What the Mercedes-Benz Build and Price tool does
Mercedes-Benz's Build and Price tool is an online configurator on the Mercedes-Benz USA website that lets you select a model, choose exterior colors, interior materials, wheels, and optional packages, then see the resulting price before you contact a dealer. You build a vehicle step by step, and the tool updates the price in real time as you add or remove features. At the end, you can save your configuration, print it, email it to yourself, or send it to a local dealer.
The tool does not reserve a vehicle, place an order, or lock in a price. It shows you what a specific combination of options would cost at that moment, based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) before any dealer markup, incentives, or negotiation. The actual price you pay depends on your location, the dealer you visit, current rebates, your trade-in value, and your financing terms.
Key Takeaways
- The Build and Price tool shows MSRP for your chosen configuration, not the final price you will pay after dealer markup or incentives.
- You can compare the cost of different models, colors, and option packages side by side before visiting a dealer.
- Saving or emailing your configuration gives you a document to bring to a dealer or use for comparison shopping across locations.
- The tool reflects current model-year availability; older model years or discontinued options will not appear as choices.
- Destination charges and taxes are not included in the Build and Price total, so add those when budgeting.
How to navigate the tool step by step
Start on the Mercedes-Benz USA website and locate the Build and Price link, usually in the top navigation or under a "Shop" section. Select the model line you are interested in—for example, C-Class, E-Class, GLC, or GLE. If multiple body styles exist for that model (sedan, coupe, SUV), you will choose one.
Next, select the trim level or package. Mercedes-Benz typically offers base, mid-range, and premium trims with different standard features. The tool will show you what comes standard in each trim and what the base price is. From there, you move through exterior color, interior color and material, wheel design, and optional packages or individual options. At each step, the price updates to reflect your choices. Some options are bundled into packages (for example, a "Premium Package" that includes multiple features at a discount compared to buying them separately), while others are standalone.
Once you have finished configuring, the tool displays a summary page with your total MSRP, a breakdown of the base price and each option or package you added, and buttons to save, print, or share your configuration. You can go back and change any selection at any time.
Understanding what the price includes and excludes
The price shown in Build and Price is the MSRP—the manufacturer's suggested retail price for that exact configuration. It includes the base vehicle, any options or packages you selected, and the manufacturer's recommended markup. It does not include destination and delivery charges (typically $1,000 to $1,500 depending on the model and your location), taxes, registration fees, or dealer-added markups.
Many dealers charge above MSRP, especially for popular models or during high-demand periods. Some dealers charge below MSRP, particularly during sales events or for less popular configurations. The Build and Price tool has no way to know what your specific dealer will charge. It also does not account for current manufacturer rebates, lease deals, or financing incentives, which change frequently and vary by region and credit profile.
If you are financing or leasing, the monthly payment will depend on the MSRP, your down payment, the interest rate you receive, the loan term, and any rebates you may have access to for. Use the MSRP as a starting point, then discuss the actual deal with your dealer or lender.
Comparing configurations and using the tool for shopping
One practical use of Build and Price is to compare the cost difference between two models or two trim levels. For example, you might configure a GLC with a certain package, note the price, then switch to a GLE with a similar package to see how much more the larger SUV costs. This helps you understand whether the price difference matches the added features you want.
You can also use the tool to see how much specific options cost. If you are deciding whether to add a panoramic sunroof or upgrade to a premium sound system, Build and Price shows you the exact price increase for each choice. This information is useful when negotiating with a dealer—you will know what features should cost and can spot if a dealer is overcharging for an option.
Save or print your final configuration and bring it to a dealer. This gives the dealer a clear picture of what you want and makes it easier to discuss pricing and available inventory. Some dealers will use your configuration to search their stock or incoming vehicles that match it. You can also email your configuration to multiple dealers in your area and ask for their best price on that exact setup, which is a form of comparison shopping.
What happens after you build your configuration
After you save or share your configuration, you have several options. You can visit a dealer with the printout or email and ask if they have that vehicle in stock or can order it. You can contact multiple dealers and ask for quotes on that configuration. You can also straightforward use the information to understand pricing and walk away—there is no obligation to purchase.
If you decide to order a vehicle through a dealer, the dealer will typically place a factory order using your configuration (or a close match if exact colors or options are unavailable). The dealer will then provide you with a final price quote that includes destination charges, any dealer fees, taxes, and any incentives you may have access to for. This final price may differ from the MSRP shown in Build and Price, and that is normal.
Limitations and what the tool cannot do
Build and Price shows only current model-year vehicles and available options for the current year. If you are shopping for a previous model year or a discontinued option, it will not appear in the tool. The tool also cannot account for regional differences in pricing, dealer inventory, or local incentives. A configuration that costs one amount in California may have different incentives or dealer pricing in Texas.
The tool does not show you actual vehicle photos in your chosen color and configuration—it typically shows a generic image or a 360-degree view of a similar vehicle. If you want to see your exact configuration in person, you will need to visit a dealer or wait for the vehicle to be built and delivered.
Build and Price also does not include information about warranty coverage, maintenance costs, insurance estimates, or fuel economy comparisons. You will need to research those separately or ask a dealer for that information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a vehicle directly through Build and Price?
No. Build and Price is a configuration and pricing tool only. To order a vehicle, you must contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer. You can save your configuration and bring it to a dealer, or email it to them, but the actual order and purchase happen through the dealer.
Does the price in Build and Price include taxes and delivery?
No. The price shown is MSRP only. Destination and delivery charges (usually $1,000–$1,500), taxes, registration, and dealer fees are not included. Ask your dealer for a full breakdown of all costs before you commit to a purchase.
Why is the price different when I visit a dealer?
Build and Price shows the manufacturer's suggested retail price. Dealers may charge above or below MSRP depending on demand, inventory, and their pricing strategy. Taxes, destination charges, dealer fees, and any rebates or incentives you may have access to for will also change the final price. Always get a written quote from the dealer.
Can I see what my monthly payment would be?
Build and Price does not calculate monthly payments. Once you have your MSRP from the tool, you can use an online loan or lease calculator to estimate a payment, but the actual payment depends on your down payment, credit score, interest rate, and the dealer's final price.
What if the exact configuration I built is not in stock?
Most dealers can order a vehicle from the factory using your configuration. This typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the model and current production schedules. Ask your dealer about lead times and whether they charge a deposit to place a factory order.