Mercedes-Benz's online configurator lets you design a car to your specifications, see the price in real time, and place an order through a dealer
Mercedes-Benz operates an official build-to-order system through its website where you select the model, exterior color, interior trim, wheels, technology packages, and other options. The configurator shows you the price as you add features, lets you save your configuration, and generates a document you can take to a dealer or request a quote on. You do not pay through the website itself — the configurator is a design and pricing tool that connects you to the dealer network for the actual purchase and financing.
The process works the same whether you are buying a sedan, SUV, or sports car from the current model year. Some options are standard on certain trim levels and cannot be removed; others are optional add-ons that increase the price. Regional availability varies — not every color or package combination ships to every market, and some features are exclusive to certain countries or model years.
Key Takeaways
- The Mercedes-Benz configurator is a free online tool where you design your car and see the final price before contacting a dealer.
- You choose the model, paint color, interior materials, wheel design, engine options, and technology packages, with prices updating as you select each item.
- Once you finish your configuration, you can save it, email it to yourself, or share it with a dealer to request a quote or begin the purchase process.
- The actual order and financing happen through an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer in your region, not through the website.
- Build times vary by model and current production schedules, typically ranging from several weeks to several months depending on the complexity of your choices.
How to access the Mercedes-Benz configurator
Start at the main Mercedes-Benz website for your country or region. Look for a link labeled "Build Your Own," "Configure," or "Build and Price" — the exact wording varies by market. Click it and you will land on a page that asks you to select a model line first: C-Class, E-Class, GLE, AMG models, or whichever ranges are currently available in your region.
Once you choose a model, the configurator shows you the available trim levels or packages for that car. Each trim comes with a base price and a standard set of features. From there, you move through a series of screens where you make choices about color, interior, wheels, and optional technology. The configurator will not let you proceed to the next step until you have made a selection for each category, though many categories have a "no change" option that keeps the standard choice.
You do not need to create an account or log in to use the configurator. It works on desktop and mobile browsers, though a larger screen makes it easier to see all the color and trim options at once.
Selecting exterior color, interior, and wheel options
The configurator displays paint colors as large swatches so you can see how they look in different lighting. Standard colors are usually included in the base price; premium or metallic finishes typically add a few hundred dollars. Some colors are region-specific — a color available in Europe may not be offered in North America, and vice versa.
Interior choices usually include leather type, stitching color, and wood or trim accents. Upgrading from standard cloth to leather, or choosing a premium leather grade, increases the price. The configurator shows you a photo or 360-degree view of the interior so you can see how the colors and materials work together.
Wheels come in several designs and sizes. Larger wheels (measured in inches) typically cost more and may affect fuel economy slightly. All-season tires are standard; some configurations let you add winter tires or choose a different tire brand. The configurator shows you how each wheel design looks on the car from multiple angles.
Understanding engine, transmission, and powertrain options
Mercedes-Benz offers different engine sizes and types depending on the model. A C-Class might have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as the base engine, with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder or hybrid option available. An AMG model typically comes with a high-performance engine as standard. The configurator lists the horsepower, torque, and estimated fuel economy for each engine choice.
Transmission options are usually automatic only in current Mercedes models, with different automatic types (9-speed, 10-speed) depending on the engine. Some models offer all-wheel drive as an option; others come with it as standard. Hybrid and electric models (like the EQE or EQS) show battery size and estimated range instead of traditional engine specifications.
The configurator displays the price difference for each powertrain choice. A larger engine or hybrid system costs more than the base option. Fuel economy estimates are shown for comparison, though real-world results depend on driving habits and conditions.
Adding technology packages and safety features
Technology packages bundle features like navigation, premium audio systems, driver information systems, and smartphone integration. Mercedes typically organizes these into named packages — for example, a "Premium Package" might include a larger touchscreen and wireless charging, while an "AMG Dynamic Package" adds performance upgrades. The configurator lists what is included in each package and the total price.
Safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking may come standard on higher trim levels or be available as individual options or part of a package. The configurator shows you which safety features are included in the base model and which are add-ons.
Some technology is exclusive to certain trim levels or engine choices. For example, a particular driver-information system might only be available on the E-Class with the premium engine. The configurator will not show you options that are incompatible with your current selections.
Saving your configuration and getting a dealer quote
Once you have finished building your car, the configurator shows you a summary page with the final price, all your selections, and a unique configuration code or link. You can save this configuration to your browser, email it to yourself, print it, or share it directly with a dealer.
Most configurators have a "Request a Quote" or "Contact a Dealer" button that lets you enter your name, email, and phone number. This sends your configuration to an authorized dealer in your area, who will contact you with pricing, financing options, and delivery timing. Some dealers may offer incentives or negotiate on the final price, depending on current promotions and inventory.
If you want to shop around, you can send the same configuration to multiple dealers and compare their quotes. Having the exact configuration code makes it straightforward for dealers to pull up your specifications and give you consistent pricing across different locations.
Build times and delivery expectations
Mercedes-Benz does not publish a single build time because it depends on the model, current production schedules, and how many custom options you have chosen. A car with popular colors and standard options may build faster than one with rare colors or multiple special-order features. Typical timelines range from four to twelve weeks, though some models or configurations may take longer.
Once your order is placed through a dealer, you will receive a production schedule and tracking information. The dealer can usually tell you when the car will be built and when it will arrive at their location. You typically do not pay the full price until the car is ready for delivery, though some dealers may ask for a deposit to find the order.
Delivery happens at the dealer's showroom. You will inspect the car, review the paperwork, arrange financing if needed, and complete the purchase. Some dealers offer delivery to your home as part of the service, depending on your location and the dealer's policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my configuration after I send it to a dealer?
Yes, but only before the car enters production. Once manufacturing has started, changes become difficult or impossible. Contact the dealer as soon as possible if you want to modify your order. The dealer can tell you whether the change is still possible and whether it will delay your delivery date.
What if the color or option I want is not showing in the configurator?
Some colors and options are region-specific or may be temporarily out of stock. Check whether you have selected the correct region or country in the configurator settings. If an option still does not appear, contact a dealer — they may be able to special-order it or suggest an alternative that is currently available.
Do I have to buy through the configurator, or can I buy a car already on the dealer's lot?
You can do either. The configurator is for custom orders, but dealers also stock completed cars on their lots. If you see a car you like in inventory, you can buy it directly without using the configurator. The configurator is useful if you want specific colors or options that are not currently in stock.
Can I finance through the configurator?
No. The configurator is a design and pricing tool only. Financing is handled by the dealer or through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services after you place your order. The dealer will discuss financing options, interest rates, and loan terms with you during the purchase process.
What happens if the price changes between when I configure the car and when I order it?
Prices can change if there is a significant gap between when you build the car and when you actually place the order, or if model-year pricing is updated. The price shown in the configurator is current at that moment, but the dealer will confirm the final price when you are ready to order. Ask the dealer whether the price is locked in once you submit your order.