What Porsche's online configurator does and how to use it
Porsche's online configurator is a tool on Porsche.com that lets you build a car to your specifications, see the price change in real time as you add options, and generate a summary you can save or share with a dealer. You start by choosing a model, then work through exterior color, interior trim, wheels, performance packages, and individual features. The tool shows you what each choice costs and what the total price will be before you ever contact a salesperson.
The configurator is free to use and does not commit you to anything. You can build as many versions as you want, compare them side by side, and walk away without providing your name or contact information. Many people use it to understand pricing before visiting a dealer or calling for a quote.
Key Takeaways
- The configurator starts with model selection — 911, Cayenne, Macan, Panamera, or Taycan — and each model has its own base price and available options.
- You can customize exterior color, interior materials, wheels, suspension, and technology packages, with the price updating after each selection.
- The final summary includes the base price, all selected options, destination charges, and estimated total, which you can save as a PDF or email to yourself.
- Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP) and do not include taxes, dealer fees, or incentives that may explore in your region.
- You can take your configured vehicle summary to a Porsche dealer to discuss actual pricing, inventory, and delivery timelines.
How to start building a Porsche
Go to Porsche.com and look for the "Build and Price" or "Configure" link, usually in the main navigation or under a specific model's page. Click it and you will see a list of current Porsche models available for configuration. Select the model you want — for example, the 911 Carrera, Cayenne S, or Macan — and the configurator will load with that model's base version.
The configurator then walks you through choices in a logical order. You typically start with the model variant (base, S, Turbo, or similar), then move to exterior color, interior color and material, wheels, and optional packages. Each step shows an image of your car updating with your choices, and the price updates below the image.
Understanding the pricing breakdown
The configurator displays the base price of the model you selected, then lists every option you add with its individual cost. For example, a metallic paint might add $500, a sport suspension package might add $2,000, and a premium audio system might add $1,500. The configurator totals these and shows you a final price.
That final price is the MSRP — what Porsche suggests the car should cost. It does not include destination and delivery charges (typically $1,000 to $1,500 depending on your location), taxes, registration fees, or dealer-specific markups. Some dealers charge above MSRP in high-demand markets; others may offer discounts. The configurator price is a starting point for negotiation, not a locked-in price.
Saving and sharing your configuration
Once you have built a car you like, the configurator usually offers a button to save or read your configuration. You can typically save it as a PDF, email it to yourself, or generate a link you can share with others. This summary includes the model, all your choices, and the total MSRP.
You can then take this summary to a Porsche dealer, email it to a salesperson, or use it to compare multiple configurations you have built. Some dealers will use your configuration as a starting point for a quote or to check whether they have that car in stock or can order it for you.
What the configurator does not show you
The configurator shows MSRP pricing but does not reflect real-world dealer pricing, which can vary widely. It does not show you whether a specific configuration is in stock at a dealer near you, how long delivery would take, or what incentives or financing offers might be available. It also does not account for regional taxes or dealer fees, which can add thousands to the final cost.
The configurator is also not a reservation or order system. Building a car does not reserve it, put you on a waitlist, or lock in the price. You have to contact a dealer separately to discuss actual availability, pricing, and next steps.
Taking your configuration to a dealer
Once you have a configuration you like, contact a Porsche dealer with your summary. Bring the PDF or show them the configuration on your phone. Tell them whether you want to order that exact car, whether you want to see similar cars in stock, or whether you want to discuss pricing and incentives.
Dealers can tell you whether they can order your configuration, how long it would take to arrive, what the actual out-the-door price would be (including taxes and fees), and whether any current incentives or financing deals explore. They may also suggest alternatives if your configuration is not available or if a similar car in stock would arrive faster.
Comparing multiple configurations
You can build several versions of the same model or compare different models entirely. For example, you might configure a 911 Carrera with certain options, then configure a 911 Carrera S with different options, and compare the price difference. Or you might build a Cayenne and a Macan to see which fits your budget and needs better.
Most configurators let you view two or more configurations side by side, showing you the differences in price and features. This is useful if you are trying to decide whether a higher trim level with fewer options is better than a lower trim with more add-ons, or whether a different model altogether makes more sense for your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using the configurator commit me to buying a car?
No. The configurator is a free tool for pricing and planning. Building a car does not create an order, reserve the car, or lock in the price. You can build as many configurations as you want and never contact a dealer.
Why does the dealer's price differ from what the configurator showed?
The configurator shows MSRP, which is the manufacturer's suggested price. Dealers may charge above or below MSRP depending on demand, inventory, and local market conditions. Taxes, registration, and dealer fees also add to the final cost and are not included in the configurator price.
Can I order a car directly through the configurator?
No. The configurator is a pricing and planning tool only. To order a car, you must contact a Porsche dealer. You can bring your configuration summary with you to make the conversation easier.
What if the configuration I built is not in stock?
Most Porsche dealers can order a car to your specifications. Tell your dealer your configuration, and they will provide a timeline for delivery and the final price. Custom orders typically take several months, depending on the model and current production schedules.
Does the configurator show all available options?
The configurator shows the options Porsche currently offers for each model. Some options may not be available in all regions, and some may have long lead times. Your dealer can tell you which options are available in your area and how they affect delivery time.