Sam9187

Sorry - I missed your earlier posts today on the your decision on the steering wheel. You have caused me to want to think abou to my choice of wheel further. Yes - the ML63 is a good source of comparison.

You really have done your homework by talking to a lot of dealers. And probably have more market insight on the GL63 than anyone else out there short of MB! Few really "need" the GL63 over a GL550, so it will be interesting to see how the limited demand balances against what will be limited supply. I guess I will need to relax until January at this point.

What made you choose the particular dealer you wound up ordering from? Is it closer to home?

Kind regards

I think you should rethink the wheel - the AMG wheel is unique and nice. The wood/leather steering wheel is same as other versions. As fabbrisd1 mentioned - without the AMG wheel its just not the same.

I ordered form a dealer far from me as I am in Texas and the only AMG Center in TX is park place. I wanted to order from someone that has a decent chance of getting an allocation, high up on the list, and most importantly I looked to see if the SA was being honest with me or was just trying to tell me things that I know not to be true. I think its crazy when I know more about the product than the SA who is trying to sell me that product. A few of the dealership staff did not know the GL63 is coming out next year as they asked if I wanted to make an appointment to test drive the car.

If the wood wheel is standard, then I too would recommend the AMG one. On my R63, the standard wheel would've been an all leather AMG sport steering wheel. However, mine was equipped with the optional wood/leather wheel which is the same one that would be found in non AMG cars. It really doesn't suit the personality of the car and it doesn't look sporty or aggressive at all. I'm now in the process of changing from my wood one to a more aggressive sport steering wheel that will have the essence of AMG in it.

So with that, I think it'd be the right choice to stick with the standard wheel. And for those of us in colder climates, we can then opt for the heated wheel as well.

I don't think the heated steering wheel is an option. I have a different perspective on ordering. I buy all my cars at the same dealer. I have built a good relationship with the manager, referred friends, etc. It is a larger dealer but not an AMG Performance Center. With that said they got allocation for the SLS when they were very hard to get. I have a set discount on every car I buy. Sometimes it works in my favor like here on my GL63 and sometimes I could have done better by shopping other dealers. They are always fair and honest with me, help me out when I have an issue and make sure I have first allocation when I want it. I put my order in the day the order guide was made available. It will be interesting to see if I get it later than those that order from AMG Performance Centers.

Thank you for the input. It sounds like I did the right thing by switching to the AMG wheel.

South Ocean1: I am sorry to make your decision difficult but I think the AMG wheel is the way to go.

Given the limited quantity I don't know if the allocations are to AMG centers exclusively. I took fabbrisd1's advice on ordering with an AMG center. Having said that I do prefer going with my regular" dealer who I like. My SA at the "regular" dealer did say (after speaking with his MB rep) that it will be extremely difficult for them to get a GL63 and also recommended looking at an AMG center. His MB rep mentioned there are approximately 100 coming in for the year. I am not sure if its 100 for the 2013 model year or calender year. Also I am assuming all 100 are for the US market.

It is nice to hear that your dealer is honest and suggested you go to a performance center. I will know shortly whether my build goes through and will post the group. I don't believe they would have taken my order if they didn't believe it would.

Curious to know from those who placed a GL63 order if you are paying sticker or got a discount.

My SA at the "regular dealer" is very good - honest and looks out for my best interest. I really hope he gets an allocation for the GL63 as I want the commission to go to him rather than someone I don't know. I guess allocations will have to come in January for both AMG centers and regular dealers - funny thing I did not even know there is such a thing as a regular dealership until fabbrisd1 mentioned it days ago.

There will not be general allocation of GL63's to "regular" MB dealers - a regular dealer can load up a GL550 all the way and put that on order from their GL550 allocation - but GL63's are just way too tight. For a regular dealer it would be a act of providence, like winning the lottery.

I personally admire Park Place as a organization - but on individual transactions on upscale orders, from other's comments, they do get nonchalant if not downright uncommunicative after they get the deposit.

If I wanted a GL63 for myself - sounds lame - but I would have to have my son-in-law order it from his desk at his AMG Performance dealership on the West Coast - he can do that as a AMGPC - but that same GL63 I can't put into the order bank my side.

That said, I am delivering two GL550's this month each at/over $120K, and a one $94K GL350 - once you sit in Designo and once hear the B&O, most never look back -

I admire and respect those getting into the water on the GL63 - awesome !

Oh, my daughter is driving a $59K GLK350 - almost makes my family sound pretentious !

Neither my son-in-law or I even knew that little critter could be done up like that - came up as a "brass hat" ordered/driven by a MB VP... imagine, two tone leather and even Distronic Plus on that little one..

What do you mean by "There will not be general allocation of GL63's to "regular" MB dealers?"

Thank you Fabbrisd1 on your insight. I contacted some AMG centers on the west coast - CA and all of them said they can't ship the car to Texas because they were afraid of the car being exported.

I am glad to hear good things about designo and B&O sound system. I can't wait to get my GL63 - Hopefully in February.

Tomshop:

I am in the same boat as you - ordered from my "regular" dealer that I have done business with in the past. They are a large dealer but maybe that will not be enough at least for this first shortened model year. The dealer thinks he will get some but was up front about not knowing for sure.

In terms of pricing, we agreed to table that discussion until there is an actual allocation. The dealer understands I am expecting a "fair" discount given past business and referrals but we have yet to pin down what is "fair". I would prefer to do business with them given our good relationship and service - that is worth something to me.

Sam9187, very interesting to hear about the 100 build number for 2013. That seems low given that the GL63 does not seem any more special than the ML63 (acknowledging that both are very special in their own right). I mean, these are not Black Series cars . . .

If the supply dynamics as suggested by Sam9187 and Fabbrisd1 are true, then it sounds like I may have to bide my time until Sept 2013. That will be disappointing but pricing will (or should) at least be better.

Wow sounds like an awesome GLK! I like those kind of setups somehow. People just need a certain size vehicle but go all out on it.

My opinion at least 50% of the MB dealers in the US will not even see one GL63 - and those 135 dealers for pretty good reasons.

If you are considering discount, then load up a GL550 with everything..go for the discount gold...then chip it for under $1000.

On 2013 GL63's I wouldn't make discount part of the decision process..MB is not going to let the GL63 get out of control... the GL63 is going to be a MB world-wide performance luxury SUV statement...

Got this message from my dealer "The order was submitted, approved and it looks like you will be a "Build" for the 3rd decade of Feb. (last 10 days-it might also move up)." Anyone get a similar confirmation?

Wow... haven't been into my dealer in a bit however.... I was specifically told (on Nov. 6th) production delayed to March. I was given a March 3rd build and April 20th delivery. Given this delay will result in an additional $4,000 plus in new taxes effective April 1st here in BC I'd be a bit miffed if they moved up production without consideration for those of us that have been in the que since Sept. 29th.

I've attached equipment list I was given before I placed my order, options include Night view and rear entertainment.

Tomshop.... I'm Assuming you ordered a GL63, in Canada or USA?

GL63 in US

Has anyone seen Anthracite Poplar wood trim?

I ordered it on my own and it looks great, saw it on an ML at my dealers lot. Just tried to upload photo but from some reason no luck. The trim is very dark almost black with wood grain that appears almost gray/silver. Liked it enough that I didn't bother upgrade to Piano Black. If I can figure out how to upload photo I will.

I have not heard anything from any dealer.
Its comforting to know that "regular" dealers will be getting the GL63.
When did you place the order? Approximately what date?

I just called the SA and he checked the computer. He said no allocations have been assigned. If there are no allocations then how can there be a build date.

Tomshop - can you call your SA and get some clarity - are there allocations already?, did he give you a PO#?.

I placed my order on 11/23 when ordering banks opened up. I asked for the window sticker but was told it is not yet available. It is possible my dealer is not giving me correct information but as I mentioned before I have bought many cars from them and they have always been honest with me about delivery timing.