Volkswagen Beetle Model Years and History

Production of the Volkswagen Beetle will cease after 2019. To pay tribute, VW is treating the car to two special trim levels--Final Edition SE and Final Edition SEL. Offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, the trims include two unique colors (Safari Uni and Stonewashed Blue), badging that replaces the standard "Turbo" with "Beetle", and upscale interior décor. Coast and Dune trims have been dropped from the lineup.

Production of the Volkswagen Beetle will cease after 2019. To pay tribute, VW is treating the car to two special trim levels--Final Edition SE and Final Edition SEL. Offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, the trims include two unique colors (Safari Uni and Stonewashed Blue), badging that replaces the standard "Turbo" with "Beetle", and upscale interior décor. Coast and Dune trims have been dropped from the lineup.

The Beetle returns for 2018 with a fairly short list of changes. The most exciting update being the new more powerful and efficient 2.0L turbocharged engine that is available across the lineup. Also added this year is the Coast trim level that features a unique Deep Sea Teal paint job, ?heritage' alloy wheels, plaid seats and a surfboard-inspired wood dash. Volkswagen's warranty now lasts six years or 72,000 miles and the Beetle-R line has been discontinued.

The Beetle returns for 2018 with a fairly short list of changes. The most exciting update being the new more powerful and efficient 2.0L turbocharged engine that is available across the lineup. Also added this year is the Coast trim level that features a unique Deep Sea Teal paint job, ?heritage' alloy wheels, plaid seats and a surfboard-inspired wood dash. Volkswagen's warranty now lasts six years or 72,000 miles and the Beetle-R line has been discontinued.

The Beetle returns for 2017 with a slight refresh to the styling, bringing a more aggressive look to the front and rear of the car. In addition, a new special edition is available this year, the #PinkBeetle. The #PinkBeetle will only be available in limited quantities and as the name implies, only be available in one color. The #PinkBeetle theme carries over into the inside, with unique pink highlights for the interior including pink plaid inserts in the seating.

The Beetle returns for 2017 with a slight refresh to the styling, bringing a more aggressive look to the front and rear of the car. In addition, a new special edition is available this year, the #PinkBeetle. The #PinkBeetle will only be available in limited quantities and as the name implies, only be available in one color. The #PinkBeetle theme carries over into the inside, with unique pink highlights for the interior including pink plaid inserts in the seating.

The Volkswagen Beetle returns for 2016 with several notable changes. A new value model, the 1.8T S, enters the lineup. A 1.8T SE replaces the base 1.8T from last year, and a new naming convention simplifies things, with 1.8T models now labeled S, SE, and SEL, while R-Line 2.0 models are now SE and SEL. A new lighting package includes bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and an LED rear license plate light. A new infotainment system with upgraded touchscreen is standard across the lineup, while VW Car-Net App-Connect comes on all but the base Beetle.

The Volkswagen Beetle returns for 2016 with several notable changes. A new value model, the 1.8T S, enters the lineup. A 1.8T SE replaces the base 1.8T from last year, and a new naming convention simplifies things, with 1.8T models now labeled S, SE, and SEL, while R-Line 2.0 models are now SE and SEL. A new lighting package includes bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and an LED rear license plate light. A new infotainment system with upgraded touchscreen is standard across the lineup, while VW Car-Net App-Connect comes on all but the base Beetle.

The Volkswagen Beetle returns in 2015 with an updated and more powerful diesel engine. The 2.0L Turbocharged Diesel now makes 10 more horsepower than it did last year, helping to improve acceleration and making the TDI Beetle a sprightly performer. In addition, Volkswagen has introduced a new special edition of the Beetle for 2015. Dubbed the Beetle Classic, it features unique upholstery, a 6-speed automatic as standard and available 17-inch "Circle" alloy wheels, to give the car a retro look.

The Volkswagen Beetle returns in 2015 with an updated and more powerful diesel engine. The 2.0L Turbocharged Diesel now makes 10 more horsepower than it did last year, helping to improve acceleration and making the TDI Beetle a sprightly performer. In addition, Volkswagen has introduced a new special edition of the Beetle for 2015. Dubbed the Beetle Classic, it features unique upholstery, a 6-speed automatic as standard and available 17-inch "Circle" alloy wheels, to give the car a retro look.

One of the biggest changes for 2014 is the introduction of a new 1.8L turbocharged engine option. Capable of 170 horsepower, it's also more efficient than last year's 2.5L. Volkswagen now offers their Car-Net system on the Beetle. An in-car telematics system, Car-Net offers stolen vehicle location, collision notification and navigation enhancements.

One of the biggest changes for 2014 is the introduction of a new 1.8L turbocharged engine option. Capable of 170 horsepower, it's also more efficient than last year's 2.5L. Volkswagen now offers their Car-Net system on the Beetle. An in-car telematics system, Car-Net offers stolen vehicle location, collision notification and navigation enhancements.

After the successful introduction of the redesigned Beetle in 2012, VW has begun to flesh out the lineup. The biggest change for 2013 is the reintroduction of a diesel model (TDI). The diesel promises serious fuel economy for the stylish compact and is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. Later in the year VW plans to introduce a special model dubbed the Fender Edition, as in Fender guitars. Featuring a premium sound system leather seating and special styling cues, the Fender edition should satisfy those looking for a more premium version of the iconic Beetle.

After the successful introduction of the redesigned Beetle in 2012, VW has begun to flesh out the lineup. The biggest change for 2013 is the reintroduction of a diesel model (TDI). The diesel promises serious fuel economy for the stylish compact and is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. Later in the year VW plans to introduce a special model dubbed the Fender Edition, as in Fender guitars. Featuring a premium sound system leather seating and special styling cues, the Fender edition should satisfy those looking for a more premium version of the iconic Beetle.

The popular Volkswagen Beetle is completely redesigned for 2012. Most noticeable is the exterior restyle, which incorporates a lower, flatter roofline and more steeply raked windshield. The look is more reminiscent of the very first Beetle of 1938. The car is four inches wider and six inches longer than its predecessor. Also different is the name: the "New" has been dropped from this Beetle's moniker. Inside is a wealth of metal-look plastic and chrome, and the dashboard is much narrower than before, which means an increase in interior cabin space. The charming bud vase is no longer present. The Beetle is offered with either a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine, which is rated at 170 hp, or 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 200 hp. The 2.5L model offers 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while the Turbo delivers 21 and 30 mpg, respectively. Pricing starts at $19,795.