Ever daydreamed about driving an Audi that perfectly matches your style and needs? Customizing your Audi can transform your driving experience, setting your car apart from the crowd while reflecting your unique personality.
As more drivers look for ways to express themselves through their cars, knowing how to personalize an Audi has never been more relevant.
This article will guide you through the essential steps, helpful tips, and expert insights to help you create the Audi of your dreams.
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How to Custom Order an Audi: Your Expert Guide to Creating the Perfect Ride
Dreaming of an Audi that fits your personality and lifestyle perfectly? Custom ordering your Audi is the path to drive home a car that’s as unique as you are. Whether you want to choose the upholstery, upgrade the technology, or select a stand-out color, Audi provides several options to help you build your ideal vehicle from the ground up. Let’s explore exactly how you can create your custom Audi, the steps involved, benefits, practical advice, cost considerations, and answers to common questions.
Why Custom Order Your Audi?
Custom ordering an Audi is about more than just picking a car. It’s the thrill of designing a vehicle around your tastes and requirements. Here’s why you might consider it:
- You control every detail, from the exterior paint and wheel design to interior finishes and advanced tech.
- Enjoy access to exclusive options and packages not always available on dealer lots.
- Avoid settling for “almost perfect”—your Audi is built to your specifications.
- Stay current with the latest technology and model year updates.
Step-by-Step: How to Custom Order Your Audi
Customizing your Audi is a simple, rewarding process. Here’s how it generally works:
1. Explore Your Options
Start by researching the Audi lineup:
– Discover Audi’s range: sedans, SUVs, coupes, convertibles, and electric vehicles.
– Think about your driving needs. Do you crave a sporty feel, spacious luxury, or eco-friendly performance?
– Decide on a model: A4, Q7, e-tron, RS series, and more.
2. Use the Audi Configurator or Dealer Build Tool
Most customers use Audi’s online configurator tool or visit a local dealership:
– Online Configurator: Audi’s website allows you to digitally build your vehicle, visualizing your choices as you go. Select your preferred model and click “Build Your Own.”
– Dealership Assistance: Visit or contact an Audi dealer. Sales specialists are trained to help you with every customization detail and explain available exclusive packages.
3. Choose Specifications
This is where your Audi becomes truly yours:
– Exterior
– Select your paint color, ranging from classic silvers to bold custom hues through the Audi Exclusive program.
– Choose wheel styles and sizes.
– Opt for features like black optic packages, roof rails, adaptive lighting, or sport styling kits.
- Interior
- Pick upholstery materials such as fine leather, Alcantara, or premium fabrics.
- Decide on trim accents—wood, metal, carbon fiber, or bespoke finishes.
- Upgrade your audio (Bang & Olufsen, anyone?), infotainment system, or interior ambient lighting.
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Add luxury touches: massage seats, extended leather dashboards, heated rear seats, or panoramic sunroof.
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Performance and Handling
- Select engine type or powertrain (gasoline, diesel, hybrid or fully electric).
- Explore all-wheel drive systems like Audi quattro.
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Add sport suspension, upgraded brakes, or sport differentials for more spirited drives.
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Technology and Safety
- Decide on navigation, virtual cockpit displays, head-up displays, or smartphone integration.
- Equip advanced driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and 360-degree cameras.
4. Review Your Build
Take your time to ensure your choices fit your needs and preferences. The online configurator provides a summary. At the dealership, a specialist can walk you through a printout to make sure nothing is missed.
5. Place Your Order
- When satisfied, your dealer will finalize your order and provide a detailed breakdown of pricing, options, anticipated delivery time, and order tracking details.
- You’ll typically be asked for a deposit—this varies by dealer.
6. Track Your Audi’s Build Progress
- Your dealer keeps you informed as your Audi moves from production to shipping and eventual delivery.
- Some dealers may offer access to an order tracker so you can follow along (and share the excitement!).
7. Take Delivery and Enjoy!
- Once your custom Audi arrives, inspect it with your dealer to confirm everything’s perfect.
- Complete any final paperwork, and drive home in a car built just for you.
What are the Benefits of Custom Ordering?
Customizing your Audi comes with a range of benefits you won’t get by picking a car from existing dealership inventory:
- Personalization: Your car suits your exact taste and needs.
- Access to Latest Tech: Model-year upgrades and newly introduced features become available as your vehicle is built to order.
- Exclusive Options: Audi’s Exclusive program offers rare paints, trims, and materials not found on standard models.
- Satisfaction: The pride of driving a truly one-of-a-kind Audi.
Potential Challenges to Keep in Mind
While the process is straightforward, here are a few challenges you may face:
- Wait Time: Custom-ordered Audis often take several weeks to a few months to arrive, depending on production schedules and shipping.
- Costs: Upgrades, exclusive finishes, and high-tech options can significantly increase the vehicle’s price.
- Limited Changes Post-Order: Once your build is locked in for production, changes are often not possible.
- Special Orders May Have Conditions: Certain colors, trims, or packages may require you to order higher trim levels or bundled features.
Practical Tips for Custom Ordering Success
To ensure a stress-free, enjoyable experience:
1. Plan Ahead
Start the process several months ahead of when you want your car. Production and delivery times can lengthen during busy periods or for rare options.
2. Set a Budget
- Know your limits. Option costs can add up, so prioritize the features most important to you.
3. Visit a Dealership (Even If Ordering Online)
- An Audi specialist can help explain nuances in options and packages.
- See and touch real material samples, paint chips, and interior finishes.
4. Ask About Incentives and Financing
- Some Audi dealers offer exclusive financing, loyalty discounts, or incentives for custom orders.
- Inquire about current deals that could save you money on your dream build.
5. Confirm Warranty Details
- Every custom Audi still receives the brand’s comprehensive new vehicle warranty and roadside assistance.
6. Get Clarification on Delivery Timeline
- Ask your dealer for clear timing expectations and updates throughout the process.
Costly Upgrades and Shipping: What to Consider
Customizing your Audi involves balancing features with budget. Here are some ways to manage costs:
- Prioritize Must-Haves: Start with your non-negotiable features before adding luxury or aesthetic upgrades.
- Review Package Options: Some features are less expensive when bundled in a package rather than selected individually.
- Shipping Charges: If your custom build is delivered to a distant dealership (or if you buy through a network), ask about delivery fees. These can add several hundred dollars or more to your total cost.
- Regional or Port Fees: Some exclusive models or options might be brought to your region from overseas, potentially adding import or port fees.
- Negotiation: Many dealers are open to discussions, especially on high-value or special-order cars.
Making the Most of Audi’s Customization Programs
Audi offers unique customization programs to further enhance your order:
- Audi Exclusive: Unlocks specialty exterior paints, interior colors, and unique trims, making your car especially rare.
- Performance Upgrades: Some performance-focused models offer bespoke tuning options or limited-edition packages.
- Special Edition Models: Occasionally, Audi releases custom order-only models or editions that are not available off the lot.
These programs may require additional production time, but the end result is a car that truly stands out.
Summary
Ordering a custom Audi is an exciting way to get the perfect blend of style, luxury, and performance—tailored just for you. The process is clear and manageable: select your model, personalize every detail, finalize your order, and enjoy updates as your car is built and shipped. While premium options and shipping fees can increase costs, the end result—a car designed entirely around your preferences—is often well worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to receive a custom-ordered Audi?
The typical wait time ranges from 6 to 16 weeks, depending on model, options, and production schedules. Rare options and Audi Exclusive customizations may add time to the build.
2. Can I change my order after it’s been placed?
Minor changes may be possible shortly after submitting your order, but once it enters production, modifications are usually not allowed. Double-check all choices before finalizing your build.
3. Is it more expensive to custom order an Audi than to buy from inventory?
Custom ordering allows you to select only what you want, but adding exclusive options and packages can increase the price. However, you avoid paying for unwanted features often bundled in in-stock cars.
4. Do I need to pay the full price upfront for a custom Audi?
Typically, a deposit is required at the time of order, with the balance due upon delivery. Financing options are available just like with any new Audi purchase.
5. Are custom-ordered Audis covered by warranty?
Absolutely—your custom Audi comes with the same full new vehicle warranty, roadside assistance, and support as any Audi purchased from dealer inventory.
Ready to drive a car that feels made just for you? Custom ordering your Audi puts every choice in your hands and ensures an ownership experience as individual as your fingerprint. Enjoy the journey—it starts the moment you design your dream Audi.