The Volkswagen Amarok 10 Deserts Edition takes inspiration from a remarkable Guinness World Record: a six-day, 17-hour journey across ten of Australia’s deserts.

This limited-edition model celebrates that achievement with off-road capabilities tailored for adventurous drivers. Developed locally, this special variant stands out as a tough and capable contender in Australia’s ute market.

Volkswagen Amarok 10 Deserts Edition Launch Date

The Volkswagen Amarok 10 Deserts Edition is set for release in early 2025, marking a significant addition to the Amarok lineup. With only 300 units available, this exclusive model is sure to attract off-road enthusiasts across Australia.

Design and Features

The Amarok 10 Deserts Edition sports a unique aesthetic that balances ruggedness and sophistication. Finished exclusively in “Clear White,” it features black badging, a black tonneau cover, and satin black 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres. For those seeking extra durability, more aggressive off-road tyres are available at no additional cost.

An ARB lift kit raises ground clearance by 40mm, boosting it to 275mm, while underbody protection adds peace of mind on rough trails. Its interior offers a minimalist yet modern feel, with an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch multimedia screen. The mix of physical and digital controls ensures convenience and ease of use, whether you’re navigating highways or rugged tracks.

Built for Work and Play

The Amarok measures just over 5.3 meters long and nearly 1.9 meters tall, making it comparable to competitors like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. Inside, it provides ample head, leg, and shoulder room for front and rear passengers. Storage is well-considered, with dual gloveboxes, center console cupholders, door bins, and a lidded storage box that doubles as an armrest.

The rear tray accommodates a Euro pallet between the wheel arches, illuminated for convenience. Its towing capacity is a strong 3,500 kg, with additional features like tie-down points and tailgate lift assist for improved usability.

Engine and Performance

The Amarok 10 Deserts Edition is powered by a 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine producing 154 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque. Coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the drivetrain offers three modes—2H, 4H, and 4L—to adapt to different terrains. A mechanical rear differential lock adds capability for challenging off-road scenarios.

This engine setup mirrors the Ford Ranger Bi-Turbo, ensuring proven performance under Australian conditions. The Amarok’s double wishbone and leaf spring suspension ensure a smooth ride on paved roads and impressive articulation on uneven trails.

Fuel Efficiency

The Amarok offers a combined fuel consumption rating of 7.2L/100km. With its 80-liter tank, the theoretical range is approximately 1,100 km. In real-world conditions, drivers can expect slightly higher consumption rates, especially during off-road adventures, where figures may reach 10.0L/100km.

Off-Road Capability in Australia

Designed to excel off-road, the Amarok 10 Deserts Edition showcases exceptional handling on sand, gravel, and rocky surfaces. The enhanced ground clearance, robust suspension, and selectable all-wheel-drive system ensure the vehicle navigates challenging terrains with confidence. Its performance during testing mirrored the heavily modified V6 Style that achieved the desert-crossing record.

Key approach, departure, and ramp-over angles were further improved by the lift kit, allowing the Amarok to tackle steep inclines and rugged trails without hesitation.

Safety

Volkswagen has equipped the Amarok 10 Deserts Edition with an array of safety features. Standard inclusions are adaptive cruise control with stop/go, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The vehicle also features a comprehensive airbag system and strong crash protection measures, meeting the highest safety standards for Australian roads.

Competitive Positioning in the Australian Ute Market

The Amarok 10 Deserts Edition stands as a formidable competitor to models like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux GR Sport, and Isuzu D-Max Blade. Its focus on off-road capability, practicality, and exclusive design ensures it appeals to both recreational drivers and professionals needing a reliable, versatile ute.