If you have a newer Mercedes, chances are you’ve heard about Remote Engine Start through the Mercedes me app or “Digital Extras” services. It lets you start the engine from your phone, warm or cool the cabin, and get the car ready before you even step outside.
The big question is simple: how much does it cost? The slightly annoying answer is that it depends on your country, your model year, and which Mercedes me package you have. But there are clear patterns that can give you a good idea of what to expect.
Short Answer: Typical Remote Start Pricing
Here is the general picture based on how Mercedes has structured things in recent years:
- In many markets, Remote Engine Start used to be a standalone feature for a small fee
(around $35 per year in the U.S.). - Now, it is usually part of a larger connected-services bundle (often around
$150 per year in the U.S., with different numbers in other countries). - New cars typically include Remote Start and similar features in a
free trial period (often about one year) before you have to pay.
So you are usually not paying a separate little fee just for Remote Start anymore. Instead, you pay for a
package that includes Remote Start plus other connected features.
What Is Mercedes Remote Engine Start?
Remote Engine Start on a Mercedes is controlled through the Mercedes me app or the online
portal (sometimes labeled “Mercedes me connect” or “Digital Extras,” depending on your region).
With Remote Start active, you can:
- Start the engine from your phone or device.
- Let the climate control warm or cool the cabin before you get in.
- Defrost windows on cold mornings.
- Check that the engine is running and see the status in the app.
The feature is tied to your car’s telematics unit and the subscription in your Mercedes account. If the
subscription ends, the button in the app may still be there, but the command will not work until you renew.
How Pricing Used to Work (Standalone Remote Start)
For several years, especially with earlier Mercedes me setups, Remote Engine Start could be bought
on its own as a single service:
- In the U.S., owners often reported paying around $35 per year just for Remote Start.
- You could log into the Mercedes me Store, scroll to “Remote Engine Start,” and purchase that
individual service without buying a big package. - Other connected features (such as vehicle tracking, door lock/unlock, and more) could be added or renewed
separately.
That older structure made it easy for someone who only cared about warming the car in winter to pay a small annual fee and ignore the rest.
How Pricing Works Now (Bundled Packages)
In many regions, Mercedes has moved away from selling Remote Engine Start as a separate little add-on.
Instead, it is now included in a bundle of connected services.
You will often see names such as:
- Mercedes me connect
- Digital Extras
- Connect+ or similar labels, depending on country
These packages usually group together several features:
- Remote Engine Start.
- Remote lock and unlock.
- Vehicle status and location.
- Route planning and send-to-car navigation.
- Sometimes additional convenience and security features.
In the U.S., that bundle is commonly around $150 per year, give or take, instead of the old
$35 per year just for Remote Start. Other markets have their own price levels in local currency. In some
places it can be a bit less, and in others (such as certain Canadian and European setups) it can be higher.
Free Trial Periods on New Mercedes
If you buy a new Mercedes today, you usually do not pay for Remote Start on day one. Most new cars come with
a complimentary subscription period for connected services.
Typical patterns include:
- Around 1 year of free access to core connected services, including Remote Engine Start,
depending on model and market. - Some older programs gave several years of basic connectivity, then required payment only for the more
advanced functions after that.
During this free period, you can use the app, enjoy Remote Start, and see whether it actually adds enough
comfort and convenience to your daily life. When the trial ends, you get renewal offers in the app, by email,
or from your dealer.
Why Prices Differ So Much by Country
You might see one person online saying they pay about $150 per year, while another says they pay a different
amount in another currency. This is normal and comes down to:
- Local taxes and regulations in each country.
- Different “Digital Extras” bundles from region to region.
- Exchange rates and local pricing strategies.
- Model year differences and old vs new subscription programs.
So, it is possible for two owners with similar cars to pay different amounts if they live in different parts
of the world or have cars from different model years.
How to See the Exact Price for Your Car
Because the structure has changed over time and varies by region, the only way to know the exact price
for your car is to check your own Mercedes account. Here is the usual process:
- Open the Mercedes-Benz / Mercedes me app on your phone.
If you do not have it yet, download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. - Log in or create an account using the email address you used with your dealer.
- Add your vehicle using the VIN or the pairing steps shown on your car’s screen.
- Go to the “Store,” “Mercedes me Store,” or “Digital Extras” section inside the app or on the
web portal. - Look for the package that contains Remote Engine Start.
You should see:- The name of the package.
- The list of features included (Remote Start should be one of them).
- The exact price and duration (for example, one year, three years, etc.).
Whatever price appears there is the real, current cost for your vehicle in your region. That number is more
reliable than any general quote, because it takes into account your VIN, equipment, and country.
Is Remote Engine Start Worth Paying For?
Only you can decide whether Remote Start is worth the yearly fee, but here are some points that often help:
Reasons It Feels Worth It
- Cold climates: If you live in an area with harsh winters, being able to start the car
from indoors and find a warm cabin with defrosted windows is a big comfort. - Very hot climates: In hot regions, cooling the cabin before you get in can make a huge
difference to comfort and can help protect interior materials from constant extreme heat. - Daily use: If you use your car every single day and regularly leave at predictable times,
you may enjoy the routine of starting it from your phone. - Bundled features: The package often includes other remote and security features that you
may already find useful (lock/unlock, vehicle status, location, etc.).
Reasons Some People Skip It
- Milder weather: If your climate is not extremely hot or cold, Remote Start may feel like a
nice extra rather than something you truly use every day. - Cost vs usage: If the bundle costs around $150 per year and you only use Remote Start a
few times each winter or summer, it may feel hard to justify. - Short-term ownership: If you plan to sell or trade in the car soon, paying for a long
subscription might not make much sense to you.
A simple way to think about it is this: estimate how many times you will realistically use Remote Start in a
year and ask yourself whether the comfort is worth that total price. For some people it clearly is, especially
in extreme climates. For others, it is a “nice-to-have” that they are comfortable living without.
Quick FAQ
Is Remote Engine Start Free on a New Mercedes?
Usually, it is included during a complimentary trial period. After that, you must pay to renew
the package that includes Remote Start. The length of the free period depends on your region and model year.
Can I Buy Only Remote Engine Start Without a Bundle?
On some older systems, yes, that was possible and commonly priced at about $35 per year. On
many newer setups, Remote Start is only available as part of a larger connected-services package rather than as a separate add-on.
Does Remote Engine Start Pricing Change Over Time?
It can. Mercedes can adjust package names, what is included, and pricing. That is why checking your
Mercedes me Store is the most reliable way to see the current cost for your specific vehicle.
Will Remote Start Still Work If My Subscription Expires?
No. Once the subscription that supports Remote Engine Start expires, the app may still show the button, but the command will not reach the car. You would need to renew the package to restore the feature.
Does Every Mercedes Have Remote Start Capability?
No. The car needs the right hardware, telematics system, and region approval. Many newer models do support it, but not every older Mercedes can use Remote Engine Start, even with a subscription.
Final Thoughts
In simple terms, Mercedes charges an ongoing subscription fee for Remote Engine Start, usually
as part of a wider connected-services package. In the past you could often buy it alone for a small annual
fee, but many modern cars now bundle it with other features at a higher yearly price.
The exact amount depends on your region, car, and current program.
To see the precise number, open your Mercedes app or online account and check the Store section linked to your vehicle. That will show you exactly what Remote Engine Start costs in your case and how long the subscription lasts.
Once you know the exact price, it becomes a simple personal decision: if the comfort of a pre-warmed or
pre-cooled car fits your lifestyle and climate, then keeping Remote Engine Start active can be a very pleasant part of owning a Mercedes.
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