The Golf 8.5R has been unveiled in what VW promises will have sharper design, DCC adaptive chassis control, upgraded interior and a new infotainment system as standard.

The dynamism is reflected in the redesigned front with its LED Plus headlights, an illuminated VW badge and air curtains in the bumper. The headlights are slimmer in line with the Golf 8 redesign done earlier in the year.

The new 19-inch “Warmenau” forged wheels are available as an optional extra. These have an appealingly clean design, a weight of just eight kilograms per rim and efficient brake cooling, which is especially advantageous when driving on a racetrack. The rear gets new LED tail light clusters.

The optional Akrapovič exhaust should be worth the buy for those that want the extra sound from the traditional 4 exhaust system.

The new R models have an increase of 10kW compared to the previous model thus giving 245 kW from the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. That power is transmitted to the road via a 7-speed DSG and the 4MOTION all-wheel drive with R-Performance Torque Vectoring. The latter improves driving stability and agility by distributing the drive power individually to the rear wheels to optimise cornering. The torque of the new models is 420 Nm. The top speed of 250 km/h can be boosted by another 20 km/h to 270 km/h with the optional R-Performance package. Adaptive chassis control (DCC) continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation, while taking account of various elements including steering, braking and acceleration manoeuvres.

There is an R-Performance package which is claimed to give more fun behind the wheel thanks to additional modes. In addition to the higher top speed, the R-Performance package offers two additional modes for motorsport enthusiasts who also drive on roads and tracks away from normal road traffic: Drift and Special. “Special” mode has been specifically adapted to the conditions on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Additional downforce is provided by a larger roof spoiler through which the air flow is routed. The R-Performance package for the new model also includes the GPS lap timer and the G-meter – both of which are displayed in the Digital Cockpit Pro.

The interior of the Golf R models is ergonomically tailored to the driver and exclusively refined in the “R” style. Also available as an option: interior applications in real carbon. These equipment details underline how high-quality the exclusive overall concept of the new Golf R has been designed.

The driver and front passenger sit on top sports seats with integrated head restraints. There will again be an optional black nappa leather interior with carbon-look elements with blue applications in the side area and an “R logo” in the seat backrest.

The infotainment system’s hardware and software have also been revamped and feature the largest display. Operation has also been significantly improved thanks to new graphics and a fresh menu structure for the touch display. The control of the illuminated touch sliders for the automatic climate control and volume control as well as the voice assistant IDA, which accesses the AI-based software “ChatGPT” to answer questions, have also been newly developed. Additionally, the responsiveness of the touch steering wheel has been optimised.

The Golf R models are equipped with the enhanced Digital Cockpit Pro as standard. The Digital Cockpit Pro in the Golf R offers an enhanced Sport Skin, featuring a central round rev counter with an R-specific design, as well as the R-View with a horizontal rpm display.
The Golf 8.5R is definitely assured for Mzansi with a local launch in 2025.