adubm3

Happy to say I just signed for a '14 550 yesterday.

Specs/Options include:
>Polar White
>Auburn Brown/Black leather
>Brown satin ash wood trim
>Wood/Leather steering wheel $0
>Rear DVD
>Heated rear seats
>Active curve system

The '14 is a big price increase from the '13. MSRP is now $88,600 vs $86,900. It looks like some previous options are are now standard in the '14 but it is a pure price hike more than anything. I'll have to compare the spec sheets later. At least now I get what I want.

I also test drove a couple of 550's. One with ACS and one without. For me, I wouldn't want this car without it. No ACS feels like the steering is not as sharp, resulting in a delay in response and making the body roll more noticeable. You could select "sport mode" to tighten things up but that makes the entire ride stiffer. I'm not buying this car for the handling (frankly I'm a bit disappointed in the handling) but the car just feels more planted and sharper with ACS. This was my biggest question when configuring the car as it is not a cheap option. I love to drive and I like a stable and planted feel, but now I know and I hope this helps folks who are in the same boat.

Next, to Designo or not? "Absolutely, no question if you have the time and money. The 550 with ACS had Designo and it adds soo much more luxury.You kind of wish the car came like that to start off with. This may be the one option I may regret not getting, but the L/T is just unpredictable when ordering and I need this car delivered in Sept.

All in all, it was a great experience at the dealer thanks to my sales guy. Now, let's see if the car is built properly and when it gets delivered.

South Ocean1

Adubm3:

Congrats on your order. Sounds like you have a build date for delivery in September.

That was good feedback on the Active Curve System. Several other of the forum posters who have the ACS have given it good reviews as well.

Kind regards

adubm3

Thanks. Yes, I took a slot the dealer had for mid sept. They said now there is a buyer tied to the slot, production priority may move up.

ACS is a must IMO.

Best

adubm3

So I see that MB has updated their website so you can build the MY '14 GL's.
As for the 550, other than the nice price hike, I see that a few options are standard now, such as park assist and heated/cooled cup holders. Are their other items I'm missing?
Also, I don't see "Active Curve System" as a option now. Is that discontinued? I'm confused as I was able to order it a couple of weeks ago.

fabbrisd1

For a GL550 the production slot most likely will not move up - yes, it moves to Priority 1 - but almost all GL550's have priority 1 since they are 90%+ pre-sold - but with Priority 1 less likely to slip further back.. ask for email printout of "VII" record as confirming the scheduled production date..

adubm3

Thanks for the info. That's good to know. How early will they be able to print out the "VII" record?

adubm3

Ok, so the 550 went into production on 9/10. The dealer tells me it should be complete by end of week (haven't heard anything as of Friday @ 5pm), which is two weeks since build started. What is the standard production lead time for a MB made here in the US? Also, how long does it typically take from the plant to dealership (MD) and ready for pick up?

blittle

Congrats on the order! Barring something unknown.....you will certainly be pleased with your vehicle! My 13 GL450 is the finest vehicle I have ever owned..... my previous two GL's were a great warm up!

adubm3

Thanks blittle. Any info on the lead times?

aas5

Is the active curve system a standalosne option?

adubm3

Yes, it is. It doesn't show up on the online configurator for some reason.

adubm3

Just got a note from the dealer saying "the chariot is at the port of Baltimore."
Looks like delivery is getting closer! Maybe next WE.

blittle

Sounds like next week.....!

adubm3

It looks like the car has arrived at the dealership. The first thing I notice from the photos the sales guy sent me is the stretched leather on the rear seat cushions. What a disappointment! Does anyone else have the same condition and did you do get it fixed/replaced? (It is standard leather trim)

adubm3

Also, I thought the 2014 550 exhaust would be the quad tips as shown on the MBUSA configurator. I guess not.

aas5

No, it's only on GL63. Your car looks really nice!

adubm3

Thanks, I hope the quality is as good as it looks. Coming from a Lexus, it was the the other way around and the LX is no ugly ride.

OK, quad tips are for the 63 only. The website is wrong then as the 550 shows quad tips when you build it.

1st amg

Your GL is a beautiful color combo, congrats and I hope you have the small imperfections addressed. Personally, I think the leather seat in the rear makes it look more "leathery" than the plastic fake leather or artico interior.

adubm3

Thanks. This is just poor craftsmanship and quality control.

ychoi1216

yes but you need to add adaptive damping system($800)

adubm3

Not sure what you need on the 450 to get ACS but IMO it is a must have if you like to drive. I just picked up my 550 today and could notice the nice flat ride when cornering. Hope this helps.

Now I need to change the cars in "drives" on my profile.

cookstar

The stretched leather can not be fixed, I have the same problem on my GL350, the seat was back ordered from Germany which took 2 months to get to my dealer, once installed it was the same **** and streched out as well before anyone even sat on it, you would never have this problem with Mercedes Artico leather.

adubm3

Thanks for your input. It's hard to believe these seats come from Germany. Usually seats are locally sourced due to their size and color/material variety.
I believe this is a problem caused by the leather cover company where the stitching isn't done correctly. The dealership will tell you anything to get you off their back for a while and see if time will solve the problem.

cookstar

the firs time I brought it to their attention, they ordered the part, it turned out to have the same problem so they ordered it again and it was the same problem again.