Correct me if I am wrong -

I did a test build of a 2020 GLE350 4MATIC SUV.

In order to have the Driver Assistance Package PLUS $2,250, I can NOT have MBTEX interior? We must get leather interior and we must get the $2100 energizing package plus?



Is this really the case? We have dogs and use the car for our dog travel needs and thus MB Tex is the way to go (and what we have on our current GLE 350) which has Premium 3 package which has all the good safety stuff.

Also - to get Heads Up Display - we need to get the $1600 MBUX package and to get the MBUX package - we have to get Nappa leather on the dash with top stitching?



Is this really the case? One can't have the safety systems and HUD without taking the leather and top stitching?

 

I don’t know why, but the drivers assistance requires the massaging seat. That then requires the ventilation, leather, and rapid heating seats. Energizing comfort isn’t required. I don’t think you should need the Nappa to get the tech package though. But yes, you need the interior assistant and augmented video to get the HUD. Very annoying.
Honestly I would consider the GLC simply to get the adaptive cruise and HUD without needing to get leather.

 

Might have to take a look. We like the size of it - and our dogs fit comfortably (4 Rescue Pitbulls).

They really shouldn't attach the safety stuff to all those other options. Doesn't seem reasonable and they did not do it in previous model.

 

I think the massaging seats are designed to move you away from a side impact as part of that safety package....a high price to pay for something that may not be very effective.

 

Your screenshot shows that Driver Assistance Package PLUS requires "one of the following" (multicontour front seats with massage, OR Energizing Package PLUS). So, you need the massage seats but you don't need the full Energizing Package (which also includes the massage seats in its price).
Either the Nappa leather upper dash and door trim OR the MB-TEX upper dash and door trim. But they're both $700, so you don't really save money by choosing the MB-TEX option here (except that you can't get the Nappa leather upper dash and door trim without getting the Black/Magma grey Nappa leather seats, which cost more than the regular leather seats).

 

I am having a similar problem with my order. When working up an order through the MB configurator and then comparing it with the system the dealer actually uses to place the order, there is a difference in mandatory add on options. We ordered a GLE 580 but wanted the Magma Grey/Black leather but then discovered that it is not available until the '21 model year. We settled for the Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey. We then discovered that we could get the same color that we originally desired by switching to the Nappa leather. When I ran that through the configurator, I was able to add the Nappa leather to our order without any complications or other mandatory upgrades. I contacted our SA who then attempted to alter the order to adjust for the Nappa leather. He said that in addition to the expected upgrade charge of $1,370 for the Nappa leather his system shows that we have to add several unrelated options to allow the inclusion of Nappa leather to our order. I don't recall the exact options he mentioned but there were several choices we had to make to satisfy his system to allow the Nappa leather to go forward. I believe they included things like rear heated seats, massage seats and other packages which increased the cost thousands instead of just the $1,370 for the Nappa upgrade. I did not see the value in that. My problem is, why does the configurator show one set of circumstances and his system show something different? That is assuming that my SA is correct in his position that the mandatory add on items are required. Has anyone else had this scenario arise. We are still in order "purgatory" with no changes to our status since our order was placed 108 days ago.

 

What does the 'dealer' say about it? Can it be configured differently at a store?

 

The dealer (sales agent) said his system will not allow us to upgrade to Nappa without the inclusion of the other upgrades which significantly increase the price with items in which we have no interest. This is not the case with the MB configurator. Therein lies the problem.

 

The online configurator has quite a few errors. It’s nice to get a general idea, but look at the DOG or go to a dealer for final say.

 

Remember that all Mercedes have automatic emergency braking as standard. You don't need Driver's assistance plus for the automatic emergency braking. It is more for some of the autonomous driving and the advanced safety stuff. But you get 90% of the safety benefit with the standard feature. I can tell you having had drivers assistance plus on three Mercedes now, that it is very rare that you get a safety intervention other than automatic emergency braking.

 

Or why is the four zone climate control cheaper in the 450 vs the 580.

 

I also had to option the leather because we wanted massage seats and drivers assistance. I believe that the drivers assistance package requires the multi contour massage seats because it includes a crash detection feature where it moves the occupant away from the impact using the additional mobility of the seat.
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