Volkswagen up to date the GTI and Golf R for 2025. Each automobiles have tweaked styling in and out, and there is extra energy from the Golf R’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. The result’s a notable value bump, led by a hefty $1,435 improve for the Golf R.
With VW’s $1,225 vacation spot cost included, the 2025 Golf R now begins at $48,325. That value will get you 328 horsepower despatched to all 4 wheels by way of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Whereas VW giveth energy—13 extra ponies in comparison with final 12 months—the corporate taketh away the third pedal. Going ahead, the DSG gearbox is the one transmission provided.

Photograph by: Volkswagen
The identical holds true for the GTI, which receives a modest $480 year-over-year improve. Its base value for 2025 is $33,670; for that, you get the identical 241 hp model of the two.0L turbo driving simply the entrance wheels. A seven-speed DSG is the only transmission, although it does have paddles if you wish to choose particular gears. Nonetheless, it isn’t the identical as heel-towing right into a nook as the within rear wheel lifts off the monitor.
Mannequin / Trim | Worth |
GTI S | $33,670 |
GTI SE | $38,645 |
GTI Autobahn | $42,105 |
Golf R | $48,325 |
Golf R Black Version | $49,640 |
Visually talking, each Golfs have gentle updates to the entrance with new headlights and redesigned decrease fascias. Inside, the GTI and Golf R share a brand new 12.9-inch touchscreen operating the corporate’s newest MIB3 system. The GTI additionally receives a “extra intuitive structure” that kills the unloved haptic steering wheel controls for precise buttons. Sadly, the identical therapy would not come to the Golf R, however VW is eager to remind you that, at 328 hp, it is probably the most highly effective manufacturing Golf of all of them.
Will potential patrons settle for the value bump? Gross sales for the Golf R rose 29.6 p.c whereas GTI gross sales jumped nearly 50 p.c. That stated, their mixed gross sales of 15,268 models continues to be a small slice of VW’s pie subsequent to its SUVs. We won’t assist questioning what number of of these gross sales have been pushed by the approaching demise of the guide transmission, however we’ll discover out when 2025 fashions attain dealerships later this 12 months.

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