nygl320cdi

I just ordered a GL320 and cannot wait to get it. But I am extremely frustrated that I had to compromise so much in ordering one. MB USA does not offer certain options or combinations in the United States where the trucks are also built. you cannot get a heated steering wheel, and the leather package together. you cannot get the off road pkg. with ADSII or low range with the gl320 when it is offered in other countries. you cannot order ventilated seats when they are offered in a market like the U.K. where they sell a significantly smaller # of Gl's. also I believe MB removed the multi-contour seat as standard from 2007 GL's for the driver on all but the gl550, and you cant even pay for it as an option to get it back. The competition offers many of these across their entire range of models and most are standard. hopefully this will change in the future.

cablvr

NY,

Welcome to the club! Lurk (like me), read & post often. This is a very knowledgeable and friendly group.

Did your dealer give you an estimate as to delivery? I just heard from my dealer that a VIN will be available in a day or two, but not to expect delivery until mid-late February. I started with a late-Dec build date, which was then pushed to 01/16/08.

It's never easy to decipher the marketing strategies of MBUSA as to the mix of options on different variants. IMHO MBUSA is not necessarily focused on the competition's options and standards, but perhaps more on the market's expectations as to model (passenger capacity, powerplant and price point).

Stumblefoot

NY,

If you read through the old postings, you'll see many who feel the same as you on virtually every point you make.

Isn't it interesting though, as frustrated as you are with the availability of various options, you still bought a GL after all?

Personally, I have no idea if MBUSA would sell more GL's if they decoupled the packages and let everyone order exactly as they see fit. However, I do know that either (a) they would make a lot less profit per car, or (b) the MSRP would be higher than what it is today.

blittle

Hey long-time MB buyers..........is this issue also apparent on the other class lines as well or has this simply cropped up with the new GL line?

nygl320cdi

My dealer says delivery should be about mid Feb. (the 15th or so) I ordered a GL320 previously and when it arrived in December it was completely wrong, color and everything. It was my dealers error, as my paper work showed, so they reordered the correct GL320 and provided me with a loaner car e350 wagon until it arrives.

In regards to the pricing structure I don't mind the packages, but I'm just for having more choice, BMW does a better job with the x5 balancing pkgs and individual options. having options (like keyless go) that aren't available in a pkg or in the U.S. market (like ventilated seats), available individually or for special order wouldn't hurt . I also don't see how offering the off road pkg isn't possible or how it could hurt MB's margins on the GL320. maybe its because they are selling like hot cakes and people like me will purchase the truck anyway. This is a premium vehicle positioned and priced above the ML320, yet you have a P3 pkg. for the ML320 that adds ADSII. If mercedes benz had a P3 for the GL that included ventilated and multi-contour seats, keyless go, ADSII and everything from P1 and 2 I sure they could maintain their profit margins.

OrthoDoc

NYgl320cdi -

Same thing happened with our 320CDI (built wrong color). We got to the showroom and asked "that's not our car is it?" The salesman about passed out.

They gave us a new GL450 to drive in the meantime. Hopefully they will get this one right.

Stumblefoot

I hear you loud and clear. It's the packages that drive profit margins, not the individual options by themselves.

Don't be surprised if you see what you describe above as standard in the 550 for MY'09.

nygl320cdi

by 09'-10' they will probably have that package described , the comand system and tech from the glk-concept/ S & C classes, and bluetec on the 320 and ill have to trade mine in after only two years to get all that.

Stumblefoot

Might have to trade it after only 6 months.

I'm pretty sure that the GL will have the next generation command system for MY'09 and the 320 will also be BlueTec in all 50 states.

nygl320cdi

I don't think id mind trading it in after 6 mos. if i got those features.

carpersn

As i've stated before, what bores me is that things like ventilated seats are actual options on GL's heading to other countries...so the parts are in Alabama, we just aren't even allowed to pay extra for them.

StevethePilot

Oh, that's hysterical. Now I guess we have some insight as to why they don't want to allow full customization! Could you imagine? "Uh, I ordered the grey piping on my purple seats, and this is blue piping on white!" Maybe they're just not up to the task yet, like Porche & BMW are. (And Volvo, possibly?)

I can't wait until there are fuller diesel lines in more makes of the car. I know one car that would be a real repeat of the Ford Escort would be if the Ford Focus (sold in Europe as the Mondeo, I believe) were to come with Ford's European diesel here in the U.S. A very nice car in the U.K. and well thought of, it would go gangbusters here as a U.S. built car with Euro suspension and economy!

Stumblefoot

You're right, but I believe MBUSA is paying attention to what folks are saying on forums such as this one. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that you'll be able to get the ventilated seat in MY'09 on the 550.

Can Drive 55

Please, don't get me started.