2019 Volkswagen Beetle Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

For years, the Volkswagen Beetle has remained one of the most distinctive coupes on the market. Drivers from around the globe have grown to love its iconic body style. If you’re looking for a cool daily-driver, definitely take a look at the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle. You’ll enjoy this small hatchback’s powerful standard engine and quality interior design. It definitely feels more refined than the typical compact car. VW’s excellent People First warranty package helps cover unexpected repair costs.

With the Beetle being in its final year of production, VW decided not to give it any notable updates. However, the Coast and Dune trims have been eliminated from the lineup. Let’s see how the remaining Beetle trims compare to each other.

Compare the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle S vs Final Edition SE Trims. What is the difference?

With a starting price of $20,895, the base Beetle S is a good choice for the drivers who’ve always wanted to own a “Bug”. It does not sacrifice a bit of driving fun. Under the hood rests a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which punches out an enjoyable 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. VW discontinued the Beetle’s available manual gearbox last year, which leaves drivers with a six-speed automatic transmission. Power is routed to the front wheels.

The base S trim features all of the Beetle’s classic styling cues. Sport bumpers and a rear spoiler now come standard. LED running lights give the front fascia a bit more flair. You’ll also receive a set of 16-inch alloy wheels. Some of the available paint colors include Silk Blue Metallic, Tornado Red, and Habanero Orange Metallic. A contrasting roof color is available as well.

You’ll enjoy the S trim’s accommodating interior. Cloth upholstery and six-way manual adjustable seats come standard. A leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel gives the cabin a more upscale feel.

Although the Beetle S isn’t big on technology, it does come equipped with enough features to satisfy commuters. While the standard 5.0-inch infotainment screen doesn’t include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, you can take advantage of Bluetooth audio streaming. An eight-speaker sound system, a USB port, and a media player interface further highlight the S trim’s list of standard features.

Fortunately, VW equips the base S trim with some valuable safety innovations. Everyone will benefit from the blind-spot monitor with rear traffic alert, which warns you of unseen vehicles approaching in the next lane. In the event of a collision, the Intelligent Crash Response System activates your emergency flashers and turns off the fuel pump. Other important safety features include a backup camera, tire pressure monitoring, and engine brake assist.

For $23,045, you can step up to the Beetle Final Edition SE. While the Final Edition SE trim may not look drastically different from the S trim, there are some distinct differences. A larger set of 17-inch alloy wheels give the Final Edition SE trim a sportier stance. You’ll also notice the Beetle nameplate on the tailgate. Rain-sensing wipers and heated side mirrors better prepare the Beetle Final Edition SE for the varying weather conditions. Safari Uni and Stonewashed Blue Metallic are added to the list of available exterior colors.

When you step inside the Beetle Final Edition SE. you’ll be surrounded by more creature comforts. Heated front seats with adjustable lumbar support and dual-zone automatic climate control help you to experience a relaxing drive. Quilted V-Tex leatherette trim gives the interior a touch of class. Meanwhile, Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect makes linking your smartphone a bit easier. You can also enjoy the panoramic sunroof, which features power tilting and sliding functions. Some of the other notable upgrades include ambient interior lighting, push-button start, and V-Tex leatherette upholstery.

Compare the 2019 Beetle Final Edition SE vs SE Trims. What is the difference?

The Beetle SE is just a bit more expensive than the Beetle Final Edition SE. Prices start at $24,395. On the outside, it looks very similar to the Final Edition SE trim. If you desire HID headlamps and LED taillights, you’ll have to buy an optional Premium package.

Nice features, such Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect and V-Tex leather upholstery, come standard on the Beetle S. However, you must purchase the optional Premium package in order to get a powerful Fender sound system and a 6.3-inch navigation display. Parking sensors are also included in the Premium package. All of the other available safety features are found in the Beetle SE’s list of standard equipment.

Compare the Beetle SE vs Final Edition SEL Trims. What is the difference?

The Beetle Edition SEL has a higher MSRP of $25,995. It comes loaded with a number of upgrades. To give the Final Edition SEL trim a more upscale look, VW equips it with HID headlamps and LED taillights. Fog lights also give the Beetle SEL Final Edition an advantage over the Beetle SE. A set of 18-inch disc wheels further set apart the Final Edition SEL trim.

Drivers seeking a more luxurious ride will appreciate the Beetle Final Edition SEL’s interior upgrades. Leather seats with diamond stitching come standard. Music lovers can rock out to the more powerful Fender premium sound system. If you regularly take out-of-town road trips, the upgraded 6.3-inch touch screen with navigation will prove to be a big asset.

More helpful safety features come equipped on the Beetle Final Edition SEL. With your smartphone in hand, Volkswagen Car-Net Security & Service gives you remote access to your vehicle. You can also use this feature to keep tabs on a teenager’s driving habits. Parking sensors help you to avoid bumping into unnoticed obstacles.

Final Thoughts

When preparing to buy a new 2019 Volkswagen Beetle, you’ll have a total of four trims to choose from. Only the top-of-the-line trim surpasses the $25,000 mark. It simply comes down to what you value the most in a new car.

Before you step up to a higher trim level, be sure to check out the base Beetle S. Like the rest of the lineup, it comes equipped with a versatile turbocharged engine. You’ll also appreciate the base Beetle’s classic exterior styling. Although you will not be able to get popular features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone support, Bluetooth technology with audio streaming and a 5.0-inch touch screen come standard. Meanwhile, drivers can rely upon the standard blind-spot monitor to detect unseen traffic. Remember, VW covers every new Beetle with a 70,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

The Final Edition SE does feel more luxurious on the inside. Volkswagen’s V-TEX upholstery feels almost as nice as leather. Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect enables you to stay linked to your favorite smartphone apps. Other highlights include heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and satellite radio. Some exclusive exterior colors are available as well.

If you don’t mind spending an extra $1,500, the SE trim may be worth some consideration. While the Beetle SE is not a major step above the Beetle Final Edition SE, it does open the door for you to enjoy more niceties. VW’s Premium package brings upgraded exterior lighting, a more thunderous Fender sound system, a 6.3-inch navigation display and parking sensors.

Atop the range sits the Beetle Final Edition SEL. It’s the most luxurious model in the Beetle lineup. No other trim boasts diamond-stitched leather seats. You may also be drawn to the Beetle Final Edition SEL’s exclusive 18-inch wheels. The SE trim’s optional Premium package comes standard on the Final Edition SEL trim.

2019 Volkswagen Beetle Key Features

The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle has one of the segment’s most fulfilling standard audio systems. It sounds good enough to keep the average music listener satisfied. However, you’ll find the available 400-watt Fender audio system’s sound quality to be even better. Premium speakers enable the system to produce distortion-free bass.

Drivers consider VW’s infotainment system to be quite easy to use. Drivers who regularly use their smartphone’s apps will benefit from VW’s App-Connect system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In order to get this popular feature, you must move past the base S model.

Some driving aids, such as forward collision warning and lane-keep assist, are not offered on the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle. However, the standard blind-spot monitor with rear traffic detection proves to be a big help on busy highways and in congested parking areas. Folks who do a great deal of driving in the city will also benefit from the available parking sensors.

VW does not offer an engine upgrade for the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle. Nevertheless, the standard turbocharged engine delivers a strong performance during real-world driving conditions. You’ll enjoy how effortlessly the Beetle accelerates from a traffic stop. Fuel economy is also very good. According to the latest EPA estimates, drivers can expect to get 26 mpg in town and 33 mpg on the open road. Furthermore, you only need to use regular unleaded gasoline.