gsobol

It seems that MB is falling behind on technology or otherwise taking it safe, VERY safe. It seems that COMMAND is getting a bit long in the tooth, and that virtual cockpit dashboards that are already available in other luxury vehicles are only available on S and selected E class (in limited capacity). Notice a slew of 2017 luxury SUVs from other brands coming with virtual cockpit, HUD, and other technologies. Not sure what MB strategy is here. Maybe it's simply: The Best or Nothing ......

Count Laszlo

All these features I'm sure will be available in the next gen GL which isn't too far off.

gsobol

Count, you are probably right. It just seems a bit strange that for a company that prides itself to be the leader in innovation it appears to be falling way behind on ... innovation.

When car companies such as KIA, Hyundai bring "better" tech to the table with the previous and current models, and MB is waiting for the next gen, it looks like they are behind.

Now, having said that ... It's all a matter of perspective.

MB does some really incredible engineering with their vehicles - most of it is hidden. I'm just not sure if MB is not making the same mistake that Cadillac has made in the past by catering to the older demographics (more affluent, well off, disposable income, not tech savvy.... ) - look how that turned out, if not for the Escalade (thanks to 50 Cent) they would have been dead now. Now they did about face, all the new Cadillacs are more about performance, luxury and yes, technology.

I would love to see more "cool" tech to be available in the MB. Look at what Audi is doing, or the new Volvo (forget that it sounds like a Singer for a sec).

Just a bit frustrated waiting for the next gen vehicle, watching others having the tech in their cars for years and then being excited when they finally bring it out, just to realize that everyone else has moved on to something else.
Also, it really "burns my buns" when they make the tech available on EU market, but not here. It's not regulations, only geography, so why not?

BTW, Pontiac GTP had a HUD almost 20 years ago (yes, first was Oldsmobile in 1988).

jerome8283

Mercedes already has the cool tech stuff. Some would say they are more advanced than others. It just hasn't come to the GLS, yet. When it does they will probably be a few more steps ahead.

Check this out. The new E has amazing cool tech:

http://www.emercedesbenz.com/autos/m...cedes-e-class/

Germancar1

Not sure what you guys are talking about MB falling behind. Some of the things you all are talking about are on other MB products, just not the GL/GLS. There isn't a single thing worthwhile in a Korean car that a MB doesn't have. Come I thought we knew better than this here.

M

jh87

can we order now in US?

bonboon

yes, as of about 10 days ago or so

tate16t

Do we need to wait until March/April to see a GLS on a dealer lot. I would like to see/test drive one before ordering.

silvertige

Yes. Late March/early April. My order's already in.

jerome8283

Suppose you order and the vehicle arrives and you don't like something enough to say you don't want it? What are the rules around this? Are you locked in or are there options to get out of the deal?

bonboon

You can always get out of the deal provided you don't order an obnoxious build that the dealer will have trouble selling to someone else.

JoeMa

I don't know about other states but in Pennsylvania a deposit to order a vehicle is not a binding contract and can be cancelled at any time even after the vehicle arrives at the dealership. The dealer is obligated by law to return your deposit if you change your mind for any reason.

However, Pennsylvania has no cooling off law when you buy a new car. This means that once you sign on the dotted line and have exchanged funds or come to a loan agreement, the deal cannot be reversed without the consent of the dealership. That is when it becomes binding.

silvertige

Non binding in CA. And, since its in the first batch, I'm sure they wouldn't have any difficulty selling it. Ordered a GLS350.


Now if I backed out, I'd feel a little sheepish to say the least, but I know it happens all the time.

jerome8283

Does anyone know what the guidelines are for New York? Are any of these guidelines available online?

bonboon

Same everywhere. Ask when you make deposit, though, to confirm

JoeMa

I got my name in the queue for a new GLS550 today. The dealer said productions may be a month or two away but he will call me when it can be scheduled for production to confirm pricing and my selections.

Count Laszlo

Big congrats, JoeMa!

Can't wait to see delivery.

JoeMa

This is how I configured my GLS550:

designo Diamond White
designo Espresso Brown Leather Package
designo Porcelain DINAMICA Headliner
Natural Grain Brown Ash Wood
Night package
Magic Vision Control
Active Curve System
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist
PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
Heated & Cooled Front Cup Holders
Panorama sunroof
Power EASY-ENTRY 2nd Row
Heated rear seats with climate control panel
Air Ionization with air filter
MB-Tex wrapped dashboard
Chrome Door Handle Inserts/Hood fin covers

That should hold me over until the 2019 model.

JoeMa

JoeMa

jerome8283

Love the combo Joe.

JoeMa

The night package makes the grill look smaller, at least to my eyes. Comments?

jerome8283

I see it too. I see slight differences in spacing around the star. It could be the images though.

JoeMa

It is the same exact grill but what I'm saying is the one on the right is painted black (Night Package) making it appear smaller. IMO the blacked-out grill makes the MB star look better.

wamochi

that is a gorgeous build, congrats!

do you know if the bumper on the GLS550 will be diff than the ones on the 350/450? i haven't seen the bumpers much but it seems like the 550 lost the aggressive cutouts?