Respectfully disagree.
Even though this was technically only a facelift MB could have upped the standard content. Let me give you one example of how ridiculous this is. Premium package, which includes lane tracking (among other things) is standard on a GLE400, yet optional on a GLS450. Does that make sense? Hell no. Leather is standard on a GLE400, but optional on a GLS450? Make sense? Hell no. Do you know how many people who shop for a GLS want vented seats? About 90%, and the other 10% wouldn't object if it was there. But you can't get it unless you also get full leather.
They decided to have it carry the "S" class badge, so they should at least have the standard content reflect such. For example, making Premium package standard like it is on a GLE400, as well as leather and vented seats.
Sure, it's only a facelift and not a full redesign, but there is much more MB could have done. And not doing it, makes we question how aware Mercedes is of it's own market. The evidence is in the sales. Dealers that option out their cars sell more. The low base price and long option list only makes it appear that you are pulling something. The GLS should easily carry a base price at or north of $80k with the proper standard features and i can bet you money, sales would not suffer, and might even improve. Further it would make things so much easier at the retail level.
My group also owns two Land Rover dealerships and it is absolutely mind blowing how much $100k inventory they are moving. Mercedes is trying to battle low entry prices and missing the forest for the trees. It's inexcusable and they should be called out on it when they do. "The best of nothing."
Even though this was technically only a facelift MB could have upped the standard content. Let me give you one example of how ridiculous this is. Premium package, which includes lane tracking (among other things) is standard on a GLE400, yet optional on a GLS450. Does that make sense? Hell no. Leather is standard on a GLE400, but optional on a GLS450? Make sense? Hell no. Do you know how many people who shop for a GLS want vented seats? About 90%, and the other 10% wouldn't object if it was there. But you can't get it unless you also get full leather.
They decided to have it carry the "S" class badge, so they should at least have the standard content reflect such. For example, making Premium package standard like it is on a GLE400, as well as leather and vented seats.
Sure, it's only a facelift and not a full redesign, but there is much more MB could have done. And not doing it, makes we question how aware Mercedes is of it's own market. The evidence is in the sales. Dealers that option out their cars sell more. The low base price and long option list only makes it appear that you are pulling something. The GLS should easily carry a base price at or north of $80k with the proper standard features and i can bet you money, sales would not suffer, and might even improve. Further it would make things so much easier at the retail level.
My group also owns two Land Rover dealerships and it is absolutely mind blowing how much $100k inventory they are moving. Mercedes is trying to battle low entry prices and missing the forest for the trees. It's inexcusable and they should be called out on it when they do. "The best of nothing."
