Most dealers will tell you anything to get your deposit.

Thanks for feedback alistairg and Surge but think you are being too skeptical. My family has bought over 30 cars from this sales guy so dont think he is playing games. Not worth losing our other business. 2nd, these are not very difficult cars to get and I think maybe we are all taking this "allocation" topic to another level... Any one can get these cars especially in US - you want one, order one. Now, we my SVJ, 720s etc.. allocation is a different factor. You want a G Truck, you can get one. 3rd - he didnt ask for a deposit and he has been on print (in email and text) saying my car was ordered etc... Not worth him putting something in print and backtracking...He told me its has been put in the order book.

I think all he means is they have my order, the spec is mine and that it wont go into production until the 2020s are done and they are starting the 2021's. I specifically asked told him i want a 2021 given were we are in the production cycle. If car goes into production now, it will be a 2020. He thinks the process with my car should start soon and that he will have more answers on build/delivery timing this week. And this is a G550 not G63 albeit i am paying almost 170,000 for it.

Got it, makes sense. Sorry, I wasn't aware of your long history with this dealer. I did not pay a deposit for my 2019 G550 either. No games. But here in Canada they are/were a 2-3 wait list, as they were priced significantly below the US price - but that has now been "corrected" with big price hikes for 2020.

anyone know when 2021s will start to hit the shores of US?

Allocations for 2020s are still being disbursed to dealers and the details of the 2021 model will not be released until June or so - expect the first 2021s in December.

jeeze, i put in order for 21 so hopefully the build i selected is still applicable and no new price increase!

What do you mean by "order"? You will not have a real order until you get an allocation with a PO (Purchase Order) # that has an expected build date.

dealer submitted my build to MB and they will process it as soon as 21 allocations open up. i switched from a 20 to 21 two weeks ago. dealer thinks they will have the allocation and expected build date by end of next week. i pivoted to a 21 from 20 model year given how late we are in the 20 build phase.... salesmen said at this point, go with a 2021 so i did. he seemed to think the 21’s will hit showrooms by October/November so i have one of the earlier allocations

It is called a "request" and a dealer can submit as many requests as they want but that does not mean they will get filled since it is based on allocations. Ask they how many allocations they had for 2020 (even though they are still getting them) or for 2019. And let us know when your "request" gets picked up and becomes an allocation - it will not be a long time so I just want you to be prepared.

very helpful as always Bob and will do... here is the latest text from dealer:

“Hopefully MB will let me know Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.
All is good we’re just in ordering mode for 2020s and you and I won a 2021”

and:

“Your friend may have ordered a 2021 G Wagon / like you and I did but it’s not going into production, trust me I have everything under control. I promise”

Alittle late to this thread but I would go for the G63. I’ve had the s63, currently a renntech Gls63 ( 2018). I like the sound, looks and handling much better. Something about starting up an amg. You won’t regret it. I’m currently in debate between the new gls 63 and gls 600maybach. I love amg as you can see but love the luxury of the maybach.

on a side note, I have been considering a G63. Anyone have regrets with the G class? How’s the handling on highways , and long distance trips?

I've had my 2019 G550 for about 4 months. Zero regrets. Best car in the lineup. Comfortable, powerful, good exhaust noise (even the standard exhaust).
I have an AMG GTC so there was no need for a G63. The G550 trim suits the G wagon better in my opinion -- it's never going to be a sports car -- and for off road use, you want the G550 trim.
It's awesome machine and the wait list is justified.

comfortable on highway driving? My wife has the new gle 450 So I can always use that. Talked to my dealer for a test drive but you guys would know best long term wise.

Absolutely comfortable on highway, and on potholed street driving. The less aggressive tires and suspension of the G550 vs. the G63 will help here.

Trust me, Very comfortable. I throw on the massage seats, put my head back and it's smooth. Came from a GLE63 Suv which was also smooth (better in corners) but the G63 is more than enough of a driver for me personally.

I am not a daily driver (city living) but I use the G to drive 220miles from NYC to VT and back on weekends. Trust me, that drive is long in any car. But in the G63 the whole thing is fun and cozy. I HAUL out of the city, cruise control on the highway, then put it on Sport+ for the hilly winders.

great to know thanks.

perfect. I live on the island and travel upstate a lot for work. My concern was on the taconite ect. If daily driving is great and handling is good that’s what I’m asking for. Plus I feel the g wagon is closest to the S class. The new gls is just a gle.

Anyone here compare the gls to the g ?