Mercedes-Benz lets you design your own vehicle online before you buy, choosing the model, exterior color, interior trim, wheels, and features that match what you want

Mercedes-Benz's online configurator — called "Build Your Own" or "Configure" depending on the model year — is a free tool on their website where you select every visible and mechanical choice for a new vehicle. You pick the base model first, then layer on paint colors, leather or fabric interiors, wheel designs, technology packages, and individual features. The tool shows you the price as you add each option, so you see the final cost before you contact a dealer.

This is not a purchase or a binding order. It is a way to explore what a specific car would cost with your choices, and to save that configuration so you can show it to a dealer or compare it against other setups. Once you have built a vehicle you like, you can either print the details, email them to yourself, or use them to start a conversation with a Mercedes dealer about actually ordering it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mercedes configurator is free and lives on their main website under "Build Your Own" — you do not need to create an account or provide contact information to use it.
  • You choose the model line first (C-Class, E-Class, GLE, etc.), then exterior color, interior materials, wheels, and optional technology or comfort packages in any order.
  • The price updates in real time as you add options, so you can see exactly how much each choice costs before you commit.
  • Once you have designed a vehicle, you can save it, print it, or email the configuration to a dealer to discuss ordering or financing.
  • Building a custom vehicle online does not reserve it or lock in a price — dealers may quote slightly different amounts based on current incentives and local market conditions.

Finding the Mercedes Configurator on Their Website

Go to the main Mercedes-Benz USA website and look for a button or link labeled "Build Your Own," "Configure," or "Design Your Vehicle" — the exact wording changes by model year and website update. This link is usually in the top navigation menu or in a prominent banner on the home page. Click it and you will land on a page that asks you to choose a model line first.

If you cannot find the link in the main menu, use the search function on the Mercedes website and search for "build your own" or "configure." You can also navigate to the specific model page (C-Class, GLE, A-Class, etc.) and look for a "Build" or "Configure" button near the top of that page. The tool works on desktop browsers and mobile devices, though a larger screen makes it easier to see all the color and trim options at once.

Selecting Your Model and Base Configuration

The first step is choosing which Mercedes model you want to build — C-Class sedan, E-Class, GLE SUV, A-Class hatchback, or another line. Once you select a model, the tool shows you the available trim levels or packages for that model (such as Standard, AMG Line, or Premium). Each trim level comes with a different set of standard features and a different starting price. Choose the trim that matches your budget and the features you want included as standard.

After you pick a trim, the configurator shows you the base price for that combination. This is the price before any optional colors, wheels, or packages. Write this number down or take a screenshot — it is your starting point, and everything you add from here will increase the total. Some trim levels may not be available in all regions or may have limited availability depending on the model year, so if you cannot select a trim you want, it may not be offered in your area.

Choosing Exterior Color and Paint Finishes

Next, you will select the exterior paint color. Mercedes offers standard colors (usually included in the base price) and premium or special colors (which cost extra). The configurator shows you a photo of the car in each color so you can see how it looks in different lighting. Standard colors typically include black, white, silver, and gray. Premium colors — such as metallic blues, reds, or special finishes — add $500 to $1,500 or more to the price, depending on the color and whether it is a special effect or matte finish.

Some colors are regional or model-specific, so not every color may be available for every model. The tool will only show you colors that are actually available for the model and trim you selected. If you are torn between two colors, you can build the same vehicle twice with different colors to compare the final prices side by side.

Selecting Interior Trim, Leather, and Upholstery

Interior choices include the material and color of the seats (leather, leather-free synthetic, or fabric depending on the model), the dashboard trim (wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber), and the color of the interior overall. Mercedes groups these into packages or lets you pick them individually. A leather upgrade typically costs $500 to $2,000 depending on the type and grade of leather. Premium wood or carbon fiber trim adds $300 to $1,000.

The configurator shows you photos or swatches of each interior option so you can see the color and texture. Keep in mind that photos on a screen do not always match the real material in person — if you are unsure about a color or material, ask the dealer if you can see it in their showroom before you finalize your order. Some interior colors are only available with certain seat materials, so the tool may limit your choices based on what you have already selected.

Picking Wheels and Suspension Options

Wheels are one of the most visible customizations. The base trim comes with a standard wheel design and size, and the configurator shows you other wheel options available for your model. Larger or more premium wheel designs cost extra — typically $300 to $1,500 per set depending on the size and style. The tool shows you a photo of the car with each wheel option so you can see how it changes the look.

Some models also let you choose suspension type (comfort-focused or sport-tuned) at this stage. If suspension options are available for your model, they will appear as a separate choice in the configurator. Suspension upgrades usually cost $200 to $800 and affect how the car handles and rides, so think about whether you prioritize a smooth ride or more responsive handling.

Adding Technology and Optional Packages

Technology packages bundle features like navigation, premium sound systems, driver information features, and smartphone integration. Mercedes typically offers these as packages (such as "Premium Package" or "Technology Package") rather than letting you pick individual features. A single package might cost $1,000 to $3,000 and include multiple features bundled together. The configurator lists what is included in each package so you know what you are paying for.

Some features — such as panoramic sunroofs, heated seats, or advanced driver information systems — may be offered as standalone options rather than as part of a package. The configurator shows you the price for each option as you add it. If you are not sure whether you need a particular feature, remember that you can always ask the dealer about it when you visit to discuss your configuration. Some features that seem expensive upfront (like adaptive cruise control or blind-spot monitoring) may be worth the cost if you drive long distances or in heavy traffic.

Reviewing Your Total Price and Saving Your Configuration

As you make each choice, the configurator updates the total price in real time. At the end, you will see a summary page showing the base price, each option you added, and the final total. This total does not include taxes, dealer fees, or financing costs — it is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the vehicle you designed.

Once you are happy with your configuration, the tool lets you save it, print it, or email it to yourself. Some versions of the configurator also let you email the configuration directly to a Mercedes dealer near you. Save or print your configuration so you have it when you contact a dealer. The dealer will use this information to discuss ordering options, current incentives, and financing. Keep in mind that the price shown in the configurator is the MSRP — the actual price you pay may be different based on dealer discounts, rebates, or market conditions in your area.

What Happens After You Build Your Vehicle

Building a vehicle in the configurator does not place an order or reserve the car. It is a planning tool. Once you have a configuration you like, you can take it to a Mercedes dealer in your area and discuss ordering it. The dealer will confirm that all the options you chose are available, discuss timing and delivery, and talk about financing or leasing options. Some dealers may have vehicles in stock that match or come close to your configuration, which could mean a faster delivery than ordering a custom build.

Ordering a custom Mercedes typically takes 8 to 16 weeks from the time you place the order with the dealer, depending on the model, the options you chose, and current production schedules. The dealer will give you a more specific timeline once you decide to order. If you do not want to wait that long, ask the dealer if they have any in-stock vehicles that match your preferences — you may be able to take one home sooner, though it may not have every option you wanted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create an account or give my contact information to use the configurator?

No. The Mercedes configurator is free and does not require you to log in or provide any personal information. You can build and explore as many vehicles as you want without creating an account. If you want to email a configuration to a dealer or to yourself, you may need to enter an email address at that point, but it is optional.

Does building a vehicle lock in the price shown in the configurator?

No. The price shown is the MSRP — the manufacturer's suggested retail price — but it does not lock in what you will actually pay. Dealers may offer discounts, rebates, or incentives that lower the price. The actual price also depends on taxes, dealer fees, and your location. When you contact a dealer with your configuration, they will give you a real quote based on current incentives and local market conditions.

Can I order the vehicle directly from the configurator?

No. The configurator is a design and planning tool only. To actually order a vehicle, you must contact a Mercedes dealer. You can use your saved configuration to start the conversation with the dealer, but the dealer handles the actual order, financing, and delivery.

What if I want to change my configuration after I save it?

You can build the same vehicle again with different options and compare the two configurations. The configurator does not prevent you from building multiple versions of the same model. If you have already saved a configuration and want to modify it, you can start a new build from scratch — there is no way to edit a saved configuration directly in the tool.

How long does it take to receive a custom-ordered Mercedes?

Custom orders typically take 8 to 16 weeks from the time you place the order with a dealer, though this varies by model and current production schedules. The dealer will give you a specific timeline when you order. If you want a vehicle sooner, ask the dealer if they have any in-stock models that match your configuration — those can usually be delivered much faster.