As a brand Mercedes Benz stands out. They have a tradition as a premium brand in the automotive industry and are at the cutting edge of new technologies. But this often means anyone looking for a Mercedes has a lot of choices with packages and options.
With all these choices, it can be difficult for you to decide which packs and options are best. On top of this, Mercedes packages are often expensive, so you want to ensure you’re getting value for money. This is where we come in.
We’ve compiled a list of current Mercedes models’ best packages and options available. Some of these are packages filled with tech, and some are simple upgrades that will make a huge difference to your driving experience.
So what are Mercedes Benz Packages?
Depending on the model, Mercedes gives owners a lot of choices in their vehicles. These options are often combined into packages. These packages have names like ‘premium package,’ so it’s not always clear what they contain. Understanding these packages will help if you’re looking at building your new Mercedes or shopping preowned.
Some Mercedes packages and options are only available on the most expensive models, and the list can get very long. We’ll look at the packs available on the most popular models here. Let me know if you’d like to know about the more exclusive packages.
In some regions, the options are limited, so it’s always best to check with your local Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Let’s start by looking at the main packages you can choose:
Multimedia Package
The multimedia package usually contains:
- Mercedes Benz Navigation System
- AR – Augmented Reality for Navigation (specific models)
- Speed Limit Assist
- Enhanced Voice Control
Firstly, get this pack if you have a vehicle that supports the AR feature. It’s as simple as that. It’s an impressive feature and worth the upgrade. However, the other elements are not that great, which is a shame.
The MB navigation is OK, but you won’t need it using Apple Carplay or Android Auto. And the speed limit assist can be annoying when I’ve tried it. I haven’t tried the enhanced voice control, but I don’t expect it to be a significant improvement.
Overall I think this is an OK Package to choose from.
To find out more about the Multimedia pack, click here
Premium Package
The Premium Pack is different on a lot of vehicles, but the main options are:
- Larger 10.25-inch dual display
- Auto folding and dimming side mirrors
- Keyless Entry and Go
The Premium pack is only available on lower-grade models. The reason is high-grade models have these features already. As a result, I think it’s better to upgrade to the better version in most cases than choose this pack.
The displays are impressive and a must-have. These are the best part of Mercedes’s recent designs and set them apart from BMW and Audi. The improved mirrors are good to have, but these should be standard. And the keyless entry and go is also a feature you shouldn’t have to pay for.
Overall, this is another OK Package.
to find out more about the premium pack, click here
Driver Assistance Package
This is an attractive package. Mercedes load this with technology and include:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
- Active Steering Assist
- Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function
- Active Emergency Stop Assist
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Active Speed Limit Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- Route-based Speed Adaptation
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- Active Lane Change Assist
In short, this pack makes a big difference if you do a lot of long-distance or city driving. Most of us have driven without these features, so you might be tempted to avoid this pack, but it’s excellent value for money. I have turned off some of the options, like lane-keeping when I have turned off when I’ve used them (they can be annoying), but others, like blind spot assist, can be great.
Like I said, go for this pack if you use your car in busy places. And you can always turn the features off if you start getting annoyed. This is one of the most popular packages for customers to select.
You can also get a Driver Assistance Plus Package with extra features on some models.
Overall this is an excellent Package!
To find out more about the Driver Assistance pack, click here
Parking Assistance Package
The parking assistance package includes:
- Surround View System
- Active Parking Assist
This pack is a bit like the Driver Assistance Package. It’s going to help you if you do a lot of city parking. You’ll know if you are going to benefit from this pack.
The surround view system is good and better than most manufacturers. The active parking assist is OK; it can be challenging to use, like any parking system. There isn’t much more to say about this package; you will know if you need it.
Overall it’s an OK Package.
Warmth and Comfort Package
We are looking at more premium packages now. This comes with:
- Rapid heated seats
- Heated armrest and door panels
This is a pack I don’t think you will really ever need. It might be helpful to have seats that heat up quicker and a warm place for your arm, but it’s not worth the package price. I think this pack should include the massage seat option to make it worth it, but let me know what you think.
Overall it’s not a package I’d recommend
to find out more about the Warmth and Comfort Pack, click here
Air Balance Package
This is another premium package including:
- Air Balance cabin-air purification system
- Air Balance cabin fragrance system
You get the cabin purification system within this pack, which improves air quality. It is supposed to help with asthma or allergies and is designed to make the cabin feel like ‘fresh air’.
You also get the cabin fragrance system. This is a replaceable fragrance to improve the cabin. If you like that new car smell, this is probably a great option to pick. Not something I’d select, though, but it is low-cost.
Overall it’s an OK Package
to find out more about the Air Balance pack, click here
Are Other Good Options Available?
Alongside all the packages you can pick, Mercedes offers many individual options. Some of these are must-haves, and some you can avoid. I’ll list my favorite options here for you:
Upgraded Burmester Surround Sound System
If this doesn’t come as standard, you need to get this. It’s a great upgrade! The standard system isn’t bad, but this makes a big difference. All the German brands have great upgraded sound systems, and if you’ve read about my BMW Packages (link here) you know I like my sound systems. A must-have.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
Head-Up Display systems have gotten a lot better recently. This current Mercedes version isn’t the best out there, but it’s worth getting. If you’re not sure, I promise after testing a vehicle with the HUD option, you’ll want one.
Multicontour Front Seats with Massage
OK, this one is probably not worth the cost, but it’s so good. If you are driving for a long time, these are fantastic, and your front passenger will thank you. I haven’t heard any complaints from owners with this package, so if you’re happy spending a bit extra, go for it!
What Options Could You Avoid?
There are some great options we’ve talked about above that you can pick. And then there are some ‘not-so-great‘ options too. Let’s talk about those:
- MBUX Interior Assistant
Like every hand gesture option on cars currently, it’s not great. This is better than BMW’s gesture control (just) but still not worth it. It’s probably going to frustrate you more than anything, so I would avoid it.
- Heated and Cooled Front Cupholders
Simply – they don’t really work. The cooling is OK but for heating, it’s not making a difference. And how often would you really use this? Use the money on a better option instead.
Summary
There are a lot of choices you can make on your Mercedes Benz. Some are great, and some can be avoided. As I’ve said, like on all my packages and options reviews, these are my thoughts and what options I would pick.
If you want to find out more about Mercedes Benz, along with options from other manufacturers, check out the links below
