My dealer has a GLS coming in that doesn't have many things I have wanted, but does have the colors I like and a non inflated pice.

The one thing I am truly concerned about is the second row airbag option not being on it. I have two kids and it seems wrong to not have the extra safety option. I can't believe it's actually an option to be honest. Am I missing something? Are there airbags in the second row standard and these are some sort of extra?

Also, does the sound reduction option make a big difference? I was looking forward to a very quiet car.

Thank you!

 

I would not compromise on both those options.


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The side air curtain covers the 2nd row. The rear seat bags are optional. Given the extra stiffening in the side of the chassis I don't think they are necessary. The front seat bags are necessary because the B pillar will deform on a side impact.

 

Does the GLE have this extra airbag option? I don't see it in the build, but I taught the GLE and GLS were essentially the same car in the first two rows?

 

The 167 GLE has always had the 293 Airbag option. It is not showing on the MB Build Site, but it is in the order guide for 2022. It may have been removed due to lack of availability (or could just be a mistake on the build site).

 

Thank you! Why does the GLS remove a standard safety feature that the GLE has?

 

Sorry, if I wasn't clear. It is an option on the GLE as well as the GLS -- available (when there is no parts shortage) but not standard on either.

 

The airbag is an option on he GLE but not listed on the website but it is for dealers.

 

They're an incredibly rare option that I've essentially only ever seen on special ordered vehicles. I've also heard they may not work so well with car seats. On the one hand it seems silly to compromise on that, on the other hand you probably aren't going to stumble across one with it, and it seems like the GLS is an incredibly safe car even without it given that 95+% of GLEs and GLSs don't have it optioned.

As for the extra sound deatening, again it makes a noticable difference but the car is already incredibly quiet and insulated, and I've heard it can block cell phone and toll transponder signals sometimes.

If you're coming from a Rolls Royce Cullinan and are a bad driver with teen kids, I wouldn't compromise and would put in a facotry order to get those two rare options. But if you are coming from a Honda Pilot and have kids in baby seats or booster seats, I don;t think missing those two options should be that big of a deal.

 

Though rear airbags sound like a great idea its benefits are still to be proven. The most important safety item for the rear seat is well worn seatbelts. Toddlers of course requie car seats for obvious reasons. Lastly rear airbags are designed for adults their effectiness on children are even more nebulous. More is not alway better. The front seat front middle console airbag, which has proven effectiveness in side crashes is not available in the US. The acoustic glass is a good addition particularly since it also includes heat reflecting windshield a welcome addition anywhere. The GLS particularly the 580 with Eactive suspension is the best large SUV in the market bar none. Woth every penney.