2025 Volkswagen Golf R Arrives As The Last Combustion Model Before Going Electric

Key Takeaways

• Updated Volkswagen Golf R 8.5 arrives with more power, fresh styling, and an improved interior.
• Power has been increased to 328 hp, up from 315 horses.
• Black Edition model with blacked-out exterior trim, badges, and wheels will be available in the United States.
• The desirable Golf R Wagon is still not in the cards for the US market.

After countless teasers, Volkswagen has finally whipped the covers off the updated Golf R 8.5, the final piece of the Golf facelift puzzle. The high-performance R follows the standard Golf and Golf GTI and the Clubsport that was unveiled a month ago. The R arrives with more power, tweaked styling, and a new Black Edition package, among other things. Sadly, there’s no mention of a manual transmission.

The familiar 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 328 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, sent to all four wheels via VW’s quick-shifting seven-speed DSG transmission. With a motivated driver behind the wheel, the Golf R can sprint to 62 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The Golf R wagon – which, sadly, isn’t coming to the States – reaches 62 mph 0.2 seconds later. The top speed is limited to 155 mph, but with the optional Performance package (offered overseas), this is increased to 167 mph, making it the fastest production VW (alongside the Arteon R Shooting Brake).

Subtle Improvements Enhance Driving Fun

Volkswagen USA notes that the Performance package has always been a part of the US-spec Golf R, but this has never included the increased top speed. There are several drive modes: Comfort, Sport, Race, Special, Drift, Eco, and Individual. In Race mode, the DCC, selective wheel torque control, all-wheel drive, and steering settings are adjusted to provide a more sporting response. This setting is activated by the blue-colored “R” button on the steering wheel (or via the infotainment or the IDA voice assistant).

In Race mode, the throttle valve opens on the overrun. When the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal ahead of a corner and accelerates out of the bend, the engine torque builds up significantly quicker. The turbocharger is also preconditioned to maintain a higher turbo speed under partial load, making for a more responsive power delivery. Other subtle changes include an enhanced exhaust system that offers a superior burble. The Akrapovic titanium exhaust has also been improved.

Styling Updates Keep The Hot Golf Looking Fresh

Of course, the Golf R isn’t just about straight-line performance. On the handling front, the sport suspension (0.8 inches lower than the base Golf) comprises strut-type and multilink setups at the front and rear, respectively. The Golf R has progressive variable-ratio steering as standard and a Vehicle Dynamics Manager that controls the electromechanical operations of the all-wheel drive system, DCC dampers, and the differential lock.

The exterior revisions are very subtle, but the changes are sufficient to keep the Golf R looking modern. The front bumper, side skirts, rear apron, side mirror caps, and wheels were all designed exclusively by Volkswagen R. The final result is a more aggressive look, distancing the range-topper from the R Design and Golf GTI models. Thankfully, the new Golf R hasn’t lost its subtle “sleeper” hot hatch persona – the hot VW has always looked discreet compared to rivals like the Civic Type R and Mercedes-AMG A45 S.

New Wheel Options And Black Edition

New LED headlights tighten the front end, with a slimmer cluster and straight lines flowing into the grille. An illuminated grille and Volkswagen badge lend the Golf a distinctive look, even in the dark – Volkswagen’s IQ.Light LED matrix headlights are also available; they offer 15% more range than the outgoing lighting system. Whether this will be made available for US-spec models remains to be seen. Tasteful gloss black exterior trim can be found on the aero parts, while matte chrome has been applied to the side mirror caps.

The Golf R receives 18-inch ‘Jerez’ wheels wrapped in 225/40 rubber as standard. Customers can choose 19-inch ‘Estoril’ wheels with a diamond-cut finish as an optional extra. This design gets wider 235/35 tires and a diamond-cut or black finish, the latter of which is standard on the Black Edition. Volkswagen will also offer the exclusive ‘Warmenau’ 19-inch forged wheels. Weighing in at just 17.6 lbs per wheel, the set reduces unsprung weight and improves dynamics. The R Performance Akrapovic titanium exhaust system is also available at extra cost. The Black Edition model, with darkened badges, trim, wheels, headlights, and exhaust tips, will be offered in the United States.

Performance Package Adds Useful Features For Track Driving

Volkswagen has made several changes to the Golf R 8.5 inside. The infotainment system – controlled via voice control or the 12.9-inch display – now uses new software and hardware. As a result, the system is more intuitive to use than before, with individual configurations permitting owners to customize the system to their needs. Elsewhere, the controversial touch slides for the audio volume and climate controls are now illuminated and, as a result, are easier to use. The 12.9-inch central display is joined by a standard 10.2-inch digital cockpit, which can be supplemented by an optional head-up display.

The digital dials now have an updated Sport display with a round, centrally fixed tachometer. With the Performance package (but coming standard on the US-spec model), a GPS lap timer, G-meter, and several other essential aspects – including torque distribution, boost pressure, and gearbox temperature – are displayed for the driver to monitor. Premium sports seats feature black and blue inner panels with the outer areas upholstered in ArtVelours. Customers can also specify Nappa leather with carbon fiber-look elements and blue accents. The leather sports steering wheel (with a blue six o’clock marker) has also been redesigned, including larger shift paddles for the DSG transmission.

Volkswagen USA will announce local pricing and specification later this year but notes that the new model will not have a lower MSRP than the outgoing model. The US-spec Golf R 8.5 will likely have more standard features than its European counterpart. Expect it to arrive at American dealers in early 2025.