Volkswagen is expanding the Amarok range with the Dark Label edition, a version that replaces most chrome trim with black finishes. The changes are primarily visual, though the pack also includes a few practical fittings, without altering the V6 diesel, the automatic gearbox or the all-wheel-drive system.
The edition has entered the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles configurator in the United Kingdom, but does not yet appear in the official Romanian range. The local importer still lists the Amarok, Life, Style, PanAmericana and Aventura variants.
What the Amarok Dark Label edition changes
Dark Label is based on the current Amarok generation, developed on the same architecture as the Ford Ranger. Body, chassis and proportions stay unchanged, and the differences show on elements that, on other versions, are chromed or painted in contrasting colours.
The exterior pack includes:
- 20-inch alloy wheels in matt black;
- black roof bars, mirror housings and door handles;
- grille, lower protection and bumper elements in black;
- side steps and a decorative bar for the load bed in the same theme;
- tinted rear glass and darkened-look tail lights;
- Dark Label badges and lettering.
Customers can choose three metallic body colours: black, grey or blue. Even with the last option, the black trim keeps the visual contrast that defines the edition.
Black interior and extra equipment
The theme continues in the cabin, where the seats use dedicated black cloth upholstery, and the headliner, door panels and centre console are finished in Ebony Black. The steering wheel carries the Dark Label badge, and the velour mats have specific lettering.
In the load bed there is an interior liner and a sliding cover, two accessories useful for carrying items exposed to weather or to view. Dark Label also gets a locking rear differential, equipment offered as an option on some lower versions.
The dashboard keeps the familiar layout, with digital instruments and a vertical multimedia screen. There are no changes to interior space or to the dimensions of the load bed.
V6 diesel and all-wheel drive
The version announced for the United Kingdom uses the 3.0-litre V6 TDI, paired with a ten-speed automatic and the 4MOTION system. The European specification of this engine develops 177 kW, equivalent to 241 hp, and a maximum torque of 600 Nm.
Volkswagen does not announce power changes for Dark Label. The role of the edition is to offer a distinct equipment level between Style and the off-road- or luxury-oriented variants, not to turn the Amarok into a performance model.
Maximum towing capacity remains up to 3,500 kg for compatible configurations. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in the United Kingdom indicates, for the Amarok range, a payload of up to 1,050 kg and a load-bed length of 1,624 mm. Exact figures depend on equipment and the mass of each configuration.
Amarok Dark Label in Romania
Volkswagen has not confirmed a launch of the Dark Label edition on the Romanian market. At present, the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Romania website lists the Amarok from €53,648 including VAT, and a range of three diesel engines.
The local offer comprises 2.0-litre engines with 170 hp or 205 hp and the 3.0-litre V6 with 241 hp and 600 Nm. PanAmericana and Aventura have the ten-speed automatic as standard, and the current PanAmericana already offers several black elements, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres and a locking differential.
For that reason, Dark Label would sit in the range mainly as an alternative for customers who want large wheels and a discreet look, without the off-road orientation of PanAmericana. The price and date of a possible introduction in Romania are not known.
The edition does not change the fundamental capabilities of the pick-up, but it answers a visible trend in the segment: black finishes have become a quick way for manufacturers to differentiate special versions without costly work on the body or the mechanics.
Photo source: Auto Express.
