are they worth it?

 

Most of us who have them would consider them "essential" but that is, of course, subjective. I do think they afford more comfortable seating positions than the standard manual lumbar adjustment. I first had "orthopaedic seats", as they were first called, in my 1990 300TE, and ever since, i've had to have them...

 

Really up to you and your budget. When I was looking, I noticed that seats option was usually on loaded cars. Meaning you won't find a GL with just seats option on it. It will have P1 and some other bling on it. Of course, if you order than that is a different story.

 

The standard seats are pretty standard seating that you would expect from any manuafacturer on an SUV with bucket seats. If you find them comfortable, then go for it, since the multicontours typically require special order.

The multicontours feel like seats that belong in a sports car. Not the best sports car seats, but fairly decent. For me and the misses, it was the only choice since the standard seat cushion was too long for a person of her height. That said, even in their most flat position, they are much more huggy in the seatback, so they may be uncomfortable for wide people.

 

I find the optional seats to be very comfortable. Takes a while to get them just where you like them, but that is just personal preference, not a fault of the seats.

 

I got them for those long trips that I never have time to take! Adjustable leg supports sold me.

 

Took a 1000 miles road trip. They were a must!!! I love them.

 

I'd get them, but then I'd get sport seats in any car that offers them. For example, it baffles me that most 3-Series buyers don't get the Sport Package just for the vastly better seats it includes.

I should also note that I've written a blog entry praising adjustable side bolsters:

http://www.truedelta.com/blog/?p=4

The way to get these in a Mercedes is with the multicontour option. A shame it isn't offered as widely this year.