The Mk8.5 Golf R will bring a host of tweaks to the brand’s flagship hot hatch.
Following up the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI seeing its mid-cycle refresh, it’s time for the Golf R to follow suit. Volkswagen announced this week that we aren’t that far away from a full reveal: In fact, we’ll see much more than just the silhouette above on June 26.
We usually get a few juicy bits of information before automakers pull the curtain back on big reveals, though, and the Golf R is no exception. Prior to the big unveiling, VW did reveal that the updated model will pack 329 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged EA888 engine. That represents a modest 14 horsepower increase over the 315-hp version we get now. But hey, anything’s better than nothing, right? It also moves the top-dog hot hatch a bit farther away from its front-wheel drive counterpart, which manages 261 horsepower.
As far as the image goes, there’s obviously not much to see. It appears Volkswagen has reshaped the headlights and running lights a bit, while there’s an illuminated logo and LED light bar running across the top of the grille to VW’s modernized badge. From camouflaged teasers the company published a few months back, we know the new R gets arger air intakes in the front bumper, as well as a rear spoiler. Both inside and out, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf R should otherwise see similar updates to styling and technology — particularly the infotainment system — as the GTI.
One item the 2025 Golf R won’t get (nor will the GTI, for that matter) is a 6-speed manual transmission. Sadly, VW relegated that option to the history books with the outgoing 2024 models, and the only option moving forward is the 7-speed DSG transmission.
Nevertheless, anyone wanting the “grown up hot hatch” will undoubtedly be curious to see what’s cooking. We only have a couple more weeks to wait, so check back on June 26 for all the latest info.
