Volkswagen Mk8.5 Golf R hatch 2025, Golf R Variant estate – 333 PS/420 Nm 2.0T AWD, maximum speed 270 km/h
The Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R has been updated for the 2025 model year, shortly after launch Malaysian market received the pre-upgraded sample last month. With the updated ‘Mk8.5’, the Golf R range brings visual and technical updates, with both the 5-door hatchback and Variant body styles launching at the same time, along with the Black Edition for previous version.
The powertrain for the Golf R is a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, in-line 4-cylinder gasoline engine that now produces 333 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque, an increase of 13 horsepower and 20 Nm compared to pre-upgrade sample. This also makes the Mk8.5 Golf R the most powerful version of the Golf in production, according to Volkswagen.
Powertrain specifications remain the same as before, with the engine mated to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive. According to regulations, the Mk8.5 Golf R is capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds or 0.2 seconds faster than the old model. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h, while the optional R-Performance package increases this to 270 km/h for both hatchback and Variant variants.
The Mk8.5 upgrade for the Golf R brings R-Performance Torque Control to the 4Motion AWD drivetrain, aiming to improve stability and agility through transmission power distribution movement between each rear wheel when cornering.
The optional R-Performance package that delivers the aforementioned higher top speed also features two additional riding modes; The Drift aims to perform as its name suggests and the Special, is set up for more difficult road conditions such as on the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Adaptive chassis control (DCC) features are standard in the Mk8.5 Golf R, where the car’s running gear is optimized by the Vehicle Dynamics Manager.
Externally, the 2025 Golf R series gets the same IQ.Light Matrix LED headlights as on the regular and GTI variants of the Golf Mk8.5, while the front bumper gets a more aggressive look and larger air intakes. Volkswagen says that the Mk8.5 Golf R’s moving base is a set of 19-inch ‘Warmenau’ forged alloy wheels that weigh 8 kg each and provide effective brake cooling, which is beneficial for driving. on the track, Volkswagen said.
All versions of the Mk8.5 Golf R feature 10.2-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation, along with a 12.9-inch floating infotainment screen that allows access to the IDA voice-activated assistant and ChatGPT. Driver equipment offers an improved Sport Skin layer that features a circular central rev display in an R-specific design, along with R-View providing a horizontal rev display.
The Mk8.5 Golf R series continues to feature sports seats for the driver and front passenger with integrated headrests, with the option of black Nappa leather upholstery and carbon trim with contrasting blue details and badging ‘R’ is in the backrest. There are also optional carbon fiber interior trim elements.
Offered in the European market is the Golf R Black Edition which, as its name suggests, brings a black look to the all-wheel drive hatchback. Featured here are dark VW badges and R logos, black ‘R’ brake calipers with dark logos, black 19-inch ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels and black exhaust tips. The IQ.Light LED matrix headlights are also available in a darker color, and the Black version also receives the R-Performance package as standard.
In Europe, the 2025 Volkswagen Mk8.5 Golf starts from 53,795 euros (RM271,605), while the Golf R Variant starts from 55,065 euros (RM278,018); The Golf R Black Edition starts at 58,440 euros (RM295,058).
Volkswagen Golf R 2025
Volkswagen Golf R 2025 black version
Volkswagen Golf R 2025 variant
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