Rumors about the demise of the Volkswagen Beetle have been swirling around for months and it appears the automaker has inadvertently confirmed the news.
In a VIN deciphering document noticed by Autoguide, Volkswagen confirmed the 2019 Beetle will offered in four different trim levels. This isn’t terribly interesting, but the document says the trim levels include S, SE, Final Edition SE and Final Edition SEL.
There’s no word on what will separate the Final Editions from their mainstream counterparts, but Volkswagen previously offered a Final Edition of the New Beetle. That particular model debuted at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show and featured an Aquarius Blue exterior with either a black roof or a white soft top. The cars were also equipped with special badging, a sport suspension and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.
It remains to be seen what changes the 2019 Beetle Final Edition will receive, but it’s likely that the car will feature minor changes. Special badging is virtually a given, but that’s about all that is certain at the moment.
Regardless of what distinguishes the Final Edition, all 2019 Beetles will be powered by a familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 174 hp (130 kW / 176 PS) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque. It will be paired exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission.
While the Final Edition marks the end of the current-generation Beetle, its future remains up in the air. Last October, then Volkswagen Passenger Cars boss Herbert Diess said the Beetle’s fate hasn’t been decided but hinted an electric Beetle would be “much better than the current car.” However, went on to say “I think the Microbus (ID Buzz) is a much better emotional concept for the brand than the Beetle.”
Since then, there have been rumors about an electric Beetle with rear-wheel drive. The latest reports have suggested the model could be a four-door vehicle with retro styling, but that’s unconfirmed and a decision is still reportedly a few years off.
