Just a total bait and switch. Either that or MB persistently hangs its dealers out to dry. I just don't understand the fundamental lack of communication between dealers and MB. This will be (perhaps) my first MB and so far, not a good impression of the brand.

In all fairness, the DOG has consistently pointed to a Q4 2018 launch for some time now. I'd point most of the blame at the dealer, not MBUSA. As much as I'd like my car sooner, that Q4 date has been in my mind since I placed my order.

It doesn't matter to the customer whether it is the dealer or MBUSA. Bottom line, it reflects quite poorly on the brand. For the wagon, there were no cars to buy. And the only car you could order was a 2019. And now the 2019s are embargoed due to someones f-up or possibly by design. Last time I checked, they were trying to sell cars here. Not surprised that year-over-year sales are down 22 percent (in July) if this is how they run the business.

The majority of brand dissatisfaction originates at the dealer level. Automotive brands work tirelessly to ensure their dealer networks live up to established corporate expectations. However, dealers are still businesses and need to make money. The sad reality is that many salesmen will tell you what you want to hear, or a variation of it, in order to move units. Everything I have read in this thread is pure conjecture and rumor.

The only "fact" posted is the screenshot I provided from MBUSA's own intranet. That lines up with what the order guide for 2019 cars has shown for months now. I knew this when I placed my order. Nothing has changed. The cars are delayed by design to ensure adequate time for logistics, regulatory approvals, and whatever else MBUSA needs to finalize to ensure a successful launch campaign. It's entirely possible for the timeline to improve, but I'm managing my expectations on that until I hear otherwise.

Your dealer should have told you the Q4 2019 date when you placed your order. If they didn't, that's bad customer relations.

You're right. The revision I have now says Q3 2018. We're still in Q3 until the end of September, so we'll see what happens. At one point, I believe it said both TBD and at one point also Q4.

Any dealer needs to set expectations accordingly. Mine keeps telling me to expect the worst but hope for the best.

So I am curious where Michael lives that he gets his 2019 before North America.

Try another dealer, or shop for a inventory car. Panamera nice alternative, but you will not get the raw performance a E63 will deliver - unless you spec up to a Panamera Turbo, which can be double the price.

That is truly frustrating ! Have you actually shopped for the Panamera yet - might be your only alternative. The fit and finish of the Porsche, along with the interior - its a very nice car I must say.

If you want an E63, there are still 38 listed for sale if you can't wait until late this year or early next, might be one close to your desired spec.

It's rocks and hard places for anyone in the market right now. Every time I posted about delays in E63 production I'd get shouted down here by reps from dealerships saying I was talking nonsense. My order was locked in late last year, a wagon with basically everything but the carbon trim. It was scheduled for first 10 days of January. Didn't get a VIN until Valentine's day. Didn't start production until April, which is way longer than the usual gap between VIN and production. Didn't delivery until May. There are parts and options in the Mercedes "catalog" right now that are having supply chain issues that can last 6 months and they are only getting worse with the parts sharing between all the new models like the CLS, GT 4-door, even the new G-wagen. They're going to have to find some new suppliers if these things continue.

For those who are saying that Dealers knew ahead of time of this VPC delays is just not true. This is an email sent by MBUSA CEO 12 days ago and he explains very clear the reasons for delay. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...a872464a67.jpg