After a lengthy teaser campaign sprinkled with the usual spy shots, Volkswagen has pulled the wraps off the 2025 Golf R. The hot hatch and sporty wagon have debuted in their facelifted iterations (Mk 8.5), featuring updated styling, a small power boost and added technology.
Since the gearhead virus unites us all, we'll start with the oily bits. Power comes from the same 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder lump, which now produces 13 hp (13 ps/10 kW) more. The output is rated at 328 hp (333 ps/245 kW), and it puts out 310 pound-foot (420 Nm) of torque.
A 7-speed DSG delivers everything to the 4Motion all-wheel drive system. The model features torque vectoring for improved stability by distributing the thrust individually to the rear wheels to optimize its cornering ability. VW says 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) takes 4.6 seconds, and with the optional Performance Pack, it tops out at 167 mph (270 kph) or 155 mph (250 kph) without it.
In the looks department, the 2025 VW Golf R features fresh headlamps, a backlit VW logo, a new bumper, fresh taillights, a glossy black diffuser, and four tailpipes. The sporty side skirts, matte chrome side mirror caps, 18- or 19-inch alloys, and other features contribute to its hot stance. Customers can choose the IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, 3D LED taillights, an Akrapovic exhaust system, and even a Black Edition with a few darkened components on the options list.
Photo: Volkswagen
Opening the door reveals the updated cockpit, which features a new 12.9-inch infotainment system. The display is larger, sports a new menu structure, and has boosted graphics. The 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster was also updated and packs additional gizmos, like the GPS lap time and G-meter on cars equipped with the Performance Pack. The HVAC system was also improved, and users will be able to access ChatGPT and a new voice assistant.
Volkswagen says pre-sales of the latest iteration Golf R kick off on July 3 in its home market of Germany, with the hot hatch starting at €53,795 (equal to $57,670) and the sporty station wagon body style at €55,065 ($59,030). The Golf R Black Edition version will be even pricier at €58,440 ($62,650). Pricing and specifications for the United Kingdom will be announced soon, and the 2025 VW Golf R will also make its way to the United States, albeit in hot hatch flavor only.
We expect it to be a bit more pricier compared to the outgoing model, which carries an MSRP of $45,665 and packs 315 horsepower (319 ps/235 kW) and 295 pound-feet (400 Nm) of torque, delivered to the AWD system through a 6sp manual or a 7sp automatic DSG. Likely, we will also get the new Black Edition variant.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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