2012 Volkswagen Beetle: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is an all-new redesign that starts the second modern Beetle generation and drops the old “New Beetle” name. It has a lower, wider shape, a more useful cabin, and a new range led by 2.5L and 2.0T Turbo hatchbacks.

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About the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

Second modern Beetle generation (2012-2019, A5/5C), first year of the redesign.

Volkswagen sells the 2012 Beetle as a retro-styled compact hatchback with much more real-world usefulness than the earlier New Beetle. The pitch is emotional first—the iconic shape, body-color dash, and playful personality—but the redesign also adds a more natural driving position, a usable back seat, and a bigger cargo area. Against style-led small cars, the Beetle stands out by combining character with everyday drivability, and the Turbo adds a genuine performance flavor for buyers who want more punch.

The 2.5L models are the everyday choices, using a 170-hp five-cylinder engine and offering comfort features such as heated seats, synthetic leather upholstery, and Bluetooth on the higher trim. The 200-hp Turbo is the performance-focused Beetle, with sport seats, extra dash-top gauges, a rear spoiler, and dual exhaust; the limited Launch Edition adds 19-inch wheels and special cabin detailing.

What changed, by category

Structural

Volkswagen redesigned the Beetle from the ground up. The body is longer, wider, and lower, while revised cabin packaging provides more passenger room, a more natural driving position, and a more useful cargo area.

Styling

The redesign brings a flatter roofline and a more classic Beetle profile. Volkswagen also drops the “New Beetle” name and returns to simply “Beetle.”

Powertrain

The redesigned U.S. hatchback lineup launches with a 170-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and a performance-focused 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Volkswagen Beetle2.5L1 in stock	2012 Volkswagen BeetleBase0 in stock	2012 Volkswagen Beetle2.0T Turbo3 in stock	2012 Volkswagen Beetle2.5L Entry0 in stock	2012 Volkswagen Beetle2.0T Turbo Launch Edition0 in stock
Engine	5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter	5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter	5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter
Transmission	Auto 6-Spd DSG w/Tiptrnc	Manual, 5-Spd	Auto 6-Spd DSG w/Tiptrnc / Manual, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic	Auto 6-Spd DSG w/Tiptrnc
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	22 mpg	22 mpg	21–22 mpg	22 mpg	22 mpg
MPG Highway	29–31 mpg	31 mpg	30 mpg	29 mpg	30 mpg
Horsepower	170 hp	170 hp	200 hp	170 hp	200 hp
Torque	177 lb-ft	177 lb-ft	207 lb-ft	177 lb-ft	207 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	31.4 in	31.4 in	31.4 in	31.4 in	31.4 in
Seats	4	4	4	4	4
Doors	2	2	2	2	2
Safety & Security
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Alarm System
Automatic Emergency Braking
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Retractable Soft Top
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
AM/FM Radio
Navigation System
Premium Audio
SD Card Slot
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
Comfort & Convenience
Dual Power Front Seats
Heated Front Seats
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Interior Trim
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Push-Button Engine Start

How the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle compares

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is a major lineup-expansion year, not a full redesign. The most important change is the return of the Beetle Convertible.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle a redesigned model?

Yes. The 2012 Beetle is a ground-up redesign and the first year of the second modern Beetle generation, which runs from 2012 through 2019.

How is the 2012 Beetle different from the 2011 New Beetle?

The 2012 Beetle has a longer, wider, and lower body, a flatter and more classic-looking roofline, more passenger room, a more natural driving position, and a more useful cargo area. Volkswagen also shortened the model name from “New Beetle” to “Beetle.”

What engines are in the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle?

The 2012 Beetle lineup uses either a 170-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine or a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Turbo models emphasize stronger performance and sportier equipment.

What is special about the 2012 Beetle Turbo Launch Edition?

The 2012 Turbo Launch Edition is a limited-run version of the 200-hp Turbo. It has a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, 19-inch Tornado wheels, sport seats, extra dash-top gauges, a rear spoiler, contrast stitching, and unique first-wave-edition character.

What body style launched for the redesigned 2012 Beetle?

The redesigned 2012 U.S. Beetle launched as a two-door hatchback. Its new proportions and revised interior layout made the passenger compartment and cargo area more usable than before.