“I am disappointed that the convertible leaks where the top meets the body of the car. I was told that VW has been having trouble with that spot. With leaks present, I will not be able to go to an automatic car wash.”
2015 Volkswagen Beetle: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle is its revised TDI diesel engine, which rises from 140 to 150 horsepower and delivers slightly better fuel economy. Otherwise, this is a light-update year rather than a redesign.
About the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle
Second modern Beetle generation (A5, introduced for 2012); 2015 is the fourth model year, before the 2016 trim-name reshuffle and infotainment update.
Volkswagen positions the Beetle as the emotional, style-led small car in its lineup: instantly recognizable, offered as either a hatchback or a convertible, and more usable day to day than many other retro-themed small cars. The rounded shape and nostalgic details are the hook, but VW backs that up with turbocharged engines, a practical rear hatch on coupe models, and a cabin that feels more grown-up than the car’s playful image suggests.
The 1.8T serves as the everyday Beetle, with a turbocharged engine, heated front seats, and synthetic leather upholstery. The Classic emphasizes nostalgia with Heritage wheels, a two-tone cabin, and navigation, while the R-Line adds stronger performance, a sport suspension, and more aggressive bodywork. The TDI focuses on fuel economy and adds keyless access, push-button start, and a touchscreen audio system.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
TDI models receive a revised 2.0-liter diesel engine with 150 horsepower, up from 140. Their city and highway fuel-economy ratings also improve slightly.
Trim lineup
The retro-themed 1.8T Classic and the basic 1.8T Fleet Edition join the lineup. The 1.8T Entry, 2.5L, 2.5L Entry, and limited-production GSR trims are dropped.
Styling
The new 1.8T Classic adds 17-inch Heritage wheels, a two-tone checked interior, contrast stitching, and body-color dash and steering-wheel trim.
Safety
A rearview camera becomes standard on nearly every non-base Beetle built late in the 2015 model year.
Tech
The new 1.8T Classic includes a touchscreen navigation and audio system as standard equipment.
2015 Volkswagen Beetle specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo Dsl. 2.0L | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, PZEV, Turbo, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd / Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic / Auto, 6-Spd Tptrnc Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 30–31 mpg | 24–25 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 24–25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 40–41 mpg | 32–33 mpg | 29–31 mpg | 32–33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 170 hp | 210 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 7.1–15.4 cu-ft | 7.1–15.4 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 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Side Steps | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| SD Card Slot | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Dual Power Lumbar Support Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver's Lumbar Support Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle?
The biggest change is the TDI’s revised 2.0-liter diesel engine. It produces 150 horsepower instead of 140 and brings a small improvement in fuel economy.
Is the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle a redesign?
No. The 2015 Beetle is a light update within the second modern Beetle generation introduced for 2012, so its basic design and layout carry over.
Which Volkswagen Beetle trims changed for 2015?
The 1.8T Classic and 1.8T Fleet Edition join for 2015. The 1.8T Entry, 2.5L, 2.5L Entry, and GSR trims leave the lineup.
Does the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle have a rearview camera?
Nearly every non-base 2015 Beetle built late in the model year has a standard rearview camera. Earlier examples and base versions may not have one, so it is worth checking the individual vehicle.
What is special about the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Classic?
The 2015 Beetle Classic is a new retro-themed 1.8T trim. It has 17-inch Heritage wheels, a two-tone checked interior, body-color cabin trim, and a touchscreen navigation system.
2015 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle.
4.3
2015 Volkswagen Beetle
(133 reviews)
“Love the TDI Beetle with its high diesel mileage, durable engine and manual transmission, great environmental control and sporty handling. Unfortunately, it is not as fuel efficient as my TDI Beetle was before the Forced de tuning by the EPA. I owned one (2013 TDI) that ran so much better before the addition of DEF system. But is still a great buy.”
“I am very happy with my new vw beetle and very glad that I made the decision and got a great new car.”