There absolutely was an AWD new Beetle in the US. It was only made for two years and was called an RSI:
Beetle RSi (2001-2003)
VW New Beetle RSi
It is a limited (250 units) version of New Beetle. It included a 224 PS (165 kW; 221 hp) 3.2 litre VR6 engine,[6] a 6-speed gearbox, and Volkswagen's four-wheel drive system 4motion, Remus twin-pipe exhaust. It was rumoured Porsche tuned the suspension but this was carried out in-house at VW Individual. The suspension was greatly altered at the rear, with geometry more geared to the race track and a rear cross brace behind the rear seats, 80 mm (3.1 in) wider fenders, unique front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, large rear wing, and 18x9 OZ Superturismo wheels with 235/40ZR-18 tyres. Inside, it was trimmed in carbon fiber, billet aluminum, and bright orange leather. The front seats were Recaro racing buckets. Notable disadvantages found were loud cabin noise and low rear tire life.
Curiously, in Mexico, although being a country very attached to Volkswagen, there are RSis that have not been sold since 2001. This is probably due to its US$58,000 price tag, and because Mexico is the country where many Beetle RSis stayed (20 cars).
