DETROIT, MI - Mercedes-Benz shows its G-Class SUVs at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on January 15, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan.
(Photo : Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Great news for Mercedes-Benz fans in the United States as the German automaker confirmed on Tuesday, February 1, that it will open order banks again for the GLE-, GLS-, and G-Class models with twin-turbo V-8s under their hoods on February 2 at 3 pm ET.
Mercedes-Benz dealers in the United States received the notice about the change of order status for the V-8s last Friday, January 28. Auto website Motor Authority has seen that particular notice and verified it to be real. Among the models coming back online for Mercedes-Benz in the US are the GLE 63S, GLS 580, GLS 63, GLE 580, GLE 63, G 550, G 63, and the GLS 600 Maybach.
Mercedes-Benz informed its US dealers in the notice that orders previously placed in the system for 2022 models will now be made available. Customers can place the 2022 model year orders once any modifications needed are made. Regarding leftover orders for 2021 model year vehicles, Mercedes-Benz will convert them to 2022 model year orders.
Mercedes-Benz makes surprise U-turn on order banks in the US
While the GLE-, GLS-, and G-Class models with V-8s are making a grand return to US order banks, noticeably absent from the selection are the entire AMG GT lineup and CLS, as well as the E-Class sedan and wagon.
That being said, having some of the V-8 models of Mercedes-Benz back in the US order banks is a welcome development for customers after they were jettisoned from the company's lineup in August of last year. Mercedes-Benz spokesperson Anne McGregor said back then that the automaker opted to shift its focus to comply with global, internal, and external requirements and face supply chain issues affecting the entire auto industry.
In the notice that Adam Chamberlain, vice president of sales and product management at Mercedes-Benz, sent to its US dealers in August 2021, orders and production schedules were suspended immediately for all previously ordered V-8-powered 2022 GLE, GLS, and GLS Maybach, along with all AMG models. The only models that were supposed to be available with a V-8 engine in the United States for 2022 are the S-Class and Maybach S-Class.
Related Article: Mercedes-Benz G-class Breaks Sales Record in Australia Despite Closing Order Books in 2021
G-Class sales flourishing for Mercedes
The G-Class models of Mercedes-Benz have been a cash cow for the German carmaker, with the venerable SUV setting a new sales record last year. Mercedes-Benz sold 41,174 G-Class vehicles last year, its best result since the original W460 unit was launched in 1979. Despite the microchip shortage wreaking havoc in the automotive industry last year, Mercedes-Benz managed to accomplish that feat.
G-Class may be back with its gas-guzzling engines and diesels in the US, but plans are already in place for the SUV to be electrified soon. A 2024 launch for a zero-emissions Geländewagen has already been confirmed by Mercedes, with the vehicle serving as a follow-up to the Concept EQG it released in 2021.
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