ERC4

I noticed that the official MB pdf of the 2013 GL says- “Within the rigid, high-strength steel-reinforced uni-body structure of the 2013 GL‑Class, nine air bags offer 13-way protection.”

But in looking at the current MB USA website re the 2014 GL it says- “An advanced system of 7 air bags offers 11-way occupant protection. Dual two-stage front air bags, front side-impact air bags, a driver's knee air bag, and side curtain air bags for all three seating rows are standard.”

So I called MBUSA at 1-800-367-6372 and asked if it's true that the 2013 had 9 airbags standard yet the 2014 GL has only 7 standard. Unfortunately, they say it is true. The side torso bags in the 2nd row are now a special order only. Considering this is a family vehicle and knowing MB's reputation for safety I am surprised and disappointed.

Elric99

That's a terrible decision they slipped in there. Going to have to see if these can be added to my order.

finalwish

I have this as part of my order, 293 rear side airbags.
I don't see a charge for it on my PO.

cincy8

Is your car a MY14?
I don't see it on my GL550 (MY14) order. On the USAA Car Buying site, it's listed as a Special Order Rear Side Airbags (293) $420
Rear Side Airbags (293) $391 (negotiated) $420 MSRP
It also requires the $250 Special Order Charge.

finalwish

Yes, for MY14 GL350 order.

Here is my order:

Gl.350BTC $63,000
792 Palladium Silver Metallic $720
108 Grey MB•Tex
OSL Ultralo A. -sulfur fuel required. Biodiesel
P01 P01 Package: Drive(s Side & Interior Au $3,680
293 Rear Side Airbags (SPC)
297 Manual 2nd Row Sunshades $380
319 319 Lighting Package: Bi•Xenon Headlamps $1,390
50R 20" Twin 5-spoke Wheel $750
550 Trailer Hitch $575
581 581 3-Zone Automatic Climate Control: 3• $1.460
734 Eucalyptus Wood Trim
845 Illuminated Running Boards $670
889 KEYLESS•GO® $650
993 993 Lane Tracking Package: Blind Spot A $875
996 996 Paeking Assist Package: PARKTRONIC w $1,290

SUBTOTAL
$75.430
DESTINATION & DELIVERY $925
TOTAL $76,355

patyoung

My order for 2014 GL350 also shows this "option" listed without any cost:

293 Rear Side Airbags (SPC)

An earlier version of my order (in June) showed this option with a cost, but that cost was removed before there was even finalized pricing available:

293 Rear Side Airbags (SPC) $420

cincy8

Hmm. This is like a game, but I can't figure out the difference.

Elric99

I talked to my dealer today and they gave me a printout of my order (on order since end of May, due to be built in next week) and it luckily shows the 293 rear airbags on the order as a no-cost option.

It is weird the new 2014 brochure mentions 2 less airbags though.

shakasean

I have spec sheets on 6 different MY14 GL450 builds (including the one I purchased) and they all list the 293 Rear Side Airbags (SPC) as a no-cost option.

ERC4

This is great news re the 6 that you've seen and some of the other posts seeing it as a no-cost option on their order. Unfortunately we've seen some posters here attach the window stickers for their 2014s that haven't had the extra side airbags on them. Hopefully MB corporate will reverse whatever "logic" they used to make side airbags where our children sit a special order.

fabbrisd1

Let me clarify something here - the "first" factory production orders for MY2014 GL's automatically had 293 added by the factory as a no charge option.

If you have a order in place now - then you will need to check the build sheet - if the order build sheet shows 293 - then you have it - if it doesn't show 293 then you don't have it.

shakasean

This is unfortunate.

ERC4

Any insight into why MB would drop airbags from 9 to 7? Hell, even the Dodge Dart has 10 standard.

octurbo

My 14 GL 350 palladium silver/blk should arrive in a couple weeks. It also lists rear side side airbags 293 as no charge on the build sheet.

sraza

only thing i wonder is if a couple airbags were incorporated into others so the number sounds like 7 but is actually still same protection... just a thought..

carpersn

It is my belief from recalling different resources over the years that there has been some backlash to 2nd row torso bags used in addition to car seats in 2nd row where additional injuries occur bc of the inflexibility designed into the carseat or booster. Limbs lost or head injuries etc.

I am in the camp of wanting them regardless as I think the chances for helping are greater than for hurting if the child is properly sitting in a properly-installed seat. That being said, I was pretty thorough during my order process and DID NOT know of the reduction-however; even my spec'd '14 got them added....my guess being that anything in the pipeline at time of change got them.

Where the trouble will come is that going forward most dealers won't point out or ask about the customers desire for them and they will be missed by lots who assume they're getting them.

I would not take delivery had mine arrived without!

sjande00

My 2014GL included the additional airbags there was no charge and I didn't request it.

cincy8

Thanks for the insight. I was trying to figure out if they were even relevant.

captivabenz

Alarming , My 350 is on order for late Oct delivery, will contact my salesman to demand their inclusion at no extra cost.

fabbrisd1

Cincy has the correct assessment - affects all luxury SUV's regardless of brand going forward - it is up to prospective buyer's to ascertain the facts on rear side air bag's as they relate to their respective family situation.

captivabenz

My salesman immediately added the airbags to our factory build order without incident. Thanks for the update, I can imagine how difficult it would be to add after delivery.

JimBarnhart

In reading this thread that is exactly the conclusion I was coming to. By having the purchaser decide to add them there is a transfer of liability related to kids/car seats/etc in the back seat.

Tomshop

I just looked at my GL63 sticker and it does not show a charge for 293 option. Car is being delivered next week.

cincy8

Do you mind saying more about how you approached him? Was it added for no cost or did you have to negotiate?

captivabenz

Just via one email, in a non demanding but firm tone. No problem at all.