2025 Volkswagen Golf R Is a 328-HP Hyper Hatch—but Something’s Missing

• The 2025 VW Golf R is getting a performance bump for 2025, now sending 328 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque through a seven-speed automatic.
  

• This hot hatch will not feature a manual transmission.

• US market pricing will come later this year.

Golf R fans rejoice! The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R is getting a minor midcycle update that’s also netting it some extra oomph. Heading to the US later this year, this bundle of fun also gets revised exterior styling, an updated media system, and more.

The extra power still comes from the Golf R’s EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged I4, which sends its 328 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque exclusively through a seven-speed automatic transmission and into the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

If you’re curious about the manual transmission, we have bad news: The six-speed manual won’t be returning to the Golf R in 2025.

But there are improvements on the outside, including a restyled front end, a new bumper cover, and new LED headlight assemblies. The upcoming Golf R will have an illuminated VW logo and horizontal light strip in the grille as standard equipment.

At the rear, it’s a similar story with new LED taillights. The Golf R will also add a new Black Edition, with darkened badges, black wheels, calipers, and exhaust tips.

On the inside, the 2025 VW Golf R will get a 12.9-inch touchscreen media system that’s flanked by a 10.2-inch digital cockpit driver’s display.

VW says the touchscreen is divided into three sections, with the center section sandwiched between the top and bottom touch bars. Underneath the screen is a similar touch-slider-based climate control system found on the current Golf R.

As for price, Volkswagen says it’s not going to be any cheaper when it makes its way to US shores later this year. That means you shouldn’t expect to pay less than the current $46,890 starting price.

Will you miss the stick-shifted Golf R? Or is the automatic good enough? Tell us your thoughts below.