What Cadillac's Build and Price tool does

Cadillac's Build and Price is an online configurator on Cadillac.com where you select a model, add options, and see the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) update in real time. You choose the body style, exterior color, interior trim, wheels, technology packages, and individual features — then the tool shows you what that specific combination costs before any dealer markup, incentives, or taxes.

The tool does not reserve a vehicle, lock in a price, or connect you to a dealer. It is a window into what Cadillac charges the dealer for that configuration. The actual price you pay depends on what the dealer adds on top, what rebates or incentives are running that month, your trade-in value, and your financing terms.

Key Takeaways

  • Cadillac's Build and Price shows MSRP for your exact configuration, but dealers often charge more and incentives change monthly.
  • You can save the configuration to your account or email it to yourself, then bring it to a dealer as a reference point for negotiation.
  • The tool includes destination charges and some mandatory fees, but not dealer markup, documentation fees, or local taxes.
  • Comparing your built configuration to dealer inventory prices tells you whether a dealer is pricing fairly or inflating the sticker.

How to build a Cadillac and see the price

Start at Cadillac.com and select "Build and Price" from the main menu. Choose your model — XT4, XT5, XT6, CT4, CT5, Escalade, or Lyriq, depending on what is currently in production. The tool then walks you through trim level (base, mid, or premium), exterior color, and interior color.

Next, you add packages and individual options. Cadillac groups features into packages — for example, a "Premium Package" might bundle leather seats, a power sunroof, and upgraded audio — or you can add items one at a time. The price updates after each selection. At the end, you see the MSRP, destination charge (usually $1,095 to $1,195 depending on model), and a subtotal. Some dealers also charge documentation, registration, or dealer prep fees, which do not appear in this total.

Once you have built your car, you can create a Cadillac account and save the configuration, or email it to yourself as a PDF. Some dealers will honor the MSRP shown in the tool, but others will add their own markup. Bring the saved configuration with you when you visit a dealer so you can compare it to what they quote.

What the price includes and what it does not

The MSRP shown includes the base vehicle price, all options and packages you selected, and the manufacturer's destination charge. It does not include dealer documentation fees (typically $150 to $500), registration and title fees (which vary by state), sales tax, or any dealer markup above MSRP.

Many dealers charge an additional "dealer markup" or "market adjustment" on top of MSRP, especially for popular models or during high-demand periods. This is a dealer's choice, not a Cadillac requirement. Some dealers price at MSRP; others add $2,000 to $10,000 or more. The Build and Price tool shows only what Cadillac charges, not what your local dealer will charge you.

If you have a trade-in, rebates, or financing incentives, those are negotiated separately with the dealer. Cadillac sometimes runs manufacturer rebates or lease incentives that reduce the effective price, but these change monthly and are not shown in the Build and Price tool.

Using Build and Price to compare dealer quotes

The tool's real value is as a negotiation reference. Build the exact car you want, note the MSRP, then visit dealers or call them with that configuration. Ask each dealer for their out-the-door price on that specific build. If one dealer quotes significantly higher than another, you have a concrete number to push back on.

You can also use Build and Price to check whether a dealer's inventory vehicle is priced fairly. If a dealer has a XT5 in stock with the same trim, color, and options as your build, their price should be close to the MSRP shown in the tool, plus destination and their documentation fee. If it is much higher, the dealer is marking it up.

Some dealers will match or beat a Build and Price configuration if you bring it in. Others will not negotiate below MSRP. Knowing the MSRP before you walk onto the lot puts you in a stronger position to negotiate or walk away.

Incentives and rebates that do not show in the tool

Cadillac runs manufacturer rebates, lease incentives, and financing offers that change month to month. These are not displayed in Build and Price because they vary by region, credit score, and current promotions. A $2,000 rebate one month might be gone the next, or replaced by a different offer.

To find current incentives, visit Cadillac.com/incentives or ask a dealer directly. Some incentives explore only to certain trims or models, and some require you to finance through General Motors Financial or a partner lender. A dealer can tell you which incentives you may be able to use based on your situation.

If you are leasing rather than buying, the Build and Price tool shows the capitalized cost (the price the leasing company uses to calculate your payment), but your actual lease payment depends on the money factor, residual value, and current lease incentives — all of which are separate from the MSRP.

Saving and sharing your configuration

After you build your car, you can save it in three ways. If you create a free Cadillac account, you can save the configuration to your profile and access it from any device. You can also email the configuration to yourself as a PDF, which includes the MSRP, all selected options, and a summary of what you built. Some dealers also allow you to email them your build directly from the tool.

Saving your configuration is useful if you are shopping over several weeks or comparing multiple dealers. You can return to the same build, check whether prices or incentives have changed, and show dealers exactly what you want instead of describing it verbally.

Limitations of the Build and Price tool

The tool shows MSRP, not the price you will actually pay. Dealer markup, taxes, fees, and incentives all change the final number. If you are financing, your interest rate and loan term also affect your total cost. The tool does not account for any of these.

Build and Price also does not show real-time inventory. If you build a specific configuration, the tool does not tell you whether any dealer near you actually has that car in stock. You have to contact dealers separately to find out. Some configurations may also be unavailable if Cadillac has stopped producing that combination or if supply is limited.

Finally, the tool is a snapshot. Prices, available colors, options, and incentives change when Cadillac updates its model year or production runs. A configuration you built three months ago may no longer be accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Build and Price lock in the price I see?

No. The price shown is the MSRP — what Cadillac charges the dealer. The dealer can charge you more, and incentives or rebates may reduce the effective price. Saving your configuration gives you a reference point, but it does not reserve the vehicle or may provide that price.

Can I order a car directly from Cadillac using Build and Price?

No. Build and Price is a pricing and configuration tool only. To order or purchase a Cadillac, you must work with a dealer. Some dealers will build a car to order based on your configuration, but Cadillac itself does not sell directly to consumers in most states.

Why is the dealer's price higher than the MSRP I see in Build and Price?

Dealers often add a markup above MSRP, especially for popular models or during high demand. This is called a "market adjustment" or "dealer markup" and is the dealer's choice. Some dealers price at MSRP; others charge more. You can negotiate or shop around to find a dealer with a lower markup.

Does Build and Price include taxes and fees?

It includes the manufacturer's destination charge but not sales tax, registration fees, or dealer documentation fees. Those are added by the dealer and vary by location and dealer. Your out-the-door price will be higher than the MSRP shown in the tool.

Can I see current incentives in Build and Price?

No. Incentives and rebates change monthly and are not shown in the tool. Visit Cadillac.com/incentives or ask a dealer what rebates or financing offers are running right now and whether you may have access to for them.