Volkswagen has been ignoring the Beetle for a long time and as we were expecting, they are ceasing its production. To bid farewell to this retro-styled coupe, the automaker has unveiled Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition coupe and convertible models.
Taking inspiration from 2003 Ultima Edicion, the coupe and convertible will primarily sport beige or light blue paint. Talking about convertibles, they will have a brown top but those sporting beige color will have a different top. The exterior gets a chrome trim, body-color side-view mirrors, a rear “Beetle” badge, and unique wheels. On the inside, Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition receives a leather-wrapped steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, a beige dash, and special upholstery. Customers who buy SEL will get additional features such as Xenon headlights and LED taillights, larger wheels, diamond-stitched leather seats, navigation, and a premium audio system.
“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 Hinrich Woebcken, Volkswagen’s North American President and CEO, in a release. “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. However, 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.”
With this statement, we expect the Beetle may revive in an EV form. In 2017, VW brand chief Herbert Diess told they might consider Beetle to have electric powertrain.
The Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition coupe will cost $23,940 including destination. The SEL customers have to pay an extra $2,950. The Convertible model will cost $28,190. The SEL version will start at $30,890.
The 2018 Beetle Convertible is selling at AED 138,500. The SEL variant starts at AED 150,500.