jean7of9

They waited until the cars come out of production to fine tune the configuration.

jean7of9

Diamond White is the only optional color even on the ML-63. All other colors available with no additional charge. Can someone help in why they picked to charge this color.

YYZ-E55

MBUSA also charges for Diamond White.

venchka

As I recall when we ordered in the USA last year, metallic paint costs extra on several vehicles. Diamond White cost about twice as much as standard metallic paint. So, if metallic paint is a no cost option, then Diamond White should cost about $700 more. It's all explained when you "build" a car at MBUSA.

Wayne

jean7of9

Thanks for the reply. I am not questioning the cost. Money is not an object. I am curious to know why Diamond White is more expensive than other metallic paints? Is it so difficult to produce a "metallic white" or MB priced it higher for exclusivity. I could not find any MB technical description explaining the higher cost compared to other metallic paints.

YYZ-E55

It was originally a designo paint (mystic white) that was ported over to series production. While there is an incremental cost associated with the diamond white finish due to complexity in the paint process for a pearlesque finish, I believe the price has more to do with exclusivity and its designo roots than the actual production cost delta versus a typical metallic finish.

jean7of9

YYZ-E55: Many thanks for the clarification. This color is still my favorite. I also noticed that Porcelain Designo Seats are available only for the ML-63. If not available for the 2013 ML-550 by ordering time in June/July 2012 I may move toward the ML-63. I am no longer speed crazy but those seats put the car at par with higher luxury standard as S-550 and Range Rover.

YYZ-E55

Designo will be available in the 550 for MY13. Production switchover is in June, so you could have a MY13 for August I'd imagine.

jean7of9

YYZ-E55: Thanks for the info.

2012MLBlue

Because its the BEST colour!!! (I may be biased)

Love the Diamond White on my new ML!!!

jean7of9

2012MLBlue: I am glad you are enjoying it. I am sure this color will fair better through bad Quebec winter slush than Obsedian Black or any other dark color.

MD Boy

Configurator is up and running for the ML550/ML63 on MBUSA now too.

jean7of9

MD Boy: Thanks. The fun in configuring my car just started.

jean7of9

YYZ-E55: Today at the Dealer, I had a chance to compare side by side many MB models in Diamond White and Calcite White. Diamond White looks a bit smoother and shinier. My SA told me that the Diamond White pigment comes from "Japan" where the manufacturer is unable to produce enough quantity which explains this additional charge by MB. He could not provide any good reason to justify the extra charge except exclusivity which is only noticed by the very few. I am still debating whether it is worth the extra pennies. I love my 2010 C-350 in Calcite White, that is why I am attracted by Diamond White.

YYZ-E55

The pigment does come from Japan, and yes, the Diamond White costs MB than the other metallic paint colors.

MB Canada pricing on Diamond White is now in line with MBUSA.