I'm open to better suggestions or definitive answers. Seems that only MB program execs/engineers know, and they don't appear to feel like they owe anyone any explanations for the decisions/choices they make. Although I honestly thought it was a better reason than the extra amp wouldn't fit with the new AMG fender skirt. I'm looking for a logical reason why they align the packages they way they do, but in reality it really doesn't matter. It is what it is; buy it or don't.

In that screen shot NetStar is showing “Prod Date” of 4/7, which is when it should be completed. Your dealer should give the best estimate. It may be shipped through Baltimore.

Burmester 3D has roof/headliner microhones to set for 2nd row time delay and balance bass/mids/highs as compared to front and rear of the MB..

Just goes to show: on German configurator you can order rear power seats as a stand alone option. 7 seats are not needed for this option.

Looks like you have almost the exact GLC43 I had. Just turned it in today. It's a good day.

Thanks Greg! The dealer estimates April 20-25 for delivery to dealership which isnt bad. We will rent a car after trading the X5d in this March 25.

My thought was that the extra piping for the Sport exhaust conflicts with the amp placement.

That's logical and reasonable. I would have hoped, that on a total redesign, they could have come up with some way, through blank-slate component placement/routing, to find room for an amp that is not in the way of an exhaust component. But, here I am with a new $90k+ vehicle that I can't get a beautiful white exterior package AND upgraded OEM sound system together. Kind of a shame to have to make that choice. But, I've got a killer truck coming, so I'll just have to find a way to survive the indignity of it all.

I have never heard of anything so dumb. There is no reason why an appearance package can't coincide with a optional stereo/upgrade. Totally unacceptable. if you can order the two together in another market then this MBUSA's stupid decision or something specific to the US market GLE, either way an engineering solution should have been found. Other brands don't force you into this type of compromise.

M

Looks like the MB USA configurator bugs have been fixed.

10000% agree. I raised hell over it about 200 posts back.

I often wonder if there is any logical reason for some of this. I personally doubt it's the engine sound. If it's like the Sounddaktor, it can be turned off with a software "switch". It could really be anything from a MB USA decision, simplifying production for efficiency or to a limited supply of the components. The US is the largest market so that could be a factor. Some options are added !ater in the cycle. That said a Luxury car with limited Luxury options????

Yeah, a bit less buggy, but still doesn't conform totally to netstar ordering.

MBUSA has their own way of thinking. One of those guys should be following this thread a little closer. But like you said, some options are adopted later. I mentioned earlier that if I had more patience, I'd just wait. Most likely by next MY, you'll be able to get it the way you want it. Was that way with my GLC43; had to have one of the first, so I compromised. The next year, I could have had it the way I originally wanted it.

The Flip Side is this - the GLE is the luxury SUV with the MOST choices in packages and individual options - and for me I consider Personal Choice a Mercedes strength - and I do prefer it this way

The purpose of the MBUSA Web-Site-Build-Your-Own is to explore Possibilities - and I feel MBUSA should be more clear the NetStar Config tool is the final word on what can be - and what can't be done -

With Vance production in just 8-10 weeks you can get exactly what you value most for your GLE - woth More Choices and Custom Order - there are those who will always quibble - and that's OK.

Love the 43 but problems with crabbing in RHD models, will be changing next March for GLE or X5, at moment GLE favourite due to all issues with X5 especially the wrinkly rear seats. All the markets have different options, very few in UK except in packs, would have thought from a production point of view the more standard the car the easier it would be to build. As an example all UK cars are AMG line , no other option available.

Did you turn your car in for a GLE, if not what car have you got now.

I did not like my GLC at all. The run flats absolutely sucked and with the AMG-lite suspension tuning, the thing was rougher than it needed to be. Which in turn made it one of the most buzzy and rattle-y vehicles I've owned. Although it was a trade off as it handled really well and the little bi-turbo six had some sizzle. I've just gotten too old for that, I guess. I've placed my order for a GLE450. Build date 1st decade April. In the meantime, I'm driving my old '09 Chevy Avalanche "work" truck. 200k miles, nary a hiccup. Just maintain it well and keep it clean and still looks/drives like new (almost). If I need to look fancy in the meantime, I'll cop the wife's Rover. Excited for the GLE; I have high hopes for it.

Edit: I'm not so old though that I wouldn't like to have my E63 back.

I was checking out the german configurator and noticed a pre-heat function for the cabin, operable through the fob. I know I live in Texas and don't need it much, but considering it's 25 degrees right now, it sure would come in handy on days like this. I wish it were available here (or is it and I'm just missing it?), available on the fob and not the app. I find the app to be very problematic, as do most. If you are one of the lucky one's that doesn't have problems with it, rejoice.

Still unable to add Driver Assistant Package if you have selected Energizing comfort....wonder what they are upto..

A dealer 2 hours away from me is showing "11" GLEs in stock. Looks like they are delivering it fast..hope MBUSA fixes it soon...

They are finally showing up around here. A dealer with 3 in transit 2 days ago now has 8 in stock.... 4- 350's and 4- 450'S

There are good pictures of the brown/gray interior at the white plains, ny dealership. These pictures look at lot better than the ones with the mb tex.

Mercedes must have some or a lot of their best Technical staff deeply involved in creating, testing and improving MBUX and the other integrated systems. That might explain some of the ongoing issues with the DOG and Configurator.

https://alabamanewscenter.com/2019/0...howroom-debut/

Dinamica is just another brand of synthetic suede, like Alcantara.

Has anyone gotten a chance to ride in the GLE with the third-row seats and run-flat tires? I put in an order over the weekend for the GLE 450 with third row seats and the AMG exterior and am wondering how the ride quality will be with the run-flats. The dealer only had the 350 available for test drive and without the run-flat tires.

Well i got an answer from MB Sweden customer service.

The option that in US is included with the AMG-ext pkg, sportier engine sound, is both real exhausts and artificial by speakers,when in sport mode and you hit the accelerator.

The real exhaust does not change the sound at all, only esthetics with the exhaust in the back instead of under the car.

The place of the amp has nothing to do with it, it’s inside.

Personaly I would like to have the exhaust at the back and not under... still I’m very lucky that MB Sweden decided to have sportier sound as a option instead of included with AMG-ext pkg.

It is really dumb that we can’t have it all because technically there is no problem at all.