What the Volkswagen Configurator Does
The Volkswagen configurator is an online tool on Volkswagen's website that lets you build a car model step-by-step, choosing the exterior color, interior trim, engine type, and optional features. It shows you the price as you make each selection, so you see the total cost before you talk to a dealer. The configurator does not complete a purchase or reserve a vehicle — it creates a summary you can print, email to yourself, or bring to a dealership to discuss with a salesperson.
The tool works the same way across Volkswagen's lineup: sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and trucks. You start by picking a model year and base model, then move through a series of screens where each choice updates the price in real time. At the end, you get a configuration summary with all your selections and the final price, including destination charges but before taxes and dealer fees.
Key Takeaways
- The configurator shows the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for your exact combination of model, engine, color, and options, updated as you make each choice.
- You can save your configuration by email or print it to bring to a dealership, but the configurator itself does not hold a vehicle or lock in a price.
- The final price shown includes destination charges but not taxes, dealer fees, or any incentives your dealer may offer.
- Dealer inventory and actual pricing may differ from the configurator, so use it to understand what you want before visiting or calling a dealership.
How to Start Building a Configuration
Go to Volkswagen's official website and look for a link labeled "Build and Price," "Configurator," or "Build Your VW" — the exact wording changes by model year and region. Click it, and you will land on a page asking you to choose a model: Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, Atlas, ID.4, or another current Volkswagen. Select the model you are interested in.
Next, you will choose a model year (usually the current year and the next year if it is available). Then select a trim level — this is the base package that determines the starting price. Volkswagen typically offers three to five trim levels per model, ranging from a stripped-down version to a fully loaded one. The trim you pick becomes your starting point; you can add or remove individual features from there.
Selecting Engine, Transmission, and Drivetrain
After you choose a trim, the configurator shows you the available engine and transmission options for that model. Some Volkswagens offer only one engine choice; others offer a gas engine, a diesel engine, or an electric option (like the ID.4). Each engine choice changes the price and may unlock or remove certain other options.
If the model offers all-wheel drive (AWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD), you will see that choice here too. AWD typically costs more and affects fuel economy. The configurator updates the price when ready when you change the engine or drivetrain, so you can compare the cost difference between options before moving forward.
Choosing Exterior Color and Wheels
The next section usually covers exterior color and wheel design. Volkswagen offers standard colors (often included in the base price) and premium or metallic colors (which add a charge, typically $300 to $600). The configurator shows you a photo of your selected model in each color so you can see how it looks.
Wheel options range from the standard steel or alloy wheels that come with your trim to larger or more stylish designs. Larger wheels may reduce fuel economy slightly and cost more. The configurator displays the wheel size and design name, and the price updates when you select a different set. Some wheel choices may not be available with certain other options, and the tool will tell you if a combination is not possible.
Adding Interior Features and Technology
Interior options typically include upholstery material (cloth, leatherette, or leather), seat heating, ventilation, and technology packages. Technology packages often bundle features like a larger touchscreen, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay or Android Auto), navigation, or a premium sound system. Volkswagen groups these into packages so you do not have to pick each feature individually — you choose a package level, and the price jumps accordingly.
Some models offer a sunroof or panoramic roof as an option. Climate control upgrades, heated steering wheels, and premium lighting packages appear here as well. The configurator shows you which features come standard with your trim and which are add-ons. If a feature is already included, it will be marked as such; if it is optional, you will see the price to add it.
Understanding the Final Price and What It Includes
At the end of the configuration process, the tool displays a summary page with your total price. This price includes the base model cost, all the upgrades and options you selected, and the destination charge (the cost to ship the car from the factory to a dealer near you). Destination charges vary by region but typically range from $800 to $1,200.
The price shown does NOT include sales tax, dealer documentation fees, registration, or any incentives or rebates your dealer may offer. It also does not include extended warranties, gap insurance, or other add-ons a dealer might suggest. The number you see is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for that exact configuration — what Volkswagen recommends dealers charge, not necessarily what you will pay after negotiation or incentives.
Saving and Sharing Your Configuration
Once you finish building your car, the configurator offers options to save your work. You can usually email the configuration summary to yourself, print it, or save it as a PDF. The summary includes a full list of every option you selected, the price breakdown, and often a unique configuration code that a dealer can use to look up your exact build.
You can bring this summary to a dealership and show it to a salesperson. They can tell you whether that exact configuration is in stock, how long it would take to order if it is not, and what the actual selling price might be after dealer incentives or negotiation. Some dealers will use your configuration code to search their inventory system across multiple locations.
What the Configurator Cannot Do
The configurator is a planning tool, not a purchasing or reservation system. It does not hold a vehicle, lock in a price, or complete any part of a transaction. Prices shown are manufacturer suggestions and may vary by dealer. Incentives, rebates, and special financing offers change frequently and are not reflected in the configurator price.
The tool also cannot tell you whether a specific configuration is currently in stock at a dealer near you. For that information, you will need to contact a dealership directly or use Volkswagen's inventory search tool (if available on their website). Some dealers may not have the exact color, wheel, or option combination you configured, and ordering a custom build typically takes 8 to 12 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the configurator price include taxes and dealer fees?
No. The price shown is the MSRP before sales tax, dealer documentation fees, registration, and title. Your actual cost will be higher. Taxes vary by state and county, and dealer fees vary by location, so ask your dealer for a full quote before you commit.
Can I reserve a car through the configurator?
No. The configurator only shows you pricing and options. To reserve or order a vehicle, you must contact a Volkswagen dealership directly. You can print or email your configuration and bring it to a dealer to discuss availability and ordering.
What if I want a color or option the configurator says is not available?
Some combinations may not be offered together due to manufacturing constraints. If the configurator will not let you select a certain pairing, that combination is not available. You can contact a dealer to ask whether they can special-order a different combination, but the configurator reflects what Volkswagen actually offers.
Will the price change between when I configure it and when I buy?
Yes. MSRP can change with new model years, and dealer incentives and rebates change frequently. The configurator shows current pricing, but by the time you visit a dealer, prices or incentives may have shifted. Always confirm the final price with the dealership before you commit.
Can I use the configurator on my phone?
Most Volkswagen configurators work on mobile browsers, though the experience may be cramped on a small screen. For easier navigation and a clearer view of colors and options, using a tablet or desktop computer is usually better.