Volkswagen is solidifying the Golf R’s place as the ultimate hot hatch for 2025. For the coming model year, VW has given the hatch a refresh, but the biggest news isn’t the updated styling, though. It’s the extra power you get, as well.
The Mk 8 Golf R upped the ante over the Mk7, cresting the 300-horsepower mark for the first time. With 315 hp, it was pretty darn quick. For 2025, VW has thrown on another 13 hp, bringing the output of the Golf R’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to 328 hp. Torque is up 15 lb-ft to 310. That power gets to the ground through the same all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring and a seven-speed DSG.
Other performance changes for 2025 include an enhanced titanium exhaust system from Akrapovič with a “richer” sound — unfortunately that means piped-in artificial engine noise, as well as a higher RPM on startup that VW says results in an idle that has a “deep burbling sound.”
Visually, the Golf R’s refresh is nothing too drastic. One of the main differences is the headlights. They have slightly straighter lines and get more narrow as they go towards the body. In countries where it’s legal, those lights come with optional matrix headlights that VW says have a 15 percent better range than the previous lights. There are also new bumpers and an illuminated VW badge.
A special Golf R Black Edition also joins the lineup for 2025. It features black wheels, darkened badging, headlights, black brake calipers and exhaust.
The interior has received a slight upgrade, mainly in the form of hardware and software updates for the infotainment system. There’s Chat GPT integration for some reason and a new menu layout. There’s also a GPS lap timer and a G-meter. For those who want to know what’s going on under the hood, drivers can also display real-time powertrain info like torque distribution in the all-wheel-drive system, transmission temp and turbo boost pressure.
There’s no word on price or anything yet, but VW says the ‘25 Golf R won’t be cheaper than the outgoing model. There’s also no word on any on-sale date just yet, but we can assume the 2025 Golf R will go on sale sometime later this year.