What Volkswagen's Build and Price tool does
Volkswagen's Build and Price is an online configurator on Volkswagen.com that lets you select a model, choose options and colors, and see the resulting price before you contact a dealer. You start by picking a vehicle — say, a Jetta or ID.4 — then add features like leather seats, sunroofs, or technology packages. The tool updates the price in real time as you make each choice.
The price shown includes the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the base model plus the cost of every option you select. It does not include destination charges, taxes, dealer fees, or incentives that may be available in your area or at specific times. The tool is meant to give you a ballpark figure and a way to explore what each feature costs, not a final invoice.
Key Takeaways
- Volkswagen's Build and Price shows MSRP and option costs in real time, but does not include destination fees, taxes, dealer markups, or current incentives.
- You can save or email your configuration to bring to a dealer, which gives you a starting point for negotiation.
- The tool covers all current Volkswagen models sold in the United States, from the Jetta sedan to the ID. Buzz electric van.
- Dealer prices and incentives vary by location and change monthly, so the number on the screen is a reference point, not a locked-in quote.
- You can use the tool to compare how much different options cost relative to each other, which helps you decide what features matter to your budget.
How to navigate the tool step by step
Start at Volkswagen.com and look for the "Build and Price" link, usually in the top navigation or under a specific model's page. Select your model year and the body style you want — for example, Tiguan S or Passat SE. The tool then shows you the base MSRP for that configuration.
Next, you choose exterior color, interior trim, and wheels. Each choice updates the price when ready. Then you move through option packages — things like the Technology Package, which bundles features such as adaptive cruise control and a larger touchscreen. You can also add individual options if the tool allows it, such as a panoramic sunroof or upgraded audio system. At the end, you see a summary of your selections and the total MSRP.
Most versions of the tool let you save your configuration or email it to yourself. Some allow you to send it directly to a nearby dealer. This saved configuration becomes useful when you visit the dealership, because you can show the salesperson exactly what you want and use the MSRP as a reference point in your conversation.
What the price includes and what it does not
The Build and Price total includes the base vehicle price and every option or package you select. It reflects Volkswagen's national MSRP, which is the same across the country for the same configuration. This number is useful because it is transparent and does not change based on where you live or which dealer you visit.
The price does not include destination and delivery charges, which Volkswagen adds to every new vehicle and typically run between $1,000 and $1,500 depending on the model. It also does not include sales tax, registration fees, or dealer documentation fees, all of which vary by state and by dealership. Dealer incentives — manufacturer rebates, seasonal promotions, or dealer discounts — are not reflected in the Build and Price number, even though they may reduce what you actually pay.
Some dealers also add their own markup above MSRP, especially for popular models or during high-demand periods. The Build and Price tool shows you what Volkswagen charges, not what your local dealer will charge. This is why the final price you negotiate can be higher or lower than the tool's number.
Using Build and Price to compare options and trim levels
One of the most practical uses of the tool is to see how much each feature costs. If you are deciding between the S and SE trim of a Jetta, you can build both and see the price difference. Then you can decide whether the extra features in the SE — perhaps a backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, or better upholstery — are worth that gap to you.
You can also use it to price out individual options. If you are torn between a sunroof and upgraded wheels, build the car both ways and compare. This helps you understand where your money goes and make trade-offs based on what matters most. For example, you might find that a technology package costs $1,200 but includes features you do not want, whereas adding just the adaptive cruise control separately costs $400 — useful information for your dealer conversation.
The tool is especially helpful for Volkswagen's electric vehicles, like the ID.4, because battery size and range affect price significantly. You can see how much more a larger battery costs and whether the extra range fits your driving needs and budget.
How dealer pricing and incentives affect your actual cost
The Build and Price number is a reference, not a quote. When you visit or call a dealer, the actual price depends on several factors the tool does not show. Volkswagen periodically offers manufacturer incentives — cash rebates, low-interest financing, or lease deals — that reduce the price you pay. These change monthly and sometimes vary by region, so a dealer in one state may have access to different incentives than a dealer 200 miles away.
Dealers also have their own pricing power. Some sell at MSRP; others mark up popular models. A few discount below MSRP to move inventory. The Build and Price tool cannot predict what your local dealer will do. This is why bringing your saved configuration to the dealership and asking for their best price is a useful next step — you have a clear reference point, and the dealer knows you have done your homework.
Destination charges are added by Volkswagen and appear on the window sticker, but not in Build and Price. Dealer documentation fees, which cover paperwork and title processing, vary by dealership and state. Some states cap them; others do not. Ask the dealer upfront what these fees will be.
Saving and sharing your configuration
After you build your vehicle, the tool usually offers a way to save it. You can bookmark the page, email the configuration to yourself, or in some cases send it directly to a dealer. A saved configuration is a snapshot of your choices and the MSRP at that moment. If you come back weeks later, the MSRP may have changed if Volkswagen updated pricing, so do not assume the number is locked in.
If you email the configuration to a dealer, include a note asking for their current pricing, any available incentives, and the total out-the-door cost including destination, taxes, and fees. This gives the dealer a clear picture of what you want and prompts them to give you a real quote rather than a generic estimate.
Some dealers use Build and Price configurations as a starting point for inventory searches. If they do not have your exact configuration in stock, they can order it from Volkswagen, a process called a factory order. The Build and Price tool helps you and the dealer agree on what to order before any commitment is made.
Limitations and what to watch for
Build and Price shows you what is available nationally, but not every option is available on every model or trim level. Some packages are exclusive to certain trims, and some options cannot be combined. The tool usually prevents you from selecting incompatible options, but it is worth double-checking with a dealer if you have a specific combination in mind.
The tool reflects current model-year pricing and availability. If you are shopping for a vehicle that is about to be replaced by a new model year, the pricing and options may change. Volkswagen typically introduces new model years in the fall, so if you are shopping in late summer, ask the dealer whether a refresh is coming and whether it affects your choice.
Build and Price does not account for regional variations in demand or supply. A popular color or configuration may have a longer wait time or a dealer markup in your area, even though the tool shows the same MSRP as everywhere else. This is another reason to contact dealers directly after you have built your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the price from Build and Price what I will actually pay?
No. The Build and Price number is the MSRP for your configuration, but it does not include destination charges, taxes, dealer fees, or incentives. Your actual cost will be higher due to destination and taxes, and may be lower if incentives explore or the dealer discounts. Always ask the dealer for a full out-the-door quote.
Can I lock in the Build and Price number at a dealer?
Not automatically. The MSRP shown is Volkswagen's suggested price, but dealers are free to charge more or less. Some dealers will honor the MSRP if you bring your Build and Price configuration; others may add a markup. Bring your configuration to the dealer and ask them to match or beat the MSRP, then negotiate from there.
What if the configuration I want is not in stock?
You can ask the dealer to factory order it from Volkswagen. The Build and Price tool helps you specify exactly what you want. Factory orders typically take six to twelve weeks, depending on the model and current production schedules. The dealer can tell you the expected delivery date and whether any incentives explore to factory orders.
Does Build and Price show me current incentives and rebates?
No. The tool shows MSRP only. Volkswagen and dealers offer incentives that change monthly, and some are regional. After you build your vehicle, contact a dealer or check Volkswagen.com's incentives page to see what rebates or financing offers are currently available for your configuration.
Can I use Build and Price on my phone?
Yes, Volkswagen's website is mobile-friendly, and the Build and Price tool works on phones and tablets. The experience may be slightly different on a smaller screen, but you can build and save your configuration on any device.