Alan M

I had spec'd out a 450e, but i was able to find one not too far away, so I picked up at my local dealer yesterday.. very happy

I got a few options I didn't need or want (a winter package in FL), but did not get soft close doors which I like.. I wouldn't think that this can be added by dealer ?

I also did not get the dashcam or running boards - can these be added by dealer with original equipment ?

mercedesmax

Congrats on the new car. None of those options can be added by the dealer. There may be aftermarket options for the running boards.

d0nald_ducki3

Welcome to the club! I think the dashcam is software locked in the My Mercedes app. I haven't done it yet, but it's $200. I kind of refuse to pay for something my car already has and I've been trying to see if I can beg the dealership to unlock it.

I've also been trying to get the running boards somewhere aftermarket. At least you got the AMG exterior. I didn't and it's way uglier.

BenzNika

Beautiful car! The color is gorgeous.

aces&eights

You could do a trade-in when your original order shows up so you still have that option on the table.

TonyF61

Very nice!!!! Congrats!!!

IMO, running boards aren't very practicle, unless you have a very small foot. They only extend a couple of inches. Take a look on your next trip to dealership and see if they are worth the spend and time/effort for install.

djgiovanni

Congrats

Alan M

Sadly, my 3 day old car - would not charge - i tried 3 different chargers.
on the EQB loaner, my charger at home worked fine..

Alan M

Looks like a need a part,a 'DCD'

beenen

would the gas engine operate just fine though? This is interesting to note.

I am leaning towards getting a 450e and will have to keep this in mind

Alan M

actually am down to 6% on battery and can't charge
I suspect that the car runs on gas

Alan M

the dealer replaced the A.C. charging unit Car is now charging
first time in many years that i've had a failed part in many MB and Porsche

js_cls

Glad they were able to fix it and fast. Looking forward to your impressions on the 450e.

fparrino

Were you told anything about qualifying for tax credits?

Alan M

i was told no go on tax credits..

PS- love the car. with 550 miles, have used gas for 5 miles only, rest on battery

bud.jones

My current M-class is Lunar Blue Metallic, nearly the same shade. Your color really pops! I just made an order for a '24 GLE, but went with Emerald Green Metallic on that one.

js_cls

We had an emerald green GLE and it received many compliments. A gorgeous color, you won’t regret it.

TexAg91

No tax credits, but if you lease one thru MB Finance they will give you a $7500 capital cost reduction -- apparently, there is a loop hole and the manufacturer can get a rebate from the Gov't.

So if I lease a GLE 450e thru MB Finance to get the $7500 capital cost reduction, I wonder if they will let me buy out the lease early (like the following month) for what I owe without penalty?

ncgent

I explored that option. Penalties for early lease cancellation are substantial and punitive. Residual value used for 450e option is much lower than gasoline powered 450 options. The resulting substantially higher monthly payment amortization plus interest pays back much of the upfront cost reduction over the term of the lease. Then you have to add in the lease acquisition fee and the disposal fee. The lowest money factor with top tier credit and no dealer markup is near a 7% interest rate. I just paid cash and got a fair price. Love the vehicle. It’s better than I expected; the all electric mode range is about 55 miles using a 80% maximum charge limit.

TexAg91

thanks—that’s what I was afraid of — sound like the BMW X5 PHEV is a better value for now.

mikapen

Why - do they have a higher residual value or lower money factor?

Those are often subsidized by manufacturers, to move distressed merchandise or gain market share.

I've seldom seen much relationship between actual resale value and 'chosen' residual value, although those subsidizes do affect the used market at 39 months - the most popular lease period.

mikapen

Lease buyouts are based on the "Rule of 78s," which is heavily front-loaded.

TexAg91

don’t really like leases prefer to buy. BMW X5 PHEV qualifies for 3750 tax rebate— 450 E does not. If you do lease BMW offers a $7500 discount too. I don’t currently have the details on either lease….or the money factor for that matter. So I have my homework to do.

mikapen

BMW must be having trouble selling their car to give that much incentive. Say bye bye to resale.

Do you know why the 450e doesn't qualify for Fed money?

TexAg91

.
I understand the reason is the battery in the 450e doesn't meet the "critical mineral and battery component requirements." Specifically, to be eligible for the credit in 2023, at least 40% of the critical minerals by value – includinglithium, nickel, manganese, graphite and cobalt-- in the vehicle's batteries must have been extracted, processed or recycled in the U.S. or in a country with which the U.S. has a free trade agreement.

To qualify for the tax rebate, a vehicle must:

• Have a battery capacity of at least 7 kilowatt hours - Check
• Have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds -- Check
• Be made by a qualified manufacturer. - Check
  • FCVs do not need to be made by a qualified manufacturer to be eligible. See Rev. Proc. 2022-42 for more detailed guidance.
• Undergo final assembly in North America - Check
• Meet critical mineral and battery component requirements (as of April 18, 2023). -- ?

BMW's X5 PHEV does...so that is aggravating.