2025 Volkswagen Golf R Variant Photos, engines & full specs

Volkswagen refreshed the entire eighth generation of the Golf lineup in the summer of 2024, and besides other regular versions, it also upgraded the R Variant, which was the hottest station wagon of the family.

When the German automaker introduced the first R-labeled model, the 2003 R32, it produced it as a three-door or five-door hatchback, the latter being built exclusively for European customers. Later on, Volkswagen understood that a V6-powered vehicle didn’t make too much sense for its customers, so it launched the 2006 Golf R powered by a turbocharged four-banger. The all-wheel-drive system and the dual-clutch gearbox were still part of the package. But those who grew up with these cars on their walls became parents, and a hot hatch didn’t make too much sense for a family. As a result, Volkswagen expanded the range and installed the same drivetrain under the skin of a station wagon, offering it as a Golf R Variant. It was the beginning of a new era, where three-door hot hatches were replaced by five-door hot wagons. The refreshed 2025 Volkswagen Golf R Variant had more ponies under the hood, better interiors, and not-so-subtle exterior enhancements.

At the front, the automaker installed standard LED headlights visually connected via a light stripe. Underneath it, on the main grille, the automaker placed the illuminated Volkswagen logo, which seemed like it connected the hood with the bumper. The latter sported an R-unique apron featuring a broad, shiny black grille split in three, where the middle part helped to cool the engine while the side scoops created the air curtains around the wheel wells to reduce drag.

From its profile, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf R Variant didn’t show its true nature. However, its lower ground clearance due to the standard adaptive suspension and the 18-inch standard alloy wheels could raise some questions. The automaker even offered a set of 19-inch forged alloys to complete the package. Besides that, there were no fancy side sills or flared wheel arches. But still, the wing above the tailgate and the massive diffuser on the lower part of the bumper could give some hints about the vehicle’s performance.

Inside, Volkswagen created a mix of a sporty ambiance with some luxurious touches and a healthy dose of practicality. The driver fronted a three-spoke steering wheel fitted with touch buttons and sported the R-logo on the lower spoke. Behind it, the automaker placed larger paddle shifters that allowed drivers to manually select the desired gears. The color display inside the instrument cluster was already something usual for the Golf, albeit the 13-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which integrated ChatGPT, was new. At the front, customers were hugged by high-bolstered sports seats with integrated headrests wrapped in fabric and microfiber upholstery, which were unique for the Golf R lineup. Between them, the car had a center console that housed the gear selector, a few buttons for various vehicle functions, and a pair of cup holders. In the back, the split-folding bench seat could expand the trunk space from 611 liters (21.6 cu-ft) to 1,642 liters (58 cu-ft).

Under its skin, the go-fast station wagon had a turbocharged two-liter gasoline engine producing 333 PS (328 hp), which was 13 PS (12 hp) up from the non-facelifted version of the Golf R Variant. Unlike its predecessor, the 2025 model year was available with a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox only since Volkswagen deleted the six-speed manual option from the entire R lineup.