2014 GL has fewer standard airbags than 2013
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Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 98
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From: San Diego
'12 E63
2014 GL has fewer standard airbags than 2013
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 381
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From: Cincinnati, OH
2021 GLS580 all black. 2014 GLK black (kids car). formerly: 2014 GL550 Palladium Silver (US)
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.
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2014 GL350, 2000 E320, 1989 328GTB
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
Last edited by finalwish; Aug 21, 2013 at 04:59 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 41
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From: SC
2014 GL350
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
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
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 381
Likes: 20
From: Cincinnati, OH
2021 GLS580 all black. 2014 GLK black (kids car). formerly: 2014 GL550 Palladium Silver (US)
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2014 GL450
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.
It is weird the new 2014 brochure mentions 2 less airbags though.
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Posts: 64
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GL450, R8 V10+, M6
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.
Last edited by shakasean; Aug 21, 2013 at 07:56 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 98
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From: San Diego
'12 E63
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.
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A gaggle of MB's
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.
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.
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 64
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GL450, R8 V10+, M6
This is unfortunate.
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 98
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
'12 E63
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.
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.
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From: NC
2019 Volvo XC90 Magic/Amber, '95 E320 Cabriolet Midnight,'14 GL350 Lunar/Almond was '07 GL320CDI
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
!
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
!
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 381
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From: Cincinnati, OH
2021 GLS580 all black. 2014 GLK black (kids car). formerly: 2014 GL550 Palladium Silver (US)
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.
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From: Captiva Florida
14 GL 350, 23Chevy Bolt EV and 22 EUV
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A gaggle of MB's
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.
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 207
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From: Captiva Florida
14 GL 350, 23Chevy Bolt EV and 22 EUV
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.
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From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
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.
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From: Cincinnati, OH
2021 GLS580 all black. 2014 GLK black (kids car). formerly: 2014 GL550 Palladium Silver (US)
Do you mind saying more about how you approached him? Was it added for no cost or did you have to negotiate?
Last edited by cincy8; Aug 23, 2013 at 11:06 PM.
