2025 Volkswagen Golf R And GTI: More Power, New Tech, And Goodbye To The Manual

The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R gets a power boost this year, bringing it up to 328 horsepower thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine—13 hp more than the previous model. All-wheel drive remains standard, working with a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission.

Style updates give the 2025 Volkswagen Golf R a more aggressive edge, with new headlights, a sharper front bumper, and a lit-up VW logo and light bar on the grille.

If you’re after an even bolder look, the new Golf R Black Edition (previously a Europe-only model) is coming to the U.S., featuring blacked-out wheels, brake calipers, and carbon fiber accents. VW also offers the Euro Style package for a sleeker feel, with fabric seats, no sunroof, an Akrapovic titanium exhaust, and lighter 19-inch forged alloy wheels.

The Golf R now features a 12.9-inch touchscreen that runs VW's latest, faster interface, which is also present in the ID.Buzz. The GTI also gets this new system. Only the GTI, however, benefits from a steering wheel with hard buttons, while the Golf R retains haptic feedback controls. The GTI sticks with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 241 hp, paired exclusively to the seven-speed DSG, marking the end of the manual option for both the GTI and Golf R.

Unfortunately, the higher-powered GTI Clubsport is unlikely to make it stateside. Both the GTI and Golf R include VW’s IQ.Drive active safety suite, adding features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and more. The Golf R also gets Park Assist Plus as standard. Volkswagen hasn’t announced pricing yet for the 2025 GTI and Golf R.