nsoltz

Surprised that MBUSA still only shows 2021 GLE models for on-line configuration.

Vdhroso

It is odd, as almost every other car maker lets you build 2022 model years.

makris0000

MBUSA has always been behind when it comes to updating their configurators and every time they have a survey I always tell them that they need to put the configurator out asap.

BACnMercedes

I tell them too. Apparently they are not listening or just don’t care. Speaking for experience, I’ll go with just don’t care.

mikapen

Someone posted the 22 GLE configurator a few months ago. May.

https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...ml#post8344070

Edit - it's a .pdf, not a live Configurator.

WindInMyHair

It was literally broken and not working for a period of a month or two last year. The site would not allow you to save a new build. I sent an email to their customer service /contact asking when it would be fixed. I never got an answer but about a week or so later, it was working again. It's was like no one was minding the store. Maybe someone needs to email them and remind them it's time to change it for 2022 builds.

Ron.s

The Configurator for the GLE has been late up dating the model year changeover for the last three years. It could be the same for all/most other models. Is it intentional or just a low priority might be the question.
Customer Service is just a PR function for the most part but they will respond to an occasional question if it’s not complicated. Most people expect too much from them, IMO. If you get an experienced person you might get better assistance than a new hire. The Dealer Service Manager/Shop Foreman have access to actual technical resources at MB USA but it’s for cars in the shop with issues. In my experience it’s pretty much the same at other Manufacturers.

W205C43PFL

Sort of unrelated to the topic but still related...I am curious why the configurator never lets you see the front of the vehicle straight on, it is always at an angle when in 360 mode. The European configurator allows you to see the front of the vehicle straight on. Not to mention, the European configurator seems to be better than the MBUSA in most ways for the exterior, features, illustrations of the options and descriptions of options, the 360 rotation is smoother while the MBUSA one is sort of laggy. The interior however, I would prefer the MBUSA one since you can rotate it while the European one is just a series of images. Still not sure why MBUSA has a separate configurator when IIRC the bmw usa and audi usa ones are all based on the European one. Not to mention the audi one (on the newest cars, like the S3, etron) allows you to open all the doors, zoom into the vehicle, flash hazards, turn on left turn signal, etc. https://www.audiusa.com/us/web/en/mo...ew/build.html#

djer

The GLB one is up for 2022, so weird.

nsoltz

2022 GLE configurator now posted on MBUSA.COM When opening page, there is a pop up that warns that due to chip shortage, certain options may not be available. As we know, no GLE580 or AMG63. So glad that my lease matures October 2023 to give things time to settle down.

Vdhroso

Just saw the 2022 GLE configurator open up. I did notice something odd for the GLE53. From what I saw on the interior portion, the speaker covers are in black plastic as opposed to the standard silver burmester speaker cover. I know for the GLE350 and 450 you have to get the premium package to get those silver speaker covers. Just wondering if anyone has already taken delivery of their 22 GLE53 and noticed the speaker covers. Would be annoying if they give it to you only if you get the $5k upgraded surround sound option.

BenjaminKohl

it’s just a configurator visual mistake. Happens occasionally.

Vdhroso

I figured that. It happens when you select the heated steering wheel option as well. It goes from the AMG steering wheel to the regular steering wheel.

mikapen

Heated steering wheel may not be available with the AMG wheel. That was the case last year, if I understand your post.
Check your packages and see if you tried to substitute that heated wheel for something in a package.

Vdhroso

Heated steering wheel is not available if you get the full microfiber steering wheel. Looking at my build sheet the AMG Performance Steering Wheel in Nappa Leather is available with the heated steering wheel.

Ron.s

Remember that the Configurator is just a tool…it has been less than accurate too often. The Dealer is the best source for accuracy.

jaxslk

That's how I ordered mine sitting with the salesman's configurator tool - AMG full nappa + heated option. The mbusa.com site wouldn't allow this combo - well, the 2021 one before the latest update would not, to be exact.

mikapen

Since availability of options might be a moving Target again this year, the only way to really know is to sit down with a salesperson, configure the car, place the order and see if it's accepted.
Push the salesperson to try configuration combinations that might get your desired options. Sometimes they can do that.

By the way, I thought the little round AMG control buttons below the spokes, would be useless, and I was trying for a heated wheel instead, unsuccessfully.
I'm glad I have them, because I use them all the time.

Vdhroso

Yea it's a mess trying to get exactly what you want in these cars nowadays. Speaking of the dials on the steering wheel. While they may be redundant controls, there's no denying that they are super cool and probably the best way to switch between modes and exhaust flaps. I test drove GLEs way back with and without the dials and there's something so enjoyable being able to control the character of your car from those dials. The buttons on the center console just don't feel as intuitive. But being in the northeast it just made more sense to get heated steering. Wish you could have both.

mikapen

Those little round OLED display-lets have more functions than the center console, or even the MBUX screens. They access another layer of AMG functions - more toward track performance ("do not use on public roads" popups).
For me, it's like having three "I" (Individual) buttons.

Vdhroso

As I was looking through the RJAutomotive website for some features I'd like to get aftermarket I noticed they now are able to install and code the AMG Drive Unit even on heated steering wheels. So I guess you really can get both but at a pretty steep price. Close to $2k for that. Not worth it in my opinion but the option is there now for people.