Stealth mode activated — VW’s Amarok Dark Label could soon join South Africa’s bakkie line-up, pending final approval from Volkswagen Group Africa. Picture Credit: gagadget.com
By Thulane Madalane
South Africa – Volkswagen Group Africa has confirmed that the new, blacked-out VW Amarok Dark Label is officially “under consideration” for launch in South Africa — though the brand emphasises that no final decision has been made.
The model was recently revealed in Germany, where the special-edition bakkie joins the second-generation Amarok range. As with all modern Amaroks, it is assembled at Ford’s Silverton plant in Pretoria, alongside the related Ford Ranger, making a South African introduction both feasible and anticipated.
This isn’t the first time the Dark Label badge has appeared in Mzansi. Back in 2018, the original Amarok Dark Label debuted as a limited-run derivative based on the first-generation model and powered by a 4-cylinder engine. The latest version, however, steps things up significantly by adopting the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel.
In Germany, the V6 is tuned to 177 kW and 600 Nm — slightly detuned from the standard 184 kW for emissions compliance — paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Dark Label is built on the Style trim grade and offered in Midnight Black, Dark Grey, or Bright Blue metallic paint.
Visually, the newcomer leans heavily into its stealth aesthetic. It features matte-black 20-inch alloys, black exterior trim, darkened taillights, tinted rear-side windows, and black styling elements from the grille to the tailgate handle. Black side steps, roof rails, and mirror caps complete the blackout execution.
Inside, the theme continues with dark “ArtVelours” seats, black interior door panels, an Ebony Black headliner, and special Dark Label badging on the steering wheel and floor mats.
For now, Volkswagen says only that the Dark Label is being studied for the local market — but with its high specification and popular V6 powertrain, many expect it to join the SA line-up if market conditions allow.
