2025 VW Golf GTI | POV Night Drive

2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI 8.5 POV night drive, highway drive, launch control, 0-60 acceleration, exhaust sound, review.

2025 marks a debut of the Mark 8.5 generation of the Volkswagen Golf, and that obviously means that the GTI got some updates.

In typical Volkswagen fashion, the changes are pretty subtle - we received new bumper and headlights, updated technology including new infotainment system, but we also lost a 6-speed manual transmission, meaning a 7-speed dual-clutch is the only option.

From a mechanical perspective, everything remained the same. The GTI is based on Volkswagen’s MQB Evo platform and what comes with that, we get a strut front suspension and a multilink setup.

The S and SE trims get regular, passive dampers, the top Autobahn gets VW’s Dynamic Chassis Control, or in other words, adaptive dampers.

Under the hood obviously sits the EA888 engine, a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which delivers 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. You might remember from our Golf R review that the R received a 13 hp bump with the facelift, but nothing has changed in the GTI. Just as a side note, Europe also gets a 300 hp “Clubsport” variant of the GTI.

A 6-speed manual is gone in the 8.5, meaning we only get a 7-speed DSG and the power obviously goes to front wheels via an e-LSD up front.

As of trims, we start with a base S for around $32,000, than we have an SE starting at a little over $37,000 grand. Finally, the top Autobahn costs a little over $42,000 and gives you some extra features like leather seats, head up display, or adaptive suspension.

Other cars to consider are a VW Golf R, Honda Civic SI, Ford Focus ST, Hyundai Elantra N, Subaru WRX, Toyota GR Corolla, BMW 330i, Ford Mustang GT, Dodge Hellcat, Mazda 3 Turbo, VW Jetta GLI, Audi S3.

00:00 - Exterior
00:30 - Interior (Front Seats)
03:25 - Interior (Backseat)
04:00 - Trunk
04:17 - Exterior
04:55 - Interior (Front Seats)
05:45 - Driving
08:14 - Launch Control
08:24 - Highway
10:07 - Ambient Lighting
11:15 - Highway
17:25 - Launch Control
17:35 - Driving

Specs:
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 | 241 hp | 273 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch | FWD
Price as tested: $38,645
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