As a final rite for its iconic hatchback, Volkswagen of America has announced the Beetle Final Edition to mark the end of an era. The company has announced that the 2019 Beetle would be the final of its kind and that a special edition would be launched by the company to commemorate its exit in the US.
What's new?
The final model of the Beetle is going to have a palette full of new additions that are similar to the Beetle Ultima Edicion that was launched as the final version of the Beetle in Mexico. The new Beetle Final Edition, as the company claims, will be launched in two of the company's iconic colours including Safari Uni Beige and Stonewashed Blue.
However, the paint scheme is optional and buyers can choose others including Platinum Grey, Pure White and Deep Black Pearl. Other features on the new Beetle include chrome exterior accents and a unique wheel style. The Final Edition will be launched in two trim levels, the SE and SEL.
The SE trim comes with cloth and leatherette seats, along with 17-inch wheels, Blind Spot Monitor Rear Traffic Alert, and a Composition Media infotainment system with Bluetooth, Voice Control, and VW Car-Net smartphone integration.
The SEL model comes with an added Bi-Xenon headlights and LED taillights. Additionally, it also gets the diamond-stitched leather seats, 18-inch wheels, Park Distance Control, and a Discover Media system with navigation and Fender premium audio.
Price tag on the Beetle Final Edition will start from $23,045 while the SE convertible will go on sale at $27,295. The SEL coupe and the convertible will be launched at $25,995 and $29,995 respectively.
CEO speaks
“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,” Hinrich J. Woebcken, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America spoke to The Drive.
“As we move to be 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 at the end of production in Puebla in July 2019.”
“As we move to be 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 at the end of production in Puebla in July 2019.”
