After a long search, I have finally found a GLE with everything I wanted and more. Slightly used, but I don't have to deal with any chip shortages and it has literally just about every option. But I have a question about the optional rear seat airbags (code 293). Why is it optional? I think I am so happy to have additional protection for my kids, but worried they are optional because of incompatibility with car seats or children. Nobody seems to know and I even called MB USA.

The color is very bright blue so I hope that is not "too much" as white is my favorite!

 

Maybe I'm wrong but I'm guessing it is like every other option on luxury brands; you pay for everything unlike other manufacturers that include similar options as being a basic included option. If there were any issues with compatibility or other warnings, I would assume it would be listed in the owner's manual.

 

I had small kids when I ordered my 08 GL and I do recall there was some recommendation at that time against baby seat use with outboard rear airbags, so your concern is not unfounded. As far as I know, they aren't even offered as an option on the V167 in Canada as they are in USA, I'm not sure if that means they are already there, or unavailable. I need to ask the dealer next time we speak, thanks for reminding me.

Don't forget a good quality baby seat or full-back booster performs many of the same functions as a thorax airbag, mainly being an energy absorbing buffer between the occupant and vehicle structure. Look at Britax and other safety oriented brands to give you peace of mind, if it is a concern. That's what we went with.

Good luck!

 

I have them as an option as well and they are not required by law is why most cars don't have them. I've read some conflicting info about rear side airbags and car seats but the newer information tends to favor having them even with infant car seats. To me it's extra cushion between impact and the car seat.

 

I think the optional rear bags are not the side curtain, but come out of the seat itself? I know the side curtain ones are standard.

 

Yes, that's right. If you have them besides being on the build sheet you can confirm by the sewn in "AIRBAG" tag on the side. Took this just now of my car.

 

No, the seat ones are not a part of this optional package.

 

Options options. Pretty soon it will cost a quarter to use the head on an airplane or you’ll have to pay for an oxygen mask when and if the airplane has an issue requiring passengers to use the “kiss your butt goodbye masks”. Lol 😂

 

The rear seat side airbags are option #293. I paid $420 in 2019 after getting them by mistake (SA added them after I just asked their cost then it was too late to delete).

 

Knowing how legal paranoid Daimler is, if there was an issue with these and child car seats there would be a notice/disclaimer.

 

Yes, buy they are not added to the seats. They are curtain airbags.
More info in this thread

 

No, it's not dude. They are thorax airbags in the seats.

 

No, the rear seat side curtain airbags are standard on all models. As benzbell points out option 293 adds them to the outside bolsters of the second row seats. I see the price is up to $700 for 2023.

 

Oh, my mistake then.
The existence of these threads proves they should make it more clear..

 

I was thinking that too, but there are some other threads here about the airbags where posters seem to think there was an issue.

I honestly can't believe Mercedes would make something like airbags an option.

Any opinion on Brilliant Blue?

 

Never liked blue on a car until I rolled the dice and tried it. Now it's one of my favorite colors. Funny how that works. To me brilliant blue is awesome.