What the Mercedes Build and Price Tool Does
Mercedes-Benz's build and price tool lets you configure a specific vehicle on their website, see the exact price for your choices, and understand what each option costs. You select the model, exterior color, interior trim, mechanical features, and add-ons — then the tool shows you the total price and what changes when you add or remove features. This is different from browsing inventory; you are building a theoretical vehicle to understand pricing before you contact a dealer or decide whether to shop.
The tool does not reserve a vehicle, place an order, or commit you to anything. It is a calculator that shows you how Mercedes prices work and what your preferences would cost. Once you have built a configuration you like, you can save it, email it to yourself, or bring it to a dealer to discuss actual purchase options.
Key Takeaways
- The build and price tool is on Mercedes-Benz's main website and requires you to pick a model first, then step through color, interior, engine, and options in sequence.
- The final price shown includes the base vehicle cost plus every option you selected, but does not include destination charges, taxes, or dealer fees, which vary by location.
- You can save your configuration and email it to a dealer, or print it to bring in person and use it as a starting point for negotiation.
- The tool shows you real pricing for that model year, but inventory and actual dealer pricing may differ, so the saved configuration is a reference, not a quote.
How to Access the Tool and Start Building
Go to Mercedes-Benz's official website and look for a link labeled "Build and Price," "Configure," or "Build Your Mercedes" — the exact label changes by region and website update, but it is usually in the main navigation or under the vehicle shopping section. Click it and you will land on a page asking you to choose a model: C-Class, E-Class, GLC, GLE, A-Class, or whichever lines are currently offered.
Select the model you want to explore. The tool will then show you available body styles for that model — sedan, coupe, SUV, or convertible, depending on the line. Once you pick a body style, the tool moves to the next step. Do not worry about making a perfect choice at this stage; you can usually go back and change your model or body style if you change your mind.
Choosing Exterior Color and Paint Options
After you select the model and body style, the tool presents exterior color choices. Standard colors are included in the base price. Premium or metallic paints — such as Polar White, Obsidian Black, or special finishes — add a charge that the tool will display. Some colors are only available on certain models or may have a longer lead time if you order.
The tool usually shows you a preview of your selected color on the vehicle image, so you can see how it looks before moving forward. If you are unsure about a color in the digital preview, note that lighting on a screen differs from sunlight, and you should see the color in person at a dealer if the choice matters to your final decision.
Selecting Interior Trim and Upholstery
Next, you choose the interior. Mercedes offers different trim levels — often labeled Standard, AMG Line, or Premium — and each comes with specific materials, colors, and features. The tool shows you the price difference between trim levels. You then select upholstery: fabric, leather, or higher-grade leather options, each with its own cost.
Some trim and upholstery combinations are not available together, so the tool will gray out options that do not work with your current selection. This prevents you from building an impossible configuration. If you want a specific interior color or material and it is not showing as available, try switching the trim level or going back to change the exterior color, as some combinations are tied to specific packages.
Configuring Engine, Transmission, and Drivetrain
Mercedes offers different engine options depending on the model — typically a base gasoline engine, a more powerful variant, or a plug-in hybrid. The tool shows each option and its price difference from the base engine. Transmission and drivetrain (front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive, depending on the model) are usually included with the engine choice, though some models let you select them separately.
The tool displays fuel economy estimates and performance figures for each engine option, so you can compare them before deciding. If you are considering a plug-in hybrid, note that the tool shows the price premium but does not calculate charging costs or fuel savings — those depend on your driving habits and local electricity rates, which you would need to research separately.
Adding Options and Packages
After engine selection, the tool presents optional packages and individual features: technology packages (navigation, driver information, infotainment upgrades), comfort packages (heated seats, panoramic sunroof, premium sound systems), and safety features. Packages bundle several features at a lower total cost than buying them individually, so the tool usually highlights the savings if you choose a package over picking items one by one.
You can add or remove individual options to customize further. The tool updates the total price in real time as you make changes, so you can see exactly how much each addition costs. Some options are not compatible with others — for example, you cannot add a sunroof if you have already selected a panoramic glass roof — and the tool will prevent you from selecting incompatible items.
Understanding the Final Price and What It Includes
The price shown at the end of the build process is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for your configured vehicle. It includes the base vehicle, your chosen engine, all selected options and packages, and any paint or interior upgrades. It does not include destination charges (the cost to ship the vehicle from the factory to a dealer), taxes, registration fees, or dealer-specific charges like documentation or dealer prep.
The actual price you pay at a dealer will be higher than the MSRP shown in the tool. Destination charges are typically $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the model and your location, and taxes and fees vary by state and county. Some dealers also negotiate discounts off MSRP, while others charge above it, especially for popular models or colors with short wait times. The build and price tool gives you the starting point, not the final number you will see on a purchase agreement.
Saving and Sharing Your Configuration
Once you have built a configuration you like, the tool usually offers a button to save it, email it to yourself, or generate a printable PDF. Save the configuration so you can return to it later without rebuilding from scratch. If you email it to a dealer, include a note asking them to confirm current pricing and availability, since prices can change and the specific color or options you selected may have a wait time.
When you bring a saved configuration to a dealer, use it as a conversation starter, not a binding quote. The dealer can tell you whether that exact configuration is in stock, how long it would take to order, what the actual price would be after taxes and fees, and whether they can offer any discounts. Some dealers will match the MSRP shown in the tool; others will not. Having the configuration in writing makes the conversation clearer and helps you compare offers if you shop multiple dealers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the price in the build tool include destination and taxes?
No. The tool shows MSRP, which is the manufacturer's suggested price for the vehicle and options you selected. It does not include destination charges (typically $1,000 to $2,000), sales tax, registration, or dealer fees. Your actual out-of-pocket cost will be higher.
Can I order a vehicle directly from the build and price tool?
No. The tool is for pricing and configuration only. To order or purchase, you must contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer. You can save your configuration and bring it to a dealer, or email it to them and ask about ordering that exact setup.
What if the color or option I want is not showing in the tool?
Some colors and options are limited to specific trim levels or model years, or may be temporarily out of stock. Try switching the trim level or model year (if the tool offers that choice) to see if the option becomes available. If it still does not appear, contact a dealer — they may be able to special-order it even if the tool does not show it.
Is the MSRP price negotiable?
Yes. The MSRP shown in the tool is the manufacturer's suggested price, but dealers can negotiate. Some offer discounts, especially on less popular colors or options. Others charge above MSRP if demand is high. The tool gives you a baseline to compare dealer offers against.
Can I change my configuration after I save it?
Yes. You can load a saved configuration and modify it as many times as you want. The tool will recalculate the price each time you make a change. This is useful if you want to compare the cost of different options or see how switching colors or trim levels affects the total.