Volkswagen Golf R is a feat of modern engineering, but there are still some downsides you should think twice about.

Here's what to expect when the updated 2025 VW Golf R hatchback goes on sale early next year. A person can have a lot of fun answering the prompt of: "What is the world's fastest Volkswagen?" You can be clever and argue it's the brand-new Bugatti Tourbillon V-16 hypercar,

Volkswagen has just announced pricing for the sporty Golf models going on sale in the United States for 2025 — and yes, they're more expensive than before. That’s particularly true of the all-wheel-drive Golf R, which can now crest the $50,000 barrier with options.

We already knew Volkswagen updated the GTI and Golf R for the 2025 model year.There are minor styling tweaks, a new infotainment system, and more power for the Golf R, what we didn't know yet was how much it would cost—we know now.

The range-topping Golf GTI Autobahn begins at $40,880 and has adaptive damping as well as larger 19-inch wheels shod in summer tires. Buyers will also find an upgraded interior with heated/ventilated leather front seats, heated rear seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. They’re joined by a head-up display and Park Assist Plus.

Volkswagen of America has just announced pricing information for the US market's refreshed Golf GTI and Golf R. Excluding the $1,225 destination, the hatchbacks start at 32,445 and 47,100 dollars, respectively.

The Golf R is priced at $50,995. It has the same 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as before, but it’s been calibrated to offer more with a cavalry of 328 hp, an increase of 13 over 2024. Volkswagen makes no mention of torque in this case, so we can only guess that it's the same at 295 lb-ft.

Reports of the vehicle’s arrival surfaced in the latter half of last year, but Volkswagen Group Africa has confirmed that it will be launched locally during the first quarter of 2025.