Few cars in the automotive world’s history have been able to carve a niche as iconic and enduring as the Volkswagen Beetle. From its humble beginnings in the 1930s under Ferdinand Porsche’s design as the “people’s car,” to the flower-powered rides of the ’60s and the eccentric reboot of the early 2000s, the Bug has always turned out as more than just a car – it has been a cultural icon. But with this icon’s production ending in 2019, Beetle lovers around the world have raised the same question: Is VW bringing the Beetle back?
And now, these whispers are growing much louder.
Is the Beetle really ready to make a comeback, or is it just a glorious dream the people can’t let go of?

The Speculative Spark

What fueled the fire of hope is a fascinating article by a motorhead authority called MotorTrend, titled “2026 Volkswagen ID Beetle: The Bug Goes Electric.” Although VW itself hasn’t officially confirmed anything, the article claimes to have heard more than a little “unofficial” talk of it and with the ID Buzz getting closer to reaching U.S., beetle aficionados are ready to welcome a Beetle EV, too.
The writer claims that the idea isn’t far-fetched. The concept ID Beetle would sit on Volkswagen’s modular MEB platform – the same platform that the ID.3 and ID.4 EVs ride on. The concept features a futuristic, sleek design without sacrificing the round, friendly aesthetic that made the original Bug so lovable. Think rear-drive support, a possible four-door version, all coupled with a driving experience tailored for modern urban life.
What’s more exciting is the possibility that the recreated Beetle won’t simply be a design homage. It would be a functional, emotional, and fun ride for a new generation of electric car drivers. No surprise this one article lit up YouTube channels, Instagram, fan forums, and online communities with tons of speculation.

Volkswagen’s Take on the Launch

As always, VW is playing its cards close to the chest. Volkswagen’s CEO, Thomas Schäfer, in a 2023 interview, did suggest that certain legacy models might have “had their day.” But in the same breath, he couldn’t help but express his excitement about the success of nostalgia-driven EVs like the ID. Buzz – a rebirth of the iconic Microbus.
Could the Bug follow in its tracks?
Some insiders have revealed that it’s not a matter of if, but when. The VW Bug’s cultural capital is far too valuable to ignore. And in an era where automotive heritage is being reimagined through electrification, there couldn’t be a better time to plug the Bug back into the future.

What Could an Electric Bug Look Like?

Based on informed speculation in the aforementioned article and insights from other automotive experts, a next-generation Bug could blend the past and the future with brilliant elegance. That might translate into retro curves with EV aerodynamics and digital dashboards wrapped in vintage-inspired materials – and perhaps even a few surprises.
A built-in Hertella Auto Kaffeemaschine (VW coffee maker) and a vintage speed exhaust, anyone?
The MEB platform would open the doors to a rear-wheel drive configuration and, potentially, all-wheel drive options as well, with a range of around 250 to 300 miles on a single charge. These features would position the ID Beetle not just as a design statement, but as a highly practical urban electric vehicle with flair.

Are VW Bugs Good Cars?

For those who have never had the chance to drive or own a VW Bug, this is a question at the top of their minds: Are VW Bugs good cars? The answer completely depends on what you are after.
Classic Bugs were known for their reliability, simplicity, and ease of maintenance. They weren’t as fast as their American competitors, but they were lovable. The New Beetle and its 2011 successor offered retro charm in modern times, bringing unique styling coupled with fun driving dynamics – albeit with some mechanical quirks.
If the VW Beetle is reborn as part of the ID series, it would be the most technologically advanced Beetle ever – backed by VW’s commitment to delivering quality and electric innovation.
A good car? It might well be the best one yet.

How Much Will the New Beetle Cost?

Another burning question remains: How much will the new Beetle cost? With no word from VW yet, we’re left with informed speculations.
Considering the pricing for VW’s current ID models, a base model ID Bug would likely start around $30,000 to $35,000 USD.
Higher trims with extended range, all-wheel drive, or additional features like vintage speed shifters could possibly push the price into the low-to-mid $40,000 range. Optional packages might include vintage design accents, fascinating gadgets like the Beetle coffee maker, tech upgrades, and even collector’s edition touches for long-time Beetle aficionados.

Conclusion

Car lovers and ordinary people alike don’t just remember the Bug – they cherish it. From road trips to first dates, the Bug has been a co-star in some of life’s most cherished and memorable moments. The possibility of the Bug’s rebirth taps into more than just curiosity – it stirs emotion.
Experts believe that the stream of fan-made concept art, renderings, and videos – sometimes floated by quite influential sites – could likely be more than just random works of art, and more of a dipstick survey from the carmaker. In an era where everything old is new again, the idea of the Beetle’s rebirth is less like a fantasy and more like a question of timing.
Who knows – the world’s most beloved car may already be charging up for a quiet return.