Mannux1986

Hey Folks,

Sorry if this is a previously discussed issue but I am new to MBWorld so please forgive me!

I am trying to order a 2013 GL450 with the designo and nearly every package. The dealer I am using was going to use an allotment vehicle for me or bump someone else but it seems that the designo is on backorder and will be for sometime...they suggested a different leather but I am pretty set on the designo...does anyone know when it should be available...should I just wait until July for 2014 model? At this point the car wouldn't be ready until Mid May to begin with!

Thanks

JimBarnhart

Welcome to the forum!

You should get a response from people in the know soon. I don't think you'd see a 2014 model in July. The last we saw from knowledgeable people is they'd arrive at customer lots closer to the September range.

JimBarnhart

Just curious, why not a 550 if you are loading it up so much?

Mannux1986

When I went to place the initial order the 550 was even more backordered and what not so I went 450...I thought the production date for 2014 began mid-late july so I guess september to customers makes sense? This is all very new for me!
It seems to me that the Designo is worth the wait though? I just want a freaking time frame!! Spoke to the Northeast Regional Distribution Liasion at MB and waiting on some answers from her for now...

JimBarnhart

Makes sense. Good luck in your search. Here in my area the supply seems to be catching up some with demand. My dealer looks to have a few 450's and a 550 on the lot.

Mannux1986

Thanks Jim...do you know if they have the Designo? that seems to be the only issue with my order. If I ordered it w/o the designo it would be ready early May. The Designo is becoming the bane of my existence!

fabbrisd1

For what it's worth - my opinion loading up a GL450 can be a good thing - with those features you find of value for you and your family - "loaded" depending if Driver's Assistance is available would be roughly MSRP$83 range.

However, loading up that GL450 with Designo is a different matter - especially since the best color is Black Designo, then add Piano Lacquer trim on top of that - because adding that takes you to GL550 (non-Designo) price point territory.

Down-the-road the trade-in and/or resale value on any GL450 Designo will take a bigger hit than a GL550 non-Designo...the GL550 as the 550 will alsways have the higher pre-owned demand, and the GL450 Desigo a real lame duck.

GL550's are sold out - actually over sold - so all the Designo has been sucked up by the GL550's and the launch of GL63's.

Sorry delivery for Designo in a GL450 will be the same as delivery for a GL550 with Designo... be open on Designo color.

June production possible - yes that will be near production end of model year - but 2014's will not start delivery at dealer until 1st week September "maybe" last week August "maybe".

That said - I would suggest you find another dealer - for today - early May delivery on a loaded/non-designo GL450 is not "great".

There are booked GL450 orders for early May production that can be changed - I don't mean for Designo - then that booked order can swapped out for end-Mar production - that's really what can happen today.

That's the lay of the land - let me know if there is anything I can do to help...

Mannux1986

Thanks! Changing dealers really isn't an option for reasons I won't go into... if I didn't get designo the car would be ready soon....like you mentioned the dealer did offer to use an allotted vehicle and swap out my specs but with the designo so back logged it wouldn't make a difference. Looks like I have to wait this one out unfortunately!

sam9187

I don't think the issue is that designo is on backorder. MB only has limited designo slots for a particular build. When the dealer order bank opens designo is the first to go. It is ofcourse supply limited but that could be MB's choice. I ordered a 550 without designo at first but then later changed my mind and passed on the car when it came to the dealership. If you want designo then you will have to wait unless you get one on a lot

I think designo is worth the wait but I would suggest go for the 550.

JimBarnhart

They show two 550's on their current inventory. One is $91K and has photos in their shop. It's black/black without Designo.

The other doesn't have photos of it in their shop, so I'm suspecting it's in transit. From experience on my GL350, sometimes it shows on the dealer's inventory even if it's already reserved for someone. So it might not be available. It's a Dakota Brown/Black and has a sticker of $101K. At that price I would think it's more likely to have Designo.

If you want to check it out, send me a private message and I'll give you my salesman's name/email/phone. Given the popularity of the GL, I highly doubt they'd do a dealer trade.

Mannux1986

Jim! Thanks so much for your help...apparently someone is looking out for me because my dealer just called and the car will be built in the 3rd group for April for late April/Early May delivery....Designo and all! I couldn't be more excited......clearly!!

JimBarnhart

Awesome! We'll all be curious to hear what you ordered, help you through the waiting period, and see pictures once you get your new ride.

X166

The Designo is well worth the wait. Ours arrived last week--Auburn Brown with Satin Ash--MUCH nicer than even in magazine / press photos.

fabbrisd1

Congrats to you both...

Mannux1986

WOOHOO I am so pumped...here are is what I ended up ordering!
Black exterior with auburn brown designo with brown satin ash wood trim...I am probably most looking forward to that...went with premium package 2, collision prevention assist, rear sun shades, lighting package, appearance package (without chrome door handles, I can always add these but I was unsure), driver/passenger multi-countour seats with massage, heated/ventilated front seats, panorama sunroof, heated steer wheel, heated rear seats, 3 zone climate control, wired for RSE, Lane tracking...I found some other tires on the accessories package and I'm also adding those...Will keep you posted...I'm floored!

JimBarnhart

Sweet. That sounds like a very nice combo. When I ordered mine some of the things you got weren't available yet (pano roof) and some I didn't know about (rear sun shades, satin ash). Mine is Obsidian black, but similarly configured.

I would really like to see pictures when you get it, in hindsight I'm kinda wondering if I would have rather had auburn brown with brown satin dash. I love the black and shiny contrast of mine now, but that auburn/satin combo looks awesome.

Mannux1986

I will DEFINITELY keep you posted! Thanks for your help!

fabbrisd1

Collision Prevention Assist is a standard feature - did you mean the $1290 Parking Assist Package (and check if your build is available with that Surround View camera system) ?

I would suggest you consider:

1) adding $550 trailer Hitch for additional rear collision protection and for future resale

2) If you don't plan to remove headrests, and/or not planning to transport children, then consider the $400 EZ Entry for 2nd row. If you need to remove headrests, or transport children up, then no go EZ Entry due to headrest/no-remove, and different adult-only extended headrest position

3) Check with your dealer on $175 SPC option #875 Heated Washer System, makes winter cleaning windshield and headlights a "breeze" - especially since you're going for heated wheel and heated back seats.


Your "door handles" are chrome on inner handle for Keyless Go - "chrome door handle inserts for the body are always available later at same price as order - same with chrome hood fins..

Mannux1986

Thanks Fabbrisd1!

It is definitely coming with the EZ entry seats, I forgot to mention it. Same goes for the Parking Assist Package which does have the surround view camera etc.
I will definitely e-mail the dealer today and ask about the heated washing system! I appreciate the tip...I do see that the Lighting package does come with a headlamp washing system but it doesn't say anything about being heated so I assume its different!

Thanks for all of your help!

Jimefam

Yup I placed an order for a Gl350 first week of december with the Designo interior and was told it would be here mid to late february. Well about a month ago I got a call from my sales rep telling me its been pushed back until end of April or early May. Said it was due to "Supplier" issues.