Building a Mercedes yourself means ordering a car directly from the manufacturer with your choice of engine, interior, paint, and features
Mercedes-Benz lets you configure a new car through their official website or with a dealer, selecting everything from the model and engine type to the leather color and wheel design. You are not assembling the car yourself in a garage — Mercedes builds it in their factory according to your specifications. This process is called a build and price or custom order, and it differs from buying a car already sitting on a dealer's lot because you decide exactly what goes into it.
The main reason people build their own Mercedes is to get the exact combination of features they want rather than settling for what inventory happens to have in stock. The tradeoff is that it takes longer — typically 8 to 12 weeks from order to delivery, depending on the model and how busy the factory is — and you cannot change your mind once production starts.
Key Takeaways
- You configure your Mercedes on Mercedes-Benz.com or through a dealer, choosing the model, engine, color, interior materials, and optional features before the factory builds it.
- Custom orders take 8 to 12 weeks from the time you place the order until the car arrives at the dealer, longer than buying an existing inventory car.
- You pay a deposit to lock in your order, and the full price is based on every option you select, so the final cost can be significantly higher than the base model price.
- Once production begins at the factory, you cannot make changes to your order, so review every detail before confirming.
- A dealer can walk you through the build process and handle paperwork, but you can also configure and order directly through Mercedes-Benz's website.
Where to start: the Mercedes-Benz website or a dealer
You can begin building a Mercedes in two ways. The first is to go to Mercedes-Benz.com, find the "Build and Price" or "Configure" tool (the exact name varies by region), select your model, and work through each category of options. The second is to visit or call a Mercedes-Benz dealer, where a salesperson can walk you through the same choices and answer questions about what each option includes.
Using the website is faster if you know what you want and enjoy making decisions on your own. A dealer is useful if you want to see colors and materials in person, compare how different wheel designs look on the model, or have questions about what features work together. Many people do both — they explore options online first, then visit a dealer to confirm their choices before placing the order.
The categories you will choose: model, engine, color, and features
When you build a Mercedes, you move through these decisions in order. First, you pick the model — C-Class, E-Class, GLE, AMG, or another line. Next, you choose the engine type, which determines the car's power and fuel efficiency. Then comes exterior color, interior material (leather type and color, or other upholstery), and wheel design.
After those basics, you select optional features and packages. These might include a panoramic sunroof, upgraded sound system, navigation system, leather steering wheel, heated seats, or performance upgrades. Each option adds to the price. Some options come bundled together in a package — for example, a "Premium Package" might include several features at a lower total cost than buying them separately. The website or dealer will show you the price after each choice, so you can see how your selections add up.
How much it costs and when you pay
The price you see at the end of the build process is what you will pay for that specific car. It includes the base price of the model, the engine upgrade (if any), and every option you selected. This is often higher than the advertised starting price, which only includes the base model with no options.
When you place the order, you typically pay a deposit — the amount varies by dealer and region, but it is often a few thousand dollars. This deposit holds your order and is applied toward the final purchase price. You pay the remainder when the car is delivered and you pick it up from the dealer. Some dealers offer financing options, and you can arrange a loan before or after you place the order.
The timeline: from order to delivery
After you confirm your order, Mercedes sends it to the factory. Production usually takes 6 to 10 weeks, depending on the model and current factory workload. Once the car is built, it is shipped to the dealer, which can add another 1 to 3 weeks. You will receive updates as the car moves through production and shipping, though the frequency and detail of these updates vary.
This timeline is much longer than buying a car already in stock at a dealer, which you can often drive home the same day. If you need a car quickly, a custom order is not the right choice. If you have time and want exactly what you want, the wait is usually worth it to most people who choose this route.
What you cannot change once you order
Once you submit your order and the factory receives it, you cannot make changes to the configuration. You cannot swap the color, change the engine, add or remove options, or alter the interior. Some dealers may be able to cancel an order if you change your mind very early, but this depends on the dealer's policy and how far along production is. Always review every detail — model, color, engine, every single option — before you confirm the order.
This is why many people spend time on the website or at a dealer working through different combinations before they are ready to order. You might configure several versions, compare the prices and features, and live with the idea for a few days before deciding. Taking that time upfront prevents regret later.
Dealer involvement and paperwork
Even if you configure your car on the Mercedes-Benz website, a dealer is involved in the final steps. The dealer processes your order, collects your deposit, handles the financing paperwork, and receives the car when it arrives. They also manage the delivery appointment and any final inspections or adjustments before you pick up the car.
Some dealers charge a documentation or delivery fee on top of the car's price. Ask about these fees before you order, so there are no surprises at pickup. The dealer can also explain warranty coverage, maintenance plans, and what to expect during the first service appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my car being built or visit the factory?
Mercedes does not offer factory tours for individual customers ordering a single car. Some special programs or events may include a factory visit, but this is not a standard part of the custom order process. You will receive production updates and photos as your car moves through the factory, which most dealers can show you online.
What if I want to change my order after I place it?
Changes are not possible once the factory begins production. If you contact your dealer very early — within days of placing the order — they may be able to cancel it, but this depends on the dealer's policy and whether the order has already been transmitted to the factory. Always confirm the order is exactly what you want before submitting it.
Is a custom-ordered Mercedes more expensive than buying one in stock?
The car itself costs the same whether it is custom-ordered or already in inventory. However, a custom order lets you add options that may not be on inventory cars, which increases the price. An inventory car might have fewer options but could be cheaper overall, or it might have options you do not want, making it more expensive.
What happens if the factory makes a mistake with my order?
Factory errors are rare, but if your car arrives with something wrong — wrong color, missing option, or incorrect engine — contact your dealer when ready. The dealer will document the issue and work with Mercedes to resolve it, which might mean a repair, a replacement part, or in rare cases, building a replacement car.
Can I order a Mercedes if I do not have a dealer nearby?
You need a dealer to process the order and receive the car, so you must work with at least one Mercedes-Benz dealer. However, you do not need to use the closest one to you. You can order through a dealer in another city or region, and they will arrange delivery to you or to a dealer closer to your home.