Hi everyone!

I am new here... currently in the market looking for a nice family SUV and thinking about going w/ GLE 350. I have a BMW equipped w/ executive package and all the trimmings, looking for something similar w/ regard to features and sporty look. I am struggling to find one with the options I want and considering ordering from the dealer as a custom purchase. Can anyone share their experience on a past custom order? Also, trying to understand on what is my expected wait time, will I be able to negotiate well the price/financing, and if you would recommend this experience versus waiting for one to show up on the lot that I can deal with.

Side note- I am interested in the AMG line interior w/ Black Nappa Leather. Haven't found pictures of this anywhere and dealer did not have either- if you have this combination, would you mind to share a few photos of how it looks in person?

In case it helps, I attached a PDF of my ideal build. Still deciding whether it is worth all the added cost for Nappa Leather etc. just to get the AMG sport steering wheel...

Thank you!!

 

There is a five to six month wait right now, and factory delay's can push that back.

 

I did a custom order back in early October 2020 (Obsidian black, AMG & Night packages, 20 inch AMG/Night wheels, aluminum trim, AMG interior with MB Tex/DINAMICA seats, pano, Premium and lighting packages). I ordered mine with the AMG Interior with the MB-Tex/DINAMICA seats because I wanted the AMG steering wheel and I wanted something different. In FL the summers get very hot and the winters can get pretty cold (for a Floridian) and the DINAMICA is supposed to not get too hot or too cold since it's more of a fabric.

When I started looking back in September/October, all the dealerships I went to told me to do a custom order because inventory is scarce and the ones they are getting in were custom ordered/already sold, so that is the main reason why I went with a custom order. The guy that does all my family's cars even told me there was nothing out there and that a custom order would be the best route and it would save me money. The few that we found that were available at the time were about 7-10K more expensive than my build because the AMG interior with DINAMICA seats was only available in the ones with a lot of options.

For order time, you will probably have to wait at least 4-6 months. I ordered mine back in early October 2020 and was told it would be at the dealership mid December 2020 before my E class lease was up. However, it has been delayed about 4 times since than with the current ETA set for 10-14 days from now due to Corona and the rear seatbelt recall (essentially, my GLE is delayed due to a damn zip tie according to the recall bulletin). So I'm running on month 4 right now for mine praying that it arrives during the new ETA.

For pricing & negotiation, I ended up narrowing down the price back in December when the GLE was supposed to first arrive, however we still have some fine tuning on the price because of the delays and the MF & residuals change each month. I believe for February the MF went down a tad according to Edmunds (.00160 to .00143 but confirm with Edmunds first when negotiating). When you do place an order, you may have to put a refundable deposit down in order to place the order. I luckily did not have to do this because my family has gotten many Mercedes from him over the years and he knows me and my family very well. As far as discounts, it depends on your area. I am in Florida and I was able to secure a tad over 12% off mine (which includes my American Bar Association rebate, and I am going through the same guy everyone in my family has used for years) but average is around 6-8% off MSRP from what I've been seeing on here and on Leasehackr. Also, some dealerships may make you negotiate the discount at the time you order. This does not include any incentives & rebates that may be available when the GLE actually arrives at the dealership.

Edit: I attached my build. I did not go crazy with the options and only picked what I thought was useful/beneficial to me. Also, your build is pretty sweet!

 

My GLE 350 was delivered 2 weeks ago. I suggest you consider the 450. I regret getting the 4 cylinder instead of the 6. Also, I had a 2018 GLE 350 with running boards and my wife hated them. Our 2021 does not have the running boards and she is happier. Good luck!

 

Agree! Took delivery of my '21 GLE350 3 months ago and the noise of the 4 banger up to about 50 mph is unacceptable. No complaint about power, but noisy for a luxury SUV.

 

I ordered a '21 GLE450 with AMG line interior and black Nappa leather. There are many GLE 450 videos on Youtube that show the AMG interior with black or black and white Nappa leather.

 

I took delivery of my GLE350 in October and while I've only driven it under 900 miles, I do find the 4 underpowered. But I do not regret the decision. The 48v battery issues in the 450 were of concern. The lack of allocations for 450 was an issue. While the price difference was not that significant on the lease, I could just put the money toward other frivolities. But yes-- it is a bit noisy and a bit underpowered. And I love the car and don't have any regrets.

 

I had a very early custom order; as others have said, due to limited stock that is the way to go. As with many manufacturers supply chain issues are slowing production. In talking to dealers see if they have allocations available; they cannot take an official order unless they have an unused allocation or one that is changeable.

As a couple others said, you really ought to consider the 450 instead of the 350. The mild hybrid inline 6 is a sweet, smooth system with much more refinement than the 4-cylinder. Mileage is also very good.

You don't say where you live (add to your profile) but be aware the AMG Line interior precludes a heated steering wheel, one disadvantage. The pedal covers can be added after the fact easily if you don't get it. Your spec looks good. I find the Interior Assistant not really too useful, and you lose the sunglass holder. Opinions on the running boards (side steps) are divided - read the other threads on these. Many like the Airmatic suspension for ride comfort and other advantages like self-leveling and height control.

Good luck!

 

My wife "talks with her hands" so who knows what the car would do had we ordered interior assistant!

 

Your build looks similar to my new vehicle. I ordered with customized options around Nov 20 last year and picked up a new 2021 GLE350 Feb 6(I am actually able to pick up Jan 30). MB doesn't have much room to negotiate price. I personally recommend AMG exterior package. Please check every details by yourself since they don't pay attention enough to extra options. FYI, my dealer missed augmented reality navigation and illuminated running board even if I told them hundred times. Wish you luck.