German-market VW Golf R gets more power and fresh looks for 2025

Colin
By Colin Wood
Jun 25, 2024 | Volkswagen, Golf R, Volkswagen Golf R

Photography Courtesy Volkswagen

[Editor’s note: All information and figures are reflective of the German-market 2025 Golf R. More specific information on the U.S.-spec model is expected later this year.]

One of the rowdiest Volkswagens money can buy, the Golf R, gets a fresh face, a new interior and–most importantly–more power for 2025.

Still based on the Mk8 Golf, the 2025 Golf R gets an additional 13 horsepower and 15 lb.-ft. of torque (30 if compared to the manual-equipped Golf R), raising maximum output to 328 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque.

All-wheel drive with torque vectoring is still standard, and you can have any transmission you’d like as long as it’s a seven-speed DSG.

Like loud noises? VW has you covered as well:

The sound of the exhaust system has generally been further developed to enhance the acoustic feedback and the motorsport feel of the car. Outside the car, you can hear backfire from engine speeds of just 2,500 rpm. Inside, a sound actuator makes sure that the engine has an even rortier sound.

On the exterior, the Golf R gets an illuminated VW badge plus several redesigned components for 2025 that include the entire front section below the headlights, side skirts and rear apron.

The 2025 Golf R is fitted with 18-inch wheels standard, with 19-inch “Warmenau” forged alloy wheels available as an option (for Europe, at least).

Weighing in at a little over 17.5 pounds each and, according to VW, capable of cooling the Golf R’s brakes more efficiently, the Warmenau wheels get their name from the town of Warmenau, Germany, located “on the outskirts of Wolfsburg, which is where R is headquartered.”

Inside the 2025 Golf R, occupants will be greeted by an all-new infotainment system, the focal point of which is a free-standing, 12.9-inch touchscreen. VW says operating the system should be “significantly improved” thanks to newly developed software and hardware.

Although hard buttons don’t seem to be making a comeback in VWs anytime soon, the touch sliders for temperature and volume control are now illuminated.

If you love black accents, then the aptly named Black Edition is for you: black wheels, brake calipers and exhaust tips as well as darkened badges.

How much will the 2025 Golf R cost? VW says to expect more information on pricing and availability of the U.S-market Golf R later this year ahead of the car’s market intro in early 2025.

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Comments
Coniglio Rampante
Coniglio Rampante Reader
6/25/24 7:17 p.m.

I don't typically comment on infotainment that I haven't used, but damn that screen looks intrusive.  Like, "almost blocking some sight-lines" intrusive. 
Maybe it's just the camera angle.

GameboyRMH
GameboyRMH GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
6/25/24 7:26 p.m.

It's the camera angle, that photo was taken with the seat slid all the way back and fully reclined with the photographer straddling the headrest, so from a normal driving position it should only block views of the dash and hood.

That kind of photography is really a job for petite people, ask me how I know...

Coniglio Rampante
Coniglio Rampante Reader
6/25/24 8:24 p.m.

In reply to GameboyRMH :

Ah, makes sense, thank you.

DirtyBird222
DirtyBird222 PowerDork
6/26/24 8:59 a.m.

Obligatory comment on lack of 3 pedals and hard buttons for controls like HVAC and volume. 

Colin Wood
Colin Wood Associate Editor
6/26/24 10:15 a.m.
DirtyBird222 said:

Obligatory comment on lack of 3 pedals and hard buttons for controls like HVAC and volume. 

Alright everyone, wrap it up. We have the full discussion covered. laugh

TR7
TR7 Reader
6/26/24 10:31 a.m.

In reply to DirtyBird222 :

Dont forget about the sound actuator.

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