So, finally narrowed it down to two GLS450, polar white. One is out of State and will cost extra to transport and it will bought sight unseen. The other one is in State, a couple of hours drive. The major hurdle I had was the choose between six or seven seater. I think I am OK with either as we only need more than 5 seats on weekends or couple of in-state vacations a year.

Which one do you think will be a better buy overall? The price difference between the two after accounting for discounts and transportation fees, is just about $1k. so, that is not a concern at all.

Here are the two GLS with various options:

Option 1 - Out of State
DA2 DA2 Driver Assistance Package Plus: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
546 factory code
513 Speed Limit Assist
292 Side Airbags
266 DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist
233 DISTRONIC PLUS 3.0 with Steering Assist
23U factory code
P20 Driving Assistance Plus
K34 Route Based Speed Action
K33 Extended Restart by STOP and GO Traffic
K32 LED lighting
K26 Factory Code
DB0 DB0 Warmth and Comfort Package
907 Rear Heated Armrest
906 Heated Armrest
902 Rapid Heated Seats
P69 Warmth &Comfort Package
D07 Wheel Locking Bolts
D26 Load Sill Guard, Chrome
H31 Natural Grain Grey Oak Wood Trim
L3B 3-Spoke Multifunction Steering Wheel
U19 MBUX Augmented Video for Navigation
224 Captain Chairs (6 seater)
311 Heated/Cooled Front Cupholders
399 Multicontour Front Seats with Massage
401 Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
413 Panorama Sunroof $1,000 436 Comfort Headrests/Front
443 Heated Steering Wheel
463 Head-Up Display
55U Porcelain Headliner
550 Trailer Hitch
557 Increased Towing Capacity with Trailer Hitch
581 4-Zone Automatic Climate Control $860
582 5-Zone Climate Control $400
6P5 Factory Code
77B MBUX Interior Assistant (Gesture Control)
846 Illuminated Running Boards
872 Heated Rear Seats
883 Soft-Close Doors
886 Heated 3rd Row Seats
94R 20" 8- Spoke Wheel


Option 2 - Dealer #2 Few hours away
DA2 DA2 Driver Assistance Package Plus: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC 546 factory code
513 Speed Limit Assist
292 Side Airbags
266 DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist
233 DISTRONIC PLUS 3.0 with Steering Assist 23U factory code
P20 Driving Assistance Plus
K34 Route Based Speed Action
K33 Extended Restart by STOP and GO Traffic
K32 LED lighting
K26 Factory Code
DB0 DB0 Warmth and Comfort Package: Rapid-Heating Front & Rear Seats,
907 Rear Heated Armrest
906 Heated Armrest
902 Rapid Heated Seats
P69 Warmth &Comfort Package
DB8 DB8 ENERGIZING Comfort Package Plus: Ventilated Front Seats,
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Multicontour Front Seats with Massage
Air Balance Package with Fragrance
Energizing Comfort Package Plus
DC5 DC5 Acoustic Comfort Package: Increased Cabin Insulation, Windshiel
596 Infrared glass
PAF Acoustic Comfort PKG
D11 Roof Spoiler, Body Color
H31 Natural Grain Grey Oak Wood Trim L3B 3-Spoke Multifunction Steering Wheel
U19 MBUX Augmented Video for Navigation
085 factory code
226 7 Seat Configuration
401 399 P21 PBR
293 Rear Side Airbags
413 Panorama Sunroof
436 Comfort Headrests/Front
443 Heated Steering Wheel
463 Head-Up Display
51U Black Headliner
581 4-Zone Automatic Climate Control
582 5-Zone Climate Control
6P5 Factory Code
735 Exclusive Trim Package
846 Illuminated Running Boards
872 Heated Rear Seats
874 MAGIC VISION CONTROL
883 Soft-Close Doors
94R 20" 8- Spoke Wheel

 

Depends what option is a must for you.For me personally trailer hitch is a must so i would go with option 1. Imho interior with black headliner looks more rich than with porcelain so its a hard choice

 

I'll ask the dealer if the trailer hitch can be installed later on if and when I need it. I have not seen the black headliner yet, and I will as both dealers to send me some pictures. I like all the features in option 1, however transportation cost and lower discount offered by the dealer is making this a bit difficult. I have not had any issues servicing the car locally, even if the car was purchased out of State. However, I have heard folks not getting loaners, etc.

My local dealer is willing to have the GLS450 which is couple of hours of where I live, transported to his dealership free of charge. Both these dealers have been very patient and great to deal with.

 

I would say one of your biggest considerations should be going with the 6 seat configuration or the 7 seat configuration. I have spent hours deliberating this and spoke with many owners of various SUVs on the pros and cons. I think it boils down to whether you plan to keep your third row seats up or down during your typical every day driving. If you will typically keep the third row down I would go with the second row bench and if you typically keep the third row up during daily drive I would go with the captains chairs.

I am getting the 7 row seats because I typically keep the third row down and want to maximize space in the second row since I only have two kids. This would be the total opposite if I had thee kids and that is the reason why my cousin in-law got the 2020 GLS with captains chairs.

As for my reasons. First, i think the captains chairs look a little awkward in person when the third row is down because of the big gap between chairs that causes you to see all the trunk and if there is stuff in the trunk allows it to fall into the passenger area.

Second, the captains chairs typically come with a front seat center console that extends into the second row and includes cup holders that are lost because of the missing second row center armrest. This extended front seat center console takes up a lot of room in the second row isle.

There are other reasons but i’m out of time.

 

A great way to rationalize the 6 or 7 seat discussion and I appreciate it. We only have two kids and use the 3rd row once in awhile when a grant parent is visiting. On our QX60, we have hardly ever used the 3rd row as the 2nd row bench seat is good enough for our 12 and 13 year olds and another adult.

 

I don't have the 2020, still have my 2018 GLS. Factory order without a trailer hitch. Big mistake for us. Asked my dealer to install one. Was quoted a price of almost $2000. Apparently requires lots of removing and then welding various structural parts. It is a $575 or close option when built at the factory. Will make sure we order it next time.

 

Checked with the dealer and the trailer hitch can't be added post build. It is factory installed only. That is a slight setback. We do use the hitch for bikes only and I will have to see if the root bike rack may be an option. The dealer said it is $600 + labor to install the roof rack.

 

Give some thought to how difficult it would be to mount the bicycles on the roof rack. It sounds like a good idea until you actually try to figure out how to lift and attach them without scratching the car.

 

I know. Something had to give as I can't get everything I want without custom ordering it. The is giving a decent discount and it will be slightly lower than the option 1 at this time. They got the car yesterday and I was able to see it and liked it a lot. I do like the fact that the interior is black and with the kids, it will work out better in the long run. I hope I don't regret not having the trailer hitch - since I don't keep my cars past OEM warranty, it will be contained to the next 4 years or less.

I plan to pick it up later today once the paperwork is complete.