2019 VW Beetle Final Edition Marks the End of an Icon..For Now

The 2019 VW Beetle Final Edition has officially been unveiled, marking the beginning of the end for the iconic Beetle nameplate – for now anyway. 

The Beetle Final Edition will be available in SE or SEL trim levels and as a coupe or convertible. It will draw inspiration from the first-generation Beetle’s final production run for Mexico, which saw a handful of 2003 ‘Última Edición’ Beetles painted in beige and light blue. As such, the 2019 Beetle Final Edition will be available in exclusive new Safari Uni Beige or Stonewashed Blue body colors, in addition to Pure White, Deep Black Pearl, and Platinum Grey. Convertible versions of the Final Edition SEL will be the only version not offered in the Safari Uni shade, but it will come with a model exclusive brown soft top.

Standard features for the 2019 Beetle Final Edition include chrome exterior trim, body-color side mirrors, a sunroof (for coupes only, obviously) and 17-inch wheels. The better equipped SEL models, meanwhile, get Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights and larger 18-inch wheels. The cabin is set apart from standard Beetles with gloss black trim, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and three-color ambient lighting. SEL models also get fancy-looking beige diamond stitch upholstery, satellite navigation and a Fender premium audio system.

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The 2.0-liter turbocharged powerplant found in the 2018 model year Beetle remains unchanged in the 2019 Beetle Final Edition, making the same 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission option.

Prices for the 2019 Beetle Final Edition hardtop will start at $23,940 for SE models and $26,890 for SEL models. Convertible SE models will start at $28,190, while the convertible SEL will retail for $30,890. All prices include an $895 destination charge.

You may be a bit disappointed that the arrival of this new Final Edition model has spelt the end of the beloved Beetle, but there’s still a glimmer of hope for the legendary bug-eyed hatch. In a statement, Hinrich J. Woebcken, COO of VW’s American operations, said the nameplate could one day return – even though there’s currently no plans to revive it.

“The loss of the Beetle after three generations, over nearly seven decades, will evoke a host of emotions from the Beetle’s many devoted fans,” said VW America COO Hinrich J. Woebcken. “As we move to being a full-line, family-focused automaker in the U.S. and ramp up our electrification strategy with the MEB platform, there are no immediate plans to replace it. But as we have seen with the I.D. BUZZ—which is the modern and practical interpretation of the legendary Bus—I would also say, ‘Never say never.’ We’re excited to kick off a year of celebrating one of the true icons of the automotive world, with a series of events that will culminate in the end of production in Puebla in July 2019.”

a version of this article first appeared on AutoGuide

The post 2019 VW Beetle Final Edition Marks the End of an Icon..For Now appeared first on VWVortex.

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