PunjabiM3

We are thinking of ordering a GL350 to spec with delivery sometime in late summer. I am thinking it may be better to just order a 2015 instead of getting one of the last 2014 builds as I would not be surprised if there are some minor changes (typical). Plus I think resale wise it is always better to get one model year newer if possible. Having said that, anyone know when they typically start building the new model year? July? And anyone know of any minor or major changes coming in 2015 for the GL series, specifically the GL350? Thanks!

fabbrisd1

Please understand that new model delivery of the BlueTech version tends to be Oct - mid/late - since Feds have to approve each new model year - gassers are approved 1st - expect gassers beg/mid Sept delivery, with mid/end-Aug possible - but BT's will be mid-late October...

You can "order" a new 2015 GL now with your dealer based on available details from the Dealer order Guide - "assume" 2015 GL will be about 3% higher in base price than 2014 - "official" 2015 pricing will not be released until late June normally.

Delaer can take your order specs - take deposit - then place your specs on order for 1st available 2015 production slot that dealer will have available - most likely Sept for Oct delivery.

Yes - I know all the internally announced changes - but frankly haven't had time to post the changes - for GL/ML/GLK... in design cycle 2015 GL will be same "theme" as 13/14 - no "facelift" until 201 model year.

"Advantage" of 1st adopter of new model year has to do with 1st-year-calendar life 14/14 months - versus lets say May current model year has 1st-year-calendar-life 7 months.

"Availability" will continue to be tight/tight for GL350 this year and into the next - when "build-to-order" you have to have clarity with your dealer you are both talking about a allocated/real production slot ... and "most" dealers don't have many of those at all for GL350..

PunjabiM3

Thanks for the info. Would tho mind sharing what minor changes will happen for 2015? I would rather know if it is something worthwhile to hold out for a. 2015, such as better nav display, changes in standard features or options, color choices, etc.

Todd in PA

Naturally since I ordered a 2014, they will go ahead and update the headlights to full LED! (maybe) BTW my build date is April 20 and I am counting the minutes until delivery.

canudigit

I read a blog post on another site that states the 2015 GL 450 will have a Bi-Turbo V6 instead of a V8. Any truth to that?

StarGazer2014

Any word on whether the 2015s will implement the new iCar interface from Apple?

cookstar

yes its confirmed, the V8 engine in the GL450 will be replaced with a turbo 6

http://www.benzblogger.com/2014/04/2...ft-torque.html

microb

Yesterday, I placed an order for a 2015 GL350 Bluetec at my local dealer. He reconfigured an existing allocation for their first 2015 GL350. The production slot is 1st decade (first 10-days) of July. The software did not have the pricing yet, but the 2015 pricing of the options and packages were published on this site (thanks!). The salesman thinks I will have it early to mid-August.

fabbrisd1

Just so you are aware:

1) 1st decade July is a kindof fracked up - for OK reasons - with Fri 4th Jul Holiday - a "good number" of the production line workers and their line management will take advantage of the Friday July 4th Holiday off to take vacation 1st-3rd and thru the 4th July weekend.

2) this starts July off to a bit of a uncertain start - and can put production off a bit thru the balance of July.

3) For the past several years - diesel MY15 Federal approvals have lagged a bit behind gasser approvals - so where gassers have had launch as early as 3rd week August dealer deliveries - for diesels past several years dealer delivery has "lagged" behind gassers about 4-5 weeks.

A couple of notes on a 2015 GL350 build - Appearance Package will get you 20" wheels and Illuminated Running Boards for $1200 - which "most" would consider a "deal" - Another note mentioned earlier - Pano roof for 2015 means "double" sunroof 1st/2nd row and 2015 does NOT have added 3rd row fixed sunroof.

mist68

Why has the third row fixed sunroof been eliminated? Cost? Weight?

ogre.

3rd row fixed sunroof with no closure at all started as a problem because there was no way of blocking the sun at all. On a hot day or with the sun shinning directly on to a passenger this could be a problem. A retrofit shade screen that simply pushed into frame of the 3rd row sunroof was added but it seemed a little amateur. Perhaps they have now decided there is no appropriate solution and that is why they have removed the 3rd row sunroof?

fabbrisd1

Well, there have been no complaints of sunroof "heat" - if you had a concern add Crystalline tint film.. elimination makes production more cost effective.."upgraded" sunroof is simply a double and not triple..

Ah_gl450

But the cost to add panorama sunroof stays the same despite having one less glass roof =/

asb123

Are there any positive changes in 2015? Perhaps the new iOS in car or anything at all? (not considering the new 450 engine as that only effects one model, not the platform)

Almost seems like the 2015 is a downgrade if you want a panoroof

cincy8

The reality is the third section is pretty far back to be much use. And then we all complained because it didn't have a shade by those that did have kids and animals that got baked.

They added a clip on shade which in my case means it's always on. Net is I don't really use that third section because I don't know where to keep the shade.

So I guess their solution to the problems is eliminate it. I would have preferred a sliding shade.

ogre.

+1
Well summed up.
Remember, these vehicles are shipped all around the world including far hotter places than the US.

nycglover

Hi Fabbrisd1,

I would appreciate some more information regarding the updates/internal changes that you refer to. Also, the refresh is 2016 MY? Do you know anything in the works for that?

I am most interested in the AMG version. Safe to assume production is staying the same and fairly limited? I am in no rush and can't decide whether to pull the trigger on a 15 or wait for 16. Seems like resale values have held up pretty well on GL63. Anyone here think that is because of limited supply or perhaps not as good as I think?

Thanks for your insight!

fabbrisd1

If I was planning for a GL63 - then I would suggest a "full build" with the exact color/Designo Interior and Trim/feature you want - timing wise that build is quite dependent on the G63 build allocation and timing that your prospective dealer really "has".

Putting selective AMG dealers aside for the moment - since salespeople are salepeople - the other 350 MB dealers do have limited-to-some-almost-none really.

At this moment - there are dealers with changeable 2ns/3rd decade August production for GL63's - which puts delivery Sept quite near beginning of MY15 - for a almost full 12 month in MY, and full 15 month Calendar year - since MY and Calendar Year and the two depreciation "plateaus" so to speak.

The fact actually is this - you can have a whole lot of enjoyment in a year with a GL63 - numbers are #'s - and frankly 2016 freshening is a marketing schedule - with "next generation" which is the real hit a year/2-years closer from launch of the Freshening than it will be for a MY2015.

Mwm1212

Will the second row still flip and fold to allow 3rd row access? We're interested in the GL, but don't want to have to put 2 carseats next to each other to allow for 3rd row access to be uninhibited.

KrustyKustom

I am wondering if allocations are tighter on the GL350s?


I just got the "rare instock model update" from my dealer on a email and it had all of the usual $170k sports cars, new AMG versions of S-Classes and down at the bottom was a 72k GL350! I had to laugh it was not a "exotic"!!


It really does not have much competition when you look at the mileage and towing capacity. Still a good value in my opinion.