You can order a new Audi built to your exact specifications through Audi's official website or dealership, choosing everything from engine type and color to interior materials and technology packages.
Audi calls this process Audi Configure, and it lets you design a car before you buy it rather than choosing from what's sitting on a dealer lot. You pick the model, then move through each category — exterior color, wheels, interior trim, engine, transmission, and optional features — one at a time. The price updates as you add or remove options so you see the final cost before you commit.
The process takes place either on Audi's website or at a dealership with a salesperson. Both routes lead to the same thing: a custom order that Audi manufactures and ships to your local dealer. Most custom orders take 8 to 12 weeks from the time you place the order, though timing varies by model and current production schedules.
Key Takeaways
- Audi Configure on the Audi website lets you build a car online by selecting model, color, engine, interior, and features, with the price updating in real time.
- You can start a configuration online and finish it at a dealership, or work entirely with a salesperson who can explain which options work together.
- Custom orders typically take 8 to 12 weeks to arrive at your local dealer, and you pay a deposit to lock in your configuration.
- Popular options like certain paint colors, leather packages, and technology bundles may have longer lead times or limited availability depending on the model year.
- You can save your configuration, share it with others, or print it to compare different versions before you decide to order.
Starting Your Configuration on Audi's Website
Go to Audi.com and look for the "Build and Price" or "Configure" button, usually near the top of the page or in the model selector. Choose the Audi model you want — A4, Q5, e-tron, or another line — and you'll enter the configuration tool.
The tool walks you through choices in this order: exterior color and paint type, wheel design and size, interior color and material, engine and transmission, and then optional packages and individual features. Each choice shows the price change when ready, so you can see how a $2,000 leather upgrade or a $1,500 technology package affects your total.
At the end, you can save your configuration, print it, email it to yourself, or share a link with family or a dealership. Saving lets you come back later and adjust things without starting over. Many people build several versions and compare them side by side before deciding which one to order.
Working with a Dealership to Configure Your Audi
You can also walk into an Audi dealership and ask a salesperson to help you configure a car. They can use the same online tool on their computer, or they may have printed brochures and option lists. A salesperson can explain which options are compatible — for example, some technology features only work with certain trim levels — and which combinations are popular or have shorter wait times.
Dealerships sometimes know about upcoming model changes, limited-edition colors, or regional availability before that information appears online. If you're flexible on timing or want to understand the trade-offs between options, a conversation with a salesperson can save you time.
Either way, once you've decided on your configuration, you'll need to place a deposit — usually $500 to $1,000 — to lock in your order. The dealership submits your configuration to Audi, and you receive an order number and estimated delivery date.
Understanding Paint, Wheels, and Exterior Options
Audi offers standard colors included in the base price, and premium or metallic colors that cost extra — typically $300 to $800 depending on the paint type. Some colors, like special anniversary editions or limited seasonal shades, may only be available for certain model years or may have longer production times.
Wheels come in multiple designs and sizes. Larger wheels (19 or 20 inches) cost more than standard 17 or 18-inch wheels but change the car's appearance and handling. Wheel choice also affects tire cost later, since larger wheels need larger, more expensive tires. Some wheel designs are included with certain trim levels, while others are standalone options.
Other exterior choices include roof color (matching body or contrasting), body side trim, and lighting packages. LED headlights are often standard on higher trims but may be an option on base models. Matrix LED or laser headlights, if available on your model, typically cost $1,500 to $3,000 extra.
Interior Materials, Trim, and Comfort Features
Interior color and material are separate choices. You might pick a black leather interior, a gray fabric interior, or a tan Nappa leather with contrast stitching. Leather upgrades usually cost $1,000 to $2,500, and premium materials like Alcantara or special leather finishes cost more.
Trim packages bundle related features together — for example, a "Premium Plus" package might include leather seats, a power sunroof, and upgraded speakers as one option rather than forcing you to buy each separately. Bundles are usually cheaper than buying features individually, but they include some things you may not want.
Comfort and convenience options include heated seats, ventilated seats, massage functions, power-adjustable seats with memory, panoramic sunroofs, and ambient lighting. These are often sold as packages or as individual add-ons depending on the model and trim level.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance Choices
Most Audi models offer multiple engine options — a base gasoline engine, a more powerful gasoline option, a diesel (in some markets), or an electric or plug-in hybrid version. Each engine comes with a specific transmission; you usually cannot mix and match. The more powerful or efficient the engine, the higher the price.
Transmission choices vary by model. Many Audis come with an automatic transmission as standard, and some offer a manual option on certain trims. All-wheel drive (Quattro) is standard on some models and optional on others; it typically adds $2,000 to $4,000 to the price.
Performance packages, if available, may include upgraded suspension, larger brakes, or sportier tuning. These are usually only available on higher trims or specific models designed for performance.
Technology Packages and Infotainment Options
Technology packages bundle features like navigation, premium sound systems, smartphone integration, driver information systems, and digital displays. Audi typically offers a base infotainment system and one or more premium upgrades. A navigation package might cost $1,200 to $1,800, while a premium sound system upgrade (Bose, Bang & Olufsen) can run $800 to $1,500.
Driver information features — adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, parking information, collision avoidance — are often sold as a package rather than individually. Safety packages typically cost $1,000 to $2,500 depending on how many features they include.
Virtual cockpit (a digital dashboard display instead of traditional gauges) and head-up display (information projected onto the windshield) are popular upgrades that make the driving experience feel more modern. These often come as part of a technology bundle rather than standalone options.
Placing Your Order and What Happens Next
Once you've finalized your configuration, you'll work with a dealership to place the order. You'll sign paperwork, provide a deposit, and receive an order confirmation with a number and estimated delivery window. The dealership will also discuss financing or leasing options at this point if you haven't already.
Audi sends your order to the factory, where your car is built to specification. You can usually track your order online using your order number, though the level of detail available varies. Some dealerships send updates by email or phone as your car moves through production and shipping.
When your car arrives at the dealership, they'll inspect it, prepare it for delivery, and contact you to schedule pickup or delivery. This is your chance to do a final walk-around and make sure everything matches your configuration before you take possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my configuration after I place the order?
Once you've paid the deposit and submitted the order, changes are usually not possible if production has already started. Some dealerships may be able to make changes in the first week or two, but this depends on how far along your car is in the manufacturing process. Always ask your salesperson about the change window before you commit.
What if the color or option I want is not available?
Availability depends on the model year and current production schedule. If a color or feature is grayed out in the configuration tool, it's not available for that model at that time. Your dealership can tell you if it might become available later or suggest similar alternatives.
How much is the deposit, and what happens to it if I cancel?
Deposits typically range from $500 to $1,000 and are applied to your purchase price when you take delivery. Cancellation policies vary by dealership and how far along your order is in production. Ask your salesperson for the specific terms before you pay.
Can I configure a car online and then buy it at a different dealership?
You can build a configuration online, but you'll need to work with a dealership to actually place the order and take delivery. Some dealerships may honor a configuration from another dealer, but policies vary. It's best to contact your preferred dealership first.
What's the difference between ordering a custom car and buying one off the lot?
A custom order takes 8 to 12 weeks but gives you exactly what you want. A car on the lot is ready to drive home today but may not have your preferred color or features. Custom orders sometimes cost slightly more because you're paying for manufacturing to order rather than buying inventory stock.