What the Mercedes configurator does
The Mercedes-Benz configurator is an online tool on the Mercedes website where you can build a car by choosing the model, color, interior, engine, and features you want. It shows you the price as you make each choice, so you see in real time how options affect the total cost. The configurator does not sell you the car — it creates a specification you can save, print, or share with a dealer to discuss financing or delivery.
The tool is free to use and requires no account. You start by picking a model (like the C-Class or GLE), then move through screens where each choice updates the price when ready. At the end, you get a summary sheet with your exact configuration, the final price, and options for what to do next.
Key Takeaways
- The configurator lets you see the real price of any combination of model, color, engine, and features before you contact a dealer.
- You can save your configuration as a PDF or email it to yourself, then bring it to a dealer or use it to compare prices across dealers.
- The price shown includes the base vehicle and your selected options, but does not include taxes, delivery fees, or dealer markup.
- Dealers can build on your configuration or offer different pricing, so the configurator price is a starting point, not a locked-in quote.
How to start building a car in the configurator
Go to the Mercedes-Benz website for your country and look for a link labeled "Build and Price," "Configure," or "Build Your Mercedes" — the exact wording varies by region. Click it to open the configurator.
The first screen asks you to choose a model. You will see thumbnails of each model line (A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, GLA, GLE, and so on) with brief descriptions. Click the model you want to explore. If you are not sure which model fits your needs, you can click on each one to read about its size, purpose, and starting price before committing to a configuration.
Once you pick a model, the configurator moves to the next step: choosing the specific trim or variant within that model. For example, the C-Class might offer C 300, C 43 AMG, or C 63 AMG, each with different engines and performance. Select the one that matches your budget and driving preferences.
Choosing exterior color, wheels, and paint options
After you pick the model and trim, you will see options for exterior color and wheels. The configurator displays your car in 3D as you make changes, so you can see how each color looks on the actual body shape.
Standard colors are usually included in the base price. Metallic or special finishes (like pearl or matte) typically add cost. Wheel options range from smaller, lighter wheels to larger performance wheels, and each choice affects both the price and the appearance. The configurator shows the price change for each wheel size as you select it.
Some models also offer roof options — a standard roof, a panoramic sunroof, or a glass roof — and these appear in this section. Each adds to the price and changes how the car looks from outside.
Selecting interior trim, upholstery, and cabin features
The interior section lets you choose the material and color of the seats (leather, leather with contrast stitching, or fabric), the dashboard trim (wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber), and the color of the interior overall. The 3D view updates to show your choices.
You will also see options for climate control zones, seat heating and cooling, massage functions, and steering wheel material. Luxury packages often bundle several of these features together at a lower total cost than buying them individually, so the configurator will show you package options alongside individual selections.
Infotainment and technology features appear here too — touchscreen size, navigation systems, premium audio packages, and smartphone integration. The configurator lists each option with its price, so you can decide which features matter to you and which you want to skip to keep the total down.
Choosing engine, transmission, and drive type
The powertrain section is where you pick the engine (turbocharged four-cylinder, six-cylinder, V8, or hybrid, depending on the model), the transmission (automatic is standard; some models offer manual), and the drive type (front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive). Each choice has a different price and affects fuel economy and performance.
The configurator shows you the horsepower, torque, and estimated fuel consumption for each engine option, so you can compare them side by side. If you are financing the car, the engine choice also affects your monthly payment, though the configurator does not calculate payments — it only shows the purchase price.
Understanding the final price and what it includes
Once you have made all your choices, the configurator shows you a summary with the base price of the model, the cost of each option you selected, and the total. This total is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for your exact configuration.
The price shown does not include taxes, registration fees, delivery charges, or dealer documentation fees. Those costs vary by location and dealer. The price also does not include any dealer markup — some dealers charge more than MSRP, and some offer discounts. When you take your configuration to a dealer, ask them to quote you the full out-the-door price so you know what you will actually pay.
If you are financing, the monthly payment depends on the total price, your down payment, the loan term, and the interest rate. The configurator does not calculate payments, but you can take the price to a bank or dealer to get a financing quote.
Saving and sharing your configuration
At the end of the configurator, you will see options to save your configuration. You can usually read it as a PDF, email it to yourself, or generate a link you can share with others. The PDF includes a photo of your configured car, all the specifications, and the price.
Save your configuration before you leave the configurator, because the tool does not automatically store it if you close the browser. Once you have the PDF or link, you can bring it to a dealer, compare it across multiple dealers, or share it with family members to get their input.
Some dealers also accept configurator links directly and can use them to start a quote or order process. Ask your dealer whether they prefer a PDF or a link.
What to do after you have built your car
Your next step depends on whether you want to buy now or just explore options. If you are ready to buy, contact a Mercedes dealer with your configuration and ask for a full quote that includes taxes, fees, and delivery. Dealers can sometimes offer discounts or negotiate on the price shown in the configurator, especially if you are trading in a vehicle or financing through them.
If you are still shopping, you can build multiple configurations in the configurator to compare different models, colors, or feature packages. You can also use the configurator to see how much each option costs, so you know which features are worth the price to you and which you can live without.
The configurator is also useful if you are financing and want to understand how price changes affect your monthly payment. Once you know the total price, you can use an external loan calculator to see what different down payments and loan terms would cost you per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the price in the configurator the same price I will pay at a dealer?
The configurator shows the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for your configuration. Dealers may charge more or less than MSRP, and they add taxes, registration, and delivery fees on top. Always ask a dealer for the full out-the-door price before you commit.
Can I order a car directly from the configurator?
No. The configurator is a planning tool only. Once you have built your car, you must contact a Mercedes dealer to place an order, arrange financing, and complete the purchase. Some dealers have links in the configurator to start the ordering process, but the actual transaction happens with the dealer.
What if I want to change my configuration after I save it?
You can build a new configuration at any time — the configurator does not lock you in. If you saved a PDF or link, you can also go back to the configurator and start over, or use your saved configuration as a starting point and modify it from there.
Does the configurator show me monthly payment amounts?
No. The configurator shows only the purchase price. To see what your monthly payment would be, take the total price to a bank, credit union, or dealer and ask them to calculate a payment based on your down payment, loan term, and credit. Different lenders offer different rates, so it pays to shop around.
Can I use the configurator on my phone?
Yes, the Mercedes configurator works on mobile browsers, though the experience is smaller and may be harder to navigate than on a desktop or tablet. If you are building a complex configuration with many options, a larger screen usually makes it easier to see all your choices at once.