After a lot of research and shopping, I just ordered a 2014 GL350 BT. The dealer says that it's slated for production in the second week of June. Here are the specs:

799 Diamond White Metallic, Almond Beige MB Tex, Eucalyptus trim
P01 P01 Package
319 Lighting Package
996 Parking Assist Package
997 Driver Assistance Package
980 Accessory Chrome Package
413 Panorama Sunroof
50R 20" Twin 5-spoke Wheel
889 KEYLESS-GO®
810 harman/kardon® LOGIC7® Surround Sound
289 Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
550 Trailer Hitch
068 Wheel Locking bolts

Please let me know what you folks think of this configuration. Let me know if I missed anything important.

I do have the following questions and need your help here:

1. I’m a bit confused of the 996 Parking Assist Package. I don’t think I would need the park assist for its parallel parking feature, but here’s what the mbusa.com configurator says about 996, “The Surround View System uses cameras in all four directions to compose a single, live overhead view of your immediate surroundings”. This statement makes it sound like if you want the surround view, you must select the 996 package. But according to the info here, the standard rear view camera shows a live view of the surroundings, which is all I need: http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicl...-true#item-3-7. So I’m not sure if I should spend $1290 for 996 package when surround view is already standard. Please help by sharing your thoughts.
2. Illuminated running boards – I want running boards, but don’t necessarily need them “illuminated”. If I don’t order “Illuminated running boards”, do I NOT get the running boards at all?
3. With the eucalyptus wood trim, it seems that the center console (folding cover) comes in plastic. Choosing the burl walnut will get you the center console in wood, but will add leather upholstery. I want either burl or eucalyptus. Is there a way to get the eucalyptus wood trim and wooden center console?
4. Side air bags – What do you folks think of this special order option? Would the standard side curtain air bags for all three seating rows be sufficient? I will have kids in the rear seat.
5. When will the config be locked where I can make no more changes?

Just to be clear, I’m going for the 2014 primarily for the 3-row panorama sunroof and to have the car in summer.

 

Congrats on the build!

1. You need the Parking Assist Package ($1290) to get the Surround View Monitor. The PARKTRONIC Package comes with the active parking assist, while the rear view camera is simply standard. So in short, if you want the surround view monitor, you need the Parking Assist Package (996)
2. All running boards are illuminated, so in order to get the running boards you have to choose the "Illuminated Running Boards" option. I personally think it's worth it as you can't really add this in the future.
3. Yup, Eucalyptus wood trim comes with the rolling plastic cover over the cup holders. The only way to get that in wood, would be to get the special order wood trim (brown satin ash).
4. Side Air Bags option only adds side airbags to the second row. For the price, I think it's worth it for the safety.

I would also look into 3-zone climate control package as you seem to plan on filling all 3 rows. Without this package, there are only 2 vents for all 5 passengers in the back, with it you add 6 more.

 

Well...

1) Side air bags and infant/young-child safety - any manufacturer - are a safety discussion best to google - long story short w/infants-small children current consumer consensus is no on side air bags

2) U09 wrapped lower dash -$300

3) 883 - soft close doors - $400

4) 875 - heated windshield washer reservoir - $150 - for better highway windshield cleaning

5) 888 - if applies to you - key lock added to rear floor compartment (example: for medical equipment, handguns, etc)

3rd zone climate control $1450 is a purchase consideration based on 2nd/3rd row usage - especially "highway haulers" or "family vacationers"...

 

Forgive me if I'm not familiar with the 2014 P01 package but on our 2013 we had to order comfort access (key) as a seperate option. 3rd row air is essential (even in Seattle) if you ever have occupants back there. We have dogs so it was a must.

 

Thanks for all the responses. I removed rear side air bags due to child safety issues and added a few spc options. Ironically, I've originally added the rear side air bags keeping in mind that I would have children in the rear seat!

 

I've another question: If I go for Auburn brown/black (leather) interior, would it look good with my diamond white exterior? No dealer in the area has got anything with Auburn interior, so I can't see how it looks, but that tells me that this is not a very popular color.

Currently I've got Almond beige MB Tex, and I like the perforations on the seat surfaces. Looks like if I get the leather, there won't be any perforations unless I also order active ventilated seats $570). Please correct me if I'm wrong here.

 

Auburn Brown is an excellent color! And looks great with Diamond White Metallic. That was my first choice but I couldn't find any car that had that color combo and all the options I wanted.