Configuration choices
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Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 93
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From: USA, South East
Merc one day I hope
Configuration choices
Hi
In the USA, it seems that it's impossible to configure a 450 with any AMG trim or with the Sports steering wheel. My dealer said that "goes back to the original GLS where you couldn't get the higher end trim without going for the 550". This seems a little strange, and is not consistent with the 2020 GLE, nor is it consistent with what I can see on other country configurators....
So for me, that means I'm really looking at the 580 only.
On the 580, I see that the energizing comfort package doesn't make much sense since the multi contour and heated/ventilated seats are already standard on a 580. But my dealer still showed the full price if he added that package.. This kind of thing makes me wonder how ready these ordering systems really are at this point. Especially since looking at the full configurator for the GLE 2020, shows quite a lot of things that are not in the GLS 2020 Dealer Ordering Guide. I'm wondering if I should wait later into the year, see what ends up being available once an official configurator goes online. Or maybe even wait some time after that, because perhaps I should expect a few tweaks to the options list after initial release? Does anyone know?
Aside from that I'm looking at Driver Assistance Package, HUD and Sunroof as essential additions.
Then considering: Trailer Hitch (I'm told that's good for resale), Roof Spoiler, Power side-window blinds, 311/Heated/Cooled Cup Holders, P21/AIR-BALANCE Package with Fragrance, and U19/MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation.
23" wheels are tempting but I think they might look over the top and be hellish expensive on tires?
Interested to know what others are seeing and thinking thanks!
In the USA, it seems that it's impossible to configure a 450 with any AMG trim or with the Sports steering wheel. My dealer said that "goes back to the original GLS where you couldn't get the higher end trim without going for the 550". This seems a little strange, and is not consistent with the 2020 GLE, nor is it consistent with what I can see on other country configurators....
So for me, that means I'm really looking at the 580 only.
On the 580, I see that the energizing comfort package doesn't make much sense since the multi contour and heated/ventilated seats are already standard on a 580. But my dealer still showed the full price if he added that package.. This kind of thing makes me wonder how ready these ordering systems really are at this point. Especially since looking at the full configurator for the GLE 2020, shows quite a lot of things that are not in the GLS 2020 Dealer Ordering Guide. I'm wondering if I should wait later into the year, see what ends up being available once an official configurator goes online. Or maybe even wait some time after that, because perhaps I should expect a few tweaks to the options list after initial release? Does anyone know?
Aside from that I'm looking at Driver Assistance Package, HUD and Sunroof as essential additions.
Then considering: Trailer Hitch (I'm told that's good for resale), Roof Spoiler, Power side-window blinds, 311/Heated/Cooled Cup Holders, P21/AIR-BALANCE Package with Fragrance, and U19/MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation.
23" wheels are tempting but I think they might look over the top and be hellish expensive on tires?
Interested to know what others are seeing and thinking thanks!
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mgLipGD
Pass on the cup holders. With use of stainless tumblers like Yeti or the like just not worth it. We don’t use them much in our car even when using standard cups as they simply don’t get cool enough. Warming perhaps but not really.
plus if like the current GLS they are 2 diff sizes. One larger and one smaller.
plus if like the current GLS they are 2 diff sizes. One larger and one smaller.
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Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Cincinnati, OH
2021 GLS580 all black. 2014 GLK black (kids car). formerly: 2014 GL550 Palladium Silver (US)
I ordered most of the options you did sans shades.
Where I found cup coolers useful is when doing drive thru drinks. That said, they are not that effective.
I wanted energizing too especially since I’ll have the options it needs including air thing. But not for that price.
To me, drivers assistance is a must.
Doing lower dash wrap (vs plastic) adds to the look if not doing the Nappa wrap.
And apparently off road doesn’t cost extra - now anyway.
I’m doing E active but hope I don’t regret it.
I’m doing 22 inch. And I noticed that E active requires 20 inch or more wheels, so looks like I’ll need new winter tire/wheels. (Have 19 for my GL).
Where I found cup coolers useful is when doing drive thru drinks. That said, they are not that effective.
I wanted energizing too especially since I’ll have the options it needs including air thing. But not for that price.
To me, drivers assistance is a must.
Doing lower dash wrap (vs plastic) adds to the look if not doing the Nappa wrap.
And apparently off road doesn’t cost extra - now anyway.
I’m doing E active but hope I don’t regret it.
I’m doing 22 inch. And I noticed that E active requires 20 inch or more wheels, so looks like I’ll need new winter tire/wheels. (Have 19 for my GL).
Last edited by cincy8; Sep 16, 2019 at 07:27 PM.
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From: USA, South East
Merc one day I hope
Thanks for the replies. I think the heated/cooled cup holders is about $180 and I figure it will just be a nice touch on resale. The money is small enough to not lose sleep on it.
EABC on the other hand ... That is a tempting option, for the fun of it as much as practicality. But I suspect it will be a very rare item to see ordered, and it will not be worth the money. I've heard a wide range of reviews on it, from saying it's amazing to saying it's not as good as the standard (!), to some saying it's just not differentiated enough. I worry that it could be a maintenance nightmare too.. so, eventually I decided to pass.
Things that annoy me:
- inability to get AMG line exterior without going to 580
- inability to get a heated steering wheel on a $110K+ car. WTF? I can heat just about any other part of this car!
Things that I'm unsure on:
- the mixup on energizing package/price
- the "exclusive trim" which is TBD priced (how much will it be?)
- the augmented reality satnav (gimmicky? will be out of date soon? I'll never use it because Waze/CarPlay?)
- The executive rear seats (that tablet in the back is kinda cool.. but I think will also age badly... I hope one day there'll be a phone app)
- EABC - see above
- What will change as they figure out mistakes and finalize the configurator?
- Will there be any AMG, hybrid, etc other choices that I'll wish I had waited for?
- Where on earth will $111K come from?!
EABC on the other hand ... That is a tempting option, for the fun of it as much as practicality. But I suspect it will be a very rare item to see ordered, and it will not be worth the money. I've heard a wide range of reviews on it, from saying it's amazing to saying it's not as good as the standard (!), to some saying it's just not differentiated enough. I worry that it could be a maintenance nightmare too.. so, eventually I decided to pass.
Things that annoy me:
- inability to get AMG line exterior without going to 580
- inability to get a heated steering wheel on a $110K+ car. WTF? I can heat just about any other part of this car!
Things that I'm unsure on:
- the mixup on energizing package/price
- the "exclusive trim" which is TBD priced (how much will it be?)
- the augmented reality satnav (gimmicky? will be out of date soon? I'll never use it because Waze/CarPlay?)
- The executive rear seats (that tablet in the back is kinda cool.. but I think will also age badly... I hope one day there'll be a phone app)
- EABC - see above
- What will change as they figure out mistakes and finalize the configurator?
- Will there be any AMG, hybrid, etc other choices that I'll wish I had waited for?
- Where on earth will $111K come from?!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Cincinnati, OH
2021 GLS580 all black. 2014 GLK black (kids car). formerly: 2014 GL550 Palladium Silver (US)
The first level executive has nothing much to offer - tablet controls but not much to control. The 2nd level is expensive.
I thought there was a price on the Exclusive Trim??? $450 in the updated Order guide in the Order Guide thread. It’s not in the list of options (that I saw) but it’s in the page that explains it. Did it not let you choose it? I think I saw someone else had it in theirs (not sure if they were USA).
You can get heated steering wheel. I am.
I do wonder about changes in the configurator and how that will be worked.
I thought there was a price on the Exclusive Trim??? $450 in the updated Order guide in the Order Guide thread. It’s not in the list of options (that I saw) but it’s in the page that explains it. Did it not let you choose it? I think I saw someone else had it in theirs (not sure if they were USA).
You can get heated steering wheel. I am.
I do wonder about changes in the configurator and how that will be worked.
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If you wait, there's always going to be something newer (better?) down the road.
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mgLipGD
Any wheel that’s it the leather wrapped will not be heated. I wish they would but understand the issues with possible cracks later in life.
As for EABC it’s a step up from the older Active Curve which was a $4k or so option on lower level models before and standard on the 63s. It’s now electronic hence the E in the name vs hydraulic. We searched high and low for a 550 with Active Curve and it took like 4-5mths and had to go half way across the country to pick up. It’s an amazing thing to have a large SUV. No way to test drive a EABC model likely but least to maybe drive a 63 and then compare to model without active curve. Drive on a curvy road and you will surely see the diff but the diff is still there on regular types of turns.
Is it worth the high cost on a purchase?? Likely not but if leasing shouldn’t add to much to the payment plus will be under warranty to whole time. I still personally would only get one with active curve or EABC. It’s worth it to me.
that’s what made finding a non63 with active curve so hard to find. It was $$$ and with so few to compare on lots assumed few skipped it. I would find ones fully decked out only missing active curve and wonder why when it actually improves the driving feel vs a fancier Designo leather only my jeans enjoy.
As for EABC it’s a step up from the older Active Curve which was a $4k or so option on lower level models before and standard on the 63s. It’s now electronic hence the E in the name vs hydraulic. We searched high and low for a 550 with Active Curve and it took like 4-5mths and had to go half way across the country to pick up. It’s an amazing thing to have a large SUV. No way to test drive a EABC model likely but least to maybe drive a 63 and then compare to model without active curve. Drive on a curvy road and you will surely see the diff but the diff is still there on regular types of turns.
Is it worth the high cost on a purchase?? Likely not but if leasing shouldn’t add to much to the payment plus will be under warranty to whole time. I still personally would only get one with active curve or EABC. It’s worth it to me.
that’s what made finding a non63 with active curve so hard to find. It was $$$ and with so few to compare on lots assumed few skipped it. I would find ones fully decked out only missing active curve and wonder why when it actually improves the driving feel vs a fancier Designo leather only my jeans enjoy.
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mgLipGD
Trim models for GLS I hear are 450/580/63. The 63 will include the 48v mild hybrid setup of the 580. Not hearing of a true plug in only the GLE for that and i wouldn’t get that due to cost and limited range which the gas savings don’t add up to savings.
Outside of that is the Maybach trim and while reports say a V12 there are not any current V12 test cars.
Outside of that is the Maybach trim and while reports say a V12 there are not any current V12 test cars.
Last edited by black06c230; Sep 17, 2019 at 03:30 PM.
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a
Any wheel that’s it the leather wrapped will not be heated. I wish they would but understand the issues with possible cracks later in life.
As for EABC it’s a step up from the older Active Curve which was a $4k or so option on lower level models before and standard on the 63s. It’s now electronic hence the E in the name vs hydraulic. We searched high and low for a 550 with Active Curve and it took like 4-5mths and had to go half way across the country to pick up. It’s an amazing thing to have a large SUV. No way to test drive a EABC model likely but least to maybe drive a 63 and then compare to model without active curve. Drive on a curvy road and you will surely see the diff but the diff is still there on regular types of turns.
Is it worth the high cost on a purchase?? Likely not but if leasing shouldn’t add to much to the payment plus will be under warranty to whole time. I still personally would only get one with active curve or EABC. It’s worth it to me.
that’s what made finding a non63 with active curve so hard to find. It was $$$ and with so few to compare on lots assumed few skipped it. I would find ones fully decked out only missing active curve and wonder why when it actually improves the driving feel vs a fancier Designo leather only my jeans enjoy.
As for EABC it’s a step up from the older Active Curve which was a $4k or so option on lower level models before and standard on the 63s. It’s now electronic hence the E in the name vs hydraulic. We searched high and low for a 550 with Active Curve and it took like 4-5mths and had to go half way across the country to pick up. It’s an amazing thing to have a large SUV. No way to test drive a EABC model likely but least to maybe drive a 63 and then compare to model without active curve. Drive on a curvy road and you will surely see the diff but the diff is still there on regular types of turns.
Is it worth the high cost on a purchase?? Likely not but if leasing shouldn’t add to much to the payment plus will be under warranty to whole time. I still personally would only get one with active curve or EABC. It’s worth it to me.
that’s what made finding a non63 with active curve so hard to find. It was $$$ and with so few to compare on lots assumed few skipped it. I would find ones fully decked out only missing active curve and wonder why when it actually improves the driving feel vs a fancier Designo leather only my jeans enjoy.
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mgLipGD
Yeah there is an on ramp that’s basically a full circle near my moms. The GL stay so flat in the turn and you can feel it push you back the other way as it works to stay flat.
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Options
As for EABC it’s a step up from the older Active Curve which was a $4k or so option on lower level models before and standard on the 63s. It’s now electronic hence the E in the name vs hydraulic. We searched high and low for a 550 with Active Curve and it took like 4-5mths and had to go half way across the country to pick up. It’s an amazing thing to have a large SUV. No way to test drive a EABC model likely but least to maybe drive a 63 and then compare to model without active curve. Drive on a curvy road and you will surely see the diff but the diff is still there on regular types of turns.
Is it worth the high cost on a purchase?? Likely not but if leasing shouldn’t add to much to the payment plus will be under warranty to whole time. I still personally would only get one with active curve or EABC. It’s worth it to me.
that’s what made finding a non63 with active curve so hard to find. It was $$$ and with so few to compare on lots assumed few skipped it. I would find ones fully decked out only missing active curve and wonder why when it actually improves the driving feel vs a fancier Designo leather only my jeans enjoy.
Is it worth the high cost on a purchase?? Likely not but if leasing shouldn’t add to much to the payment plus will be under warranty to whole time. I still personally would only get one with active curve or EABC. It’s worth it to me.
that’s what made finding a non63 with active curve so hard to find. It was $$$ and with so few to compare on lots assumed few skipped it. I would find ones fully decked out only missing active curve and wonder why when it actually improves the driving feel vs a fancier Designo leather only my jeans enjoy.
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
We need a 4WD winter car and we may not have the time to wait for the right GLS580. Due to allocations we would get one in Q1, 20; too far out for MN winters.
We configured a GLS 450 with some options which sits in the low-mid nineties when the dealer also suggested a GLE580 which I could grab an allocation for.
Prefer the GLS but this made me think. No kids, so no need for 7 seats in the first place. There are still the same stupid leather restrictions but everything else can be optioned.
Has anyone else considered a GLE580?
Since we are leasing for the business, list price is no guideline to the cost as no MF/residual is available on either of these cars.
Traditionally, the small engined cars have lower MF/higher Residual, even though the GLE350/450 has been the exception so far but I assume the 580's will take a hit.
We configured a GLS 450 with some options which sits in the low-mid nineties when the dealer also suggested a GLE580 which I could grab an allocation for.
Prefer the GLS but this made me think. No kids, so no need for 7 seats in the first place. There are still the same stupid leather restrictions but everything else can be optioned.
Has anyone else considered a GLE580?
Since we are leasing for the business, list price is no guideline to the cost as no MF/residual is available on either of these cars.
Traditionally, the small engined cars have lower MF/higher Residual, even though the GLE350/450 has been the exception so far but I assume the 580's will take a hit.
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
GLS 580 vs GLE 580
We need a 4WD winter car and we may not have the time to wait for the right GLS580. Due to allocations we would get one in Q1, 20; too far out for MN winters.
We configured a GLS 450 with some options which sits in the low-mid nineties when the dealer also suggested a GLE580 which I could grab an allocation for.
Prefer the GLS but this made me think. No kids, so no need for 7 seats in the first place. There are still the same stupid leather restrictions but everything else can be optioned.
Has anyone else considered a GLE580?
Since we are leasing for the business, list price is no guideline to the cost as no MF/residual is available on either of these cars.
Traditionally, the small engined cars have lower MF/higher Residual, even though the GLE350/450 has been the exception so far but I assume the 580's will take a hit.
We configured a GLS 450 with some options which sits in the low-mid nineties when the dealer also suggested a GLE580 which I could grab an allocation for.
Prefer the GLS but this made me think. No kids, so no need for 7 seats in the first place. There are still the same stupid leather restrictions but everything else can be optioned.
Has anyone else considered a GLE580?
Since we are leasing for the business, list price is no guideline to the cost as no MF/residual is available on either of these cars.
Traditionally, the small engined cars have lower MF/higher Residual, even though the GLE350/450 has been the exception so far but I assume the 580's will take a hit.
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a
I had Active Curve on my '12 ML and now have E-ABC on my '20 GLE. While E-ABC is cool, 1) the novelty of Curve mode wore of quickly because it is a comfort setting and too soft for sporty driving; 2) Free Drive (the bouncing movement) may come in handy sometime, can't wait to get stuck; 3) Sport+ is great for the twisties; 4) Road Surface Scan may help comfort slightly, but is pretty subtle; 5) I worry about the complexity of the system long term. I think the forthcoming Active Ride Control on the GLE 53 would be the optimum for my purposes (sporty driving) - it's like the old Active Curve but uses the 48 volt system for better response.
That's why I skipped it even though I am planning to lease. But I might consider it next time.
Last edited by darlop; Sep 19, 2019 at 08:44 PM.
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Have to check on the build slot but this was supposed to be available before the GLS450. Pricing was unknown but assumed to be in line with the mentioned GLS450 build ($90k+)
Last edited by Wolfman; Sep 19, 2019 at 09:46 PM.
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mgLipGD
yes it meant to read “any wheel that isn’t leather wrapped will not be heated”
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We need a 4WD winter car and we may not have the time to wait for the right GLS580. Due to allocations we would get one in Q1, 20; too far out for MN winters.
We configured a GLS 450 with some options which sits in the low-mid nineties when the dealer also suggested a GLE580 which I could grab an allocation for.
Prefer the GLS but this made me think. No kids, so no need for 7 seats in the first place. There are still the same stupid leather restrictions but everything else can be optioned.
Has anyone else considered a GLE580?
Since we are leasing for the business, list price is no guideline to the cost as no MF/residual is available on either of these cars.
Traditionally, the small engined cars have lower MF/higher Residual, even though the GLE350/450 has been the exception so far but I assume the 580's will take a hit.
We configured a GLS 450 with some options which sits in the low-mid nineties when the dealer also suggested a GLE580 which I could grab an allocation for.
Prefer the GLS but this made me think. No kids, so no need for 7 seats in the first place. There are still the same stupid leather restrictions but everything else can be optioned.
Has anyone else considered a GLE580?
Since we are leasing for the business, list price is no guideline to the cost as no MF/residual is available on either of these cars.
Traditionally, the small engined cars have lower MF/higher Residual, even though the GLE350/450 has been the exception so far but I assume the 580's will take a hit.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,556
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
All of these GLE/GLS models are technically too outdated for my taste and at the end of a long lifecycle. If didn't check on the GLE residuals but the GLS residuals are so low that it offsets the savings.
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From: USA
2021 GLE450W4 SUV
I have the standard heated wheel but it's not leather.
Last edited by jtjbt20x; Jul 20, 2021 at 10:00 AM.
