Lotus' new bespoke service, one-off cars can also be built

Virtually every automaker in the luxury segment, and even some in the mainstream, offers personalization options directly from the factory.

Lotus saw the need for this over a decade ago, but at the time had limited resources and outsourced the personalization work to tuning company Mansory. Lotus then launched a limited service known as Lotus Exclusive, which has now morphed into a new service known as Lotus Chapman Bespoke.

The new service, named after Lotus founders Colin and Hazel Chapman, offers a full range of personalization options. Working closely with the Lotus design team, Lotus Chapman Bespoke can offer simple options such as custom badges and interior trim, as well as one-off builds.

Options fall into three core groups: tailor-made, collection, and one-off.

Tailor Made offers customers a choice of colors, trim materials, and specific personal touches. Collection offers limited edition vehicles created by the Lotus design team and developed with partners, including in some cases artists and luxury brands outside the automotive sector. One-offs, as the name suggests, allow for one-of-a-kind builds.

The Lotus Chapman Bespoke will go on sale in China in April, followed by other markets in the coming months. No timing has been announced for the U.S.

Personalization services are very popular in the luxury segment. Companies like Ferrari and Rolls-Royce enjoy some demand for personalization from almost all of their customers. Companies like Ferrari and Rolls-Royce enjoy some form of personalization demand from almost all of their customers. These companies also offer everything from distinctive color and trim options to one-off bespoke pieces costing millions of dollars each.