What the Lotus Configurator Does
The Lotus Configurator is an online tool on Lotus's website that lets you design a car to your specifications before you buy it. You choose the model, exterior color, interior trim, wheels, and optional features, then see the price update in real time as you make changes. The tool shows you what your finished car will look like from multiple angles and generates a summary you can save, print, or share with a dealer.
This is not a purchase or reservation system — it is a visualization and pricing tool. When you finish configuring, you will have a specification sheet that you can take to a Lotus dealer to discuss financing, delivery timelines, and actual ordering. The configurator helps you understand what options cost and what combinations appeal to you before you commit to talking to sales staff.
Key Takeaways
- The Lotus Configurator is found on the official Lotus website under the "Build Your Lotus" or similar section, and works on desktop and mobile browsers.
- You start by selecting a model year and body style, then move through color, interior, wheels, and packages in a guided sequence.
- The price shown includes the base vehicle and your selected options, but does not include destination charges, taxes, or dealer fees.
- You can save your configuration by creating an account, emailing it to yourself, or printing it to share with a dealer.
- Configurator prices and available options can change when new model years launch, so check the current year before you spend time building.
Finding the Configurator on Lotus's Website
Go to the official Lotus website for your region — typically lotus.com for North America, lotus.co.uk for the UK, or your country's Lotus domain. Look for a button or menu item labeled "Build Your Lotus," "Configure," "Build and Price," or "Design Your Car." This is usually in the main navigation bar or prominently displayed on the homepage.
If you cannot find it in the main menu, scroll to the bottom of the page and check the footer links, or use the search function on the Lotus site to search for "configurator" or "build." Some regional Lotus sites organize this differently, so if you are outside North America, check your local Lotus dealer's website — they often link directly to the configurator for your market.
Walking Through the Configuration Steps
Once you open the configurator, you will see a series of screens or sections that guide you through choices. The typical order is: model selection, body style (if the model offers multiple), exterior color, interior color and material, wheel design and size, and optional packages or individual features. You do not have to complete all steps at once — most configurators let you move backward and forward to change earlier choices.
At each step, the tool shows you a visual preview of your car with your current selections applied. The price updates automatically as you add or remove options. Some options are bundled into packages (for example, a "Premium Audio Package" that includes multiple features at a set price), while others are standalone checkboxes you can toggle on or off individually. Read the description of each option to understand what it includes before you select it.
If an option is grayed out or unavailable, it means that choice is not compatible with your current configuration — for example, a certain wheel size might not fit with a particular suspension package. The configurator will usually explain why an option is unavailable if you hover over or click on it.
Understanding the Price Breakdown
The final price shown in the configurator is the sum of the base vehicle price plus all your selected options and packages. This is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for your exact specification. However, this number does not include several costs you will encounter when you actually order: destination and delivery charges (typically $1,000 to $2,000 depending on location), sales tax, registration fees, and any dealer markup or discounts.
The configurator price also assumes no special promotions or incentives are active. Lotus occasionally runs manufacturer rebates or financing offers that a dealer can explore when you order, so the final amount you pay may be lower than what the configurator shows. Always ask a dealer about current incentives before you commit to a purchase.
Saving and Sharing Your Configuration
Most Lotus configurators offer three ways to preserve your design. First, you can create a free account on the Lotus website and save the configuration to your profile — you can then log in from any device and retrieve it. Second, you can email the configuration to yourself or to someone else (such as a dealer or a family member) using a built-in email button. Third, you can print the page or save it as a PDF to your computer.
If you email your configuration to a dealer, include a note with your contact information and let them know you are interested in discussing the car further. Dealers can use your saved configuration as a starting point for a quote and can tell you about current inventory, delivery timelines, and financing options. Some dealers also use saved configurations to follow up with you if you do not purchase right away.
What to Do When You Are Ready to Order
Once you have a configuration you like, take your saved specification sheet or printout to a Lotus dealer. The dealer will review your choices, confirm that all options are still available for the current model year, and discuss the actual out-the-door price including taxes, fees, and delivery. The dealer may also suggest alternatives — for example, a different wheel option that has shorter delivery time, or a package that offers better value than individual options.
The dealer will then place the order with Lotus on your behalf. Depending on the model and current production schedules, your car may be built to order (which can take several months) or sourced from existing inventory (which is faster). The dealer will give you a timeline and keep you updated as your car moves through production and shipping.
Common Issues and What to Check
If the configurator is slow to load or options are not appearing, try clearing your browser cache and refreshing the page, or try a different browser. Some older browsers do not display the 3D preview correctly. If you are on a mobile device and the interface feels cramped, try rotating your screen to landscape mode or switching to a desktop computer for a better experience.
If a color or option you want is listed as unavailable, it may be out of stock for the current model year or discontinued. Check the Lotus website for the current model year — sometimes the configurator defaults to the previous year if a new one has just launched. If you are still seeing unavailable options, contact a Lotus dealer to ask whether they can special-order that feature or suggest a similar alternative.
Configurator prices can differ slightly from dealer quotes because dealers sometimes explore regional pricing adjustments or have access to current incentives that the online tool has not yet reflected. This is normal and not a sign of an error — the configurator is a starting point, not a binding quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using the configurator commit me to buying a car?
No. The configurator is a free tool for learning about options and pricing. Saving a configuration does not create an order or obligation. You can walk away at any time, and dealers will not pressure you to buy based on a saved configuration alone.
Can I change my configuration after I send it to a dealer?
Yes. You can create a new configuration and send it to the dealer, or call the dealer and ask them to update your order before it is submitted to the factory. Once the order is placed with Lotus and production has started, changes become much harder and may incur additional fees.
Why is the configurator price different from what the dealer quoted me?
The configurator shows the manufacturer's base price plus options, but does not include destination charges, taxes, dealer fees, or current incentives. Dealers also sometimes explore regional pricing or have access to promotions the configurator has not yet reflected. Ask the dealer to itemize the quote so you can see where the difference comes from.
What if my preferred color or option is not available in the configurator?
It may be discontinued, out of stock for the current model year, or not offered in your region. Contact a Lotus dealer to ask whether they can special-order it or suggest a similar option. Some features are only available on certain trim levels or with specific packages, so check whether you have selected the right base model.
Can I use the configurator on my phone?
Yes, the configurator works on mobile browsers, though the experience is usually better on a larger screen. If the mobile interface feels cramped or the 3D preview is not loading, try rotating your phone to landscape mode or switching to a desktop or tablet for a clearer view.