What the Mercedes-Benz Build and Price tool does
Mercedes-Benz's Build and Price tool is an online configurator on the Mercedes-Benz website where you select a model, choose colors, wheels, interior materials, and features, then see the price update in real time. You do not buy the car through the tool — instead, you create a configuration you can save, email to a dealer, or print. The tool shows you what different options cost and how they change the total price, so you can see the financial impact of each choice before you talk to a salesperson.
The tool works on desktop and mobile browsers. You start by picking which Mercedes-Benz model interests you, then move through a series of screens where each choice narrows or expands what is available next. For example, once you pick an engine, certain transmissions or drivetrains may no longer be offered. The price updates after each selection so you always know where you stand.
Key Takeaways
- The Build and Price tool lets you configure a Mercedes-Benz online and see the price change with each option you add, without talking to a dealer first.
- You can save your configuration, email it, or print it to bring to a dealership or use for comparison shopping.
- The tool shows which options are available together and which conflict — for example, some packages cannot be combined with certain engines.
- The final price shown includes the base vehicle, all options you selected, and destination charges, but not taxes, dealer fees, or financing costs.
- The configurations you build are not binding orders; they are starting points for conversations with dealers about inventory, pricing, and delivery timelines.
How to start building your Mercedes-Benz configuration
Go to the Mercedes-Benz USA website and look for the Build and Price link, usually in the top navigation or under the "Shop" section. Click it and you will see a list of current model lines — for example, C-Class, E-Class, GLC, GLE, or AMG models. Select the model that interests you. The tool will then show you available body styles for that model, such as sedan, coupe, or SUV.
After you pick the body style, you will choose the trim level or package. Mercedes-Benz organizes trims by name (such as C 300 or AMG C 43) and by what comes standard in each one. The tool displays the base price for each trim so you can compare. Once you select a trim, the tool moves to the next screen and the real customization begins.
Selecting exterior color, wheels, and paint finishes
The first customization screen usually covers the exterior. You will choose a paint color from the available palette — standard colors are usually included in the base price, while special or metallic finishes add a charge. The tool shows you a photo of the car in each color so you can see how it looks before you commit.
Next you pick wheels. Mercedes-Benz offers multiple wheel designs for most models, ranging from smaller, more fuel-efficient options to larger, sportier designs. Each wheel choice has a price — some are standard, others cost extra. The tool shows the wheel on the car in the color you selected, so you can see the combination. You can also choose whether to add a spare tire and what type of tire to use.
Choosing the engine, transmission, and drivetrain
The powertrain section is where you select the engine — for example, a turbocharged four-cylinder, a six-cylinder, or an eight-cylinder. Different engines have different prices, fuel economy ratings, and horsepower. Once you pick an engine, the tool shows you which transmissions are available for that engine; not all engines pair with all transmissions.
You will also choose the drivetrain: rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive depending on the model. All-wheel drive typically adds cost and slightly reduces fuel economy, but improves traction in snow and wet conditions. The tool updates the price and estimated fuel economy after each powertrain choice so you can see the trade-offs.
Adding interior materials, packages, and technology features
The interior section lets you choose upholstery material — leather, synthetic leather, or fabric depending on the trim. You can also select the color and type of interior trim, such as wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber. These choices affect the price and the look of the cabin.
Below that are option packages and individual features. Packages bundle several related features at a discount compared to buying them separately — for example, a "Premium Package" might include a better sound system, power seats, and ambient lighting. You can also add features one at a time, such as a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, or a specific infotainment system. The tool shows what each package or feature costs and prevents you from selecting conflicting options, such as two different audio systems.
Understanding the price breakdown and final total
As you make selections, the tool displays a running total on the side of the screen. This total includes the base vehicle price, the cost of every option you added, and the destination charge (the cost to ship the car from the factory to the dealer). The price does not include taxes, dealer documentation fees, registration, or financing costs — those vary by location and dealer, and you will see them later if you move forward with a purchase.
You can click on the price breakdown to see a detailed list of what each component costs. This is useful if you want to understand which options are driving the price up or if you want to remove something to bring the total down. Some dealers also use this breakdown when negotiating, so having it in writing can be helpful.
Saving, sharing, and using your configuration at a dealership
Once you finish building your car, the tool offers several ways to save your work. You can create a Mercedes-Benz account and save the configuration to your profile, so you can come back to it later and make changes. You can also email the configuration to yourself or to a dealer, or print it as a PDF. Many people email their configuration to a local dealership and ask the salesperson to check inventory or discuss pricing.
When you bring your configuration to a dealer, remember that it is a starting point, not a final order. Dealers may have cars in stock that match your configuration, or they may need to order one from the factory. They may also offer different pricing than the tool shows, depending on current incentives, dealer inventory, or negotiation. The configuration gives you a clear picture of what you want and what it should cost, which makes the dealer conversation more focused and productive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the price shown in Build and Price include taxes and dealer fees?
No. The price includes the base vehicle, all options you selected, and destination charges only. Taxes, dealer documentation fees, registration, and financing costs are added later and vary by location and dealer. The tool cannot predict those amounts because they depend on where you live and which dealership you work with.
Can I order a car directly through Build and Price?
No. Build and Price is a configuration and information tool only. You cannot place an order or make a payment through it. Once you have built a configuration you like, you save it and take it to a Mercedes-Benz dealership to discuss ordering, pricing, and delivery. The dealership handles the actual transaction.
What if I build a configuration and then the price changes?
Prices can change when Mercedes-Benz updates its model year lineup or adjusts pricing. If you saved a configuration and come back to it weeks or months later, the price may be different. The tool will show you the current price when you open your saved configuration. If you are serious about a purchase, check the price shortly before you visit the dealership.
Can I compare two different configurations side by side?
Most versions of the Build and Price tool allow you to save multiple configurations to your account, so you can build one car, save it, then start over and build a different one. You can then open each saved configuration separately to compare prices and features. Some versions also have a comparison feature that shows two configurations next to each other.
Does Build and Price show me cars that are actually in stock at dealers near me?
No. Build and Price shows you what a car would cost if configured the way you want it. It does not connect to dealer inventory systems. To find out whether a dealer has a car in stock that matches your configuration, you need to contact the dealership directly or use the dealer locator on the Mercedes-Benz website to find a nearby dealer and ask them.