Picture this: You’ve done your research and know exactly what you want in a Volvo. But when you search dealer inventories, nothing quite matches. The perfect color comes with packages you don’t need. The right trim level doesn’t have the features you want. Sound familiar?
There’s a better solution. With Volvo, you can build your own car through custom ordering, you can specify every detail, and often save money in the process. Here’s how it works and why it’s worth considering.
What Does It Mean to Build Your Own Car with Volvo?
When you customize a Volvo to your exact specification, you’re choosing precisely the features, colors, and options you want rather than settling for whatever combination happens to be sitting on a dealer’s lot. A custom order (also called a factory order or special order) occurs when you build your own car by configuring your specific vehicle and the manufacturer builds it according to your specifications.
A new Volvo can be customized in a seemingly unlimited number of ways, from powertrain choices to interior materials, exterior colors, and technology packages. Unlike buying in-stock, where you’re limited to pre-configured combinations, building your own Volvo means every detail reflects your preferences.
Why Build Your Own Volvo? The Real Benefits
You Only Pay for Features You’ll Actually Use
When dealers stock vehicles, they order popular packages that bundle features together. This often means paying for options you’ll never use. By waiting just a few short months, you can get your new Volvo customized to your exact specifications and save money at the same time. Why pay for a premium sound system if you mostly listen to audio books? Or a panoramic moonroof if you never open it?
Get Exactly the Configuration You Want
Volvo offers electric, plug in hybrid, and hybrid models across their lineup, and each can be configured with different trim levels, colors, and packages. Whether you want an XC60 in a specific exterior shade with the hybrid powertrain and advanced safety package—but without the sport wheels—custom ordering makes it possible.
Access to Hard-to-Find Models
Each Volvo dealer has a limited number of vehicles on their lot. If you’re looking for a newer model, rare configuration, or specific combination of features, many car buyers can be frustrated trying to find their ideal vehicle in existing inventory. Custom ordering solves this problem.
Understanding the Build Your Own Process
Volvo’s online configurator at volvocars.com allows you to customize your vehicle, selecting your model, trim level, colors, and packages. The Volvo website is designed to make the ordering process simple. They offer interactive features that allow you to compare and contrast colors and options so that you can visualize the vehicle and determine exactly what you want.
You can also explore the Volvo lineup to see available options:
- SUVs including the EX30, XC40, XC60, XC90, and EX90
- Sedans including the S60 and S90
- Wagons including the V60 and V90
The Special Overseas Delivery Option
For those seeking an unforgettable experience, the Overseas Delivery Program allows American customers to customize their new Volvo with exclusive pricing and pick it up at the World of Volvo in Sweden. They can then drive their vehicle in Europe, and then have it shipped home to the United States. This program turns car buying into the ultimate adventure.
The delivery package includes pick-up from your hotel, delivery at World of Volvo, factory tour (when available), buffet lunch, and access to the World of Volvo Exhibition. Volvo offers pick-up of special orders in Sweden for those who want the fun of driving their new car on its home turf.
How Long Does It Take to Build Your Own Volvo?
Special ordering takes longer than buying a vehicle off the lot — typically around 8 to 12 weeks for vehicles built in Sweden or China. The exact timeline depends on your specific configuration, current manufacturing schedules, and where your vehicle is being built.
When to Consider a Test Drive
Before finalizing your custom order, you’ll want to experience the Volvo model you’re considering. Here’s an important tip: when you visit a dealership for a test drive, be clear from the outset that you’re only there to test drive and will not be making a purchase that day.
This straightforward approach helps you:
- Focus on evaluating the vehicle without sales pressure
- Take your time experiencing the features and driving dynamics
- Ask questions without feeling obligated to negotiate
Remember, the dealer’s first choice is to sell you one of the vehicles on their lot. By stating your intentions clearly — “I’m here for a test drive only and won’t be purchasing today” — you maintain control of your car-buying journey.
Important Considerations When Building Your Own Volvo
Pricing Details
The Total Price (MSRP) is an estimate that includes the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), any options and packages you select, and the destination fee. Taxes, title, registration, license, insurance, maintenance, and other retailer fees are excluded. The retailer sets the actual price.
Complimentary Maintenance
Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance is available only at participating Volvo Cars Authorized Retailers. Ask about this benefit when placing your order.
Timeline Planning
If you need a vehicle immediately, custom ordering may not be your best option. However, if you’re currently leasing and know when your lease ends, custom ordering is ideal — you can time your new Volvo’s arrival perfectly.
Is Building Your Own Volvo Right for You?
Custom ordering makes perfect sense if you:
- Have specific preferences that available inventory doesn’t match
- Want to avoid paying for unwanted features
- Can plan your purchase 2-3 months ahead
- Value getting exactly what you want
- Are currently leasing with a known end date
- Want access to the latest models or configurations
It may not be the best choice if you:
- Need a vehicle within the next few weeks
- Are very flexible on colors and options
- Have found an in-stock vehicle that meets your needs
Getting Started with Your Custom Volvo Order
Ready to build your own Volvo? Cartelligent’s advisors are seasoned pros who know how the system works and how to work it in your favor. They’ll help you skip the games, secure a great deal, and feel in control the whole time.
The custom ordering process becomes simple when you have an expert guiding you:
- Explore your options with your Cartelligent advisor
- Configure your ideal Volvo, if you haven’t already
- Visit a dealer for a test drive (making clear you’re only there to test drive)
- Finalize specifications with your advisor
- Let Cartelligent handle negotiations and ordering
- Track your build progress
- Take delivery at a Cartelligent location
Whether you’re considering a special order or a readily available vehicle, this car buying service can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want.
The Bottom Line
Building your own Volvo isn’t about waiting longer — it’s about getting exactly what you want without compromising or overpaying. By waiting just a few short months, you can get your new Volvo customized to your exact specifications and save money at the same time.
With Cartelligent managing the process, you avoid the typical dealership hassles while ensuring you get the best possible deal on precisely the Volvo you want. It’s not settling for “close enough” — it’s driving away in the perfect vehicle, configured exactly for you at the right price.
