2017 Volkswagen Beetle Dune: Looks More Fun Than It Delivers

Walking up to the Beetle Dune edition, especially in the awesome mustard-yellow metallic color on our test car, it looks like you’re in for a whole lot of fun. Higher-ride height, bigger flares and taller tires make it look like there’s some off-road capability. There’s a great throwback feeling to the Baja Bugs of the past, but once you climb in and take off you quickly realize it’s all for show. A fun-looking show, but a show nonetheless.
First of all, despite looking much taller, the ride height is less than an inch taller than a standard Beetle. The engine is the same 1.8-Liter turbo, churning out 170hp that powers the regular car. The tires are road-centered all-season tires instead of something with a little more all-terrain capability. Essentially, it’s all for looks. And that’s fine, because it does look great! But let’s look at a few simple ways that VW could have given this thing a little more bite.
First of all, the 2.0-Liter turbo could have powered this just as easily, giving it over 200hp. With the classic Baja Bugs all being RWD, this front-drive version just falls flat. VW has an all-wheel drive drivetrain that can go with this platform. And just selecting different tires would have made this thing actually go off road instead of just looking like it. Today’s tire technology means that it wouldn’t have had to sacrifice comfort as well. Thinking about what could have been makes it harder to enjoy the Dune.
Once inside the cabin, the great looks from the outside continue. The steering wheel is a standout, with aluminum accents and contrasting stitching. The painted-body color inserts on the dash and door panels look great and add to the vintage flair of the Dune. Even the seats have a great combination of fabric, stitching and comfort. It’s a comfortable and attractive cabin to spend time in...
Thanks for watching!