Any current experience with placing custom order for 24’ GLE 450 ? Lead times, dealer attitudes, pricing vs MSRP.
looking to gauge anticipated current marketplace conditions. ….( Have any or most supply constraints been resolved?, or have we just reached a “new normal” for auto ordering ?) thanks .

 

I know it's not 100% relevant to this time, but I ordered my GLE 53 AMG Coupe back in July and it was supposed to be delivered in early/mid October. The car got delayed until December 22nd. They also took out my red/black interior and did only black.

 

I got a fully loaded GLE 450 in december, the day right before christmas. I placed my order on 4th of july and the production date was at the end of november.

 

Thank you….trying to plan on a May/June delivery….in advance.

 

Regarding to dealer attitudes here in Washington, I was able to shop around at multiple dealers. Ones in small towns offer MSRP while big city ones offer a 2500-5000 markup. I accepted the 2500 markup since it is my local dealer that is the closest to my home. However, to be honest it took a couple of tries to roll a good salesperson. Most of them don't even bother with my request to custom build a GLE and would rather buying off the lot. Supply levels look great depending on which GLE models you go for. I heard if you order the AMG ones, you might run into potential supply chain constraints. However no problems for my GLE 450W4 here! Airmatic, Pinnacle Trim, Dashcam... everything is available for me.

 

it's the question of the day for many of us. I ordered a new 2024 GLS 580 in mid-November and my information is that I shouldn't expect it until the end of March at the earliest. Too early for a build-lock notice too. This is only my second MB vehicle built new, the first was my 2020 GLS 450. First time buyers of fresh built MBs are angered, frustrated, ready to deck their sales reps, about ready to tear their hair out, I wrote about this 4 years ago to let off some steam then. Now, it's definitely the new "normal" for me. COVID and supply chain issues were clear factors 4 years ago, but today, "chip shortages" is the new mantra. I don't know how long that will last. Some who are posting now describe a smooth ordering process that's not taking too long, and others have just about had it waiting for their vehicles. Seems like a crap shoot. I'm also considering a fully loaded BMW X7. The dealer is saying it's a 6-week turnaround at BMW. Don't know if that's reliable but I wonder if anyone has any BMW build experience to describe.

 

That process seems to be existing way too long at MB. Was hoping more normal ordering times would return.
My 22’ GLE 450 order was with in “supply constraint” period….Ordered in October 21… took delivery in May 22”.
Needed to replace another car in Spring 22’….considered GV80 at time for wife. ( no reasonable availability at that time) So, ordered a BMW X5 custom to our specifications… in about <8 weeks … simple perfect process… and the car is very nice and satisfies our needs. Now looking to replace our 20’ GLE 450 and wishing lead times were better. Alternative models may be considered on availability. Thanks

 

In 2020 I wrote the president of MBUSA and took their business model to task and gave them a specific timeline of my very delayed ordering/delivery process. I got a sympathetic response blaming COVID and supply chain, which I had to accept given the state of the world at that time. But now, beside chip shortage, the fact is that they can't churn these things out fast enough for the public clamoring for more of them, myself included.Sounds like things worked out for you before now. If you put yourself in line at MB I hope things continue to work out, but if it's another vehicle, I'll be curious to hear what you selected.

 

Just preparing to get in line for something?….if not another GLE450… then possible contenders…Q8, Q7, X5 ?… short list now….

 

It seems like MB is intentionally delaying their cars or limiting production. My GLE 53 AMG Coupe was ordered back in July and was supposed to be delivered in October. There was a 2 month factory freeze. No explanation, no response from the factory, no updates. The car was sitting there fully built. No one had any idea when it would arrive. Then it conveniently arrived in December right before Christmas when I threatened for them to sell the car to someone else and to refund me my deposit (they ended up not charging it since we've bought/leased multiple cars from them). I feel they are trying to do what Porsche does which is limit their production so they can keep demand and pricing high.

 

We custom ordered a 2024 GLE450 in mid-October. It was built exactly as ordered in late December. The car was shipped to the west coast via rail. There were some shipping delays due to holidays, weather and labor shortages. Should arrive at the dealership any day now. Price was 2% off MSRP.

 

I wonder if any of this was due to the UAW strikes in the fall affecting some of Mercedes suppliers and Mercedes indirectly.

 

The salesman who sold me my S560 now works for BMW and he says the process at BMW is much better, 6 weeks is accurate and there are no surprises. One of the reasons he left MB for BMW

 

Ordered a GLE 450e on Oct 18th 2023 and got delivered on Jan 12th. Traded in the EQS 450 for/on it. Ordered a ML350 Blue tec new in 2014 and it took about or a little less time for it to arrive. Tuscaloosa Al is about 650 miles from my dealer. According to the dealer, it was the first GLE 450e sold by that dealership, Park Place Motors.

 

I definitely understand that b/c I was one of those irate customers who took my frustration out on my poor S/A. I know much better and now and I'm more chill about it, but there are fatal flaws in the MB business model and also quality control big time. Your salesman is probably having a much calmer life. Very tempting for me to pull a switch to BMW now, and yet, the lure, the lure of the MB. It's crazy.

 

Enjoy your new ride. Is there a back story on your trade of your EQS 450?

 

This is what is happening now. The chip shortage is still in play. Though you may sign for a 75K+ vehicle, you will not get all the ordered bells and whistles. However, those ordering the higher end 100K+ cars are fairing much better with their orders. https://jalopnik.com/mercedes-sales-...old-1849163828