Facelifted VW Golf Mk8.5 debuts with more power, buttons, style and illuminated logo

Volkswagen is giving its iconic internal combustion engine model a facelift with the updated Golf Mk8.5, set to be available for sale in Europe this spring.

The facelifted Golf features a sharper front end, 3D light graphics on the tail light clusters, and, for the first time, an illuminated Volkswagen badge on the front.

VW introduces four new metallic paint options (Crystal Ice Blue, Anemone Blue, Oyster Silver, Grenadilla Black) and five alloy wheel designs ranging from 16 to 19 inches. Each trim level, including Golf, Life, Style, R-Line, GTE, and GTI, receives discreet updates to the bumpers, and models from the Style grade onwards have a black roof.

At CES earlier this month, Volkswagen showcased the updated cabin, revealing a return to conventional buttons on the steering wheel, a feature expected to carry over to the Golf R. Worth noting is that the base Golf Mk8 models featured traditional controls, with the touch-sensitive keys reserved for the pricier variants.

Inside, the most significant change is the next-generation infotainment system with a tablet-style screen measuring 10.4 inches on standard Golfs and 12.9 inches on higher-end models. The air conditioning system sliders, a source of frustration for some, now come illuminated. An optional head-up display will also be available.

The latest generation of the VW MIB infotainment platform boasts improved performance and image quality, integrating an updated IDA voice assistant based on ChatGPT AI.

Powertrain options include:

• 1.5 TSI gasoline unit with 116 or 150 hp, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
• 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid version with the same outputs, available only with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG).
• 2.0 TSI with 204 hp and a seven-speed DSG.
• 2.0 TDI diesel engine with 116 hp and a six-speed manual or 150 hp with a seven-speed DSG, both exclusively front-wheel drive.
• eHybrid with 205 hp, a six-speed DSG, and front-wheel drive. The electrified model uses a bigger lithium-ion battery pack (from 10.6 kilowatt-hours to 19.7 kilowatt-hours) good for up to 100 kilometers of electric range. The previous Golf eHybrid had maximum range of 80 kilometers.

The plug-in hybrid model now supports AC charging at 11 kilowatts (instead of 3.6 kilowatts) and can take DC charging at up to 50 kilowatts, in which case it'll need 25 minutes to juice up the battery from 10% to 80%. With the battery completely charged and a full tank of gas, VW estimates you'll be able to cover up to 1,000 kilometers before having to refuel.

The GTI gets a power bump from 245 hp to 265 hp and comes only with a seven-speed DSG. The manual option was killed off by the threat of tough Euro 7 emissions regulations that never materialized.

Launch of sales

Sales of the updated VW Golf Mk8.5 are scheduled to start this spring. A GTI Clubsport, Golf R and Golf R Wagon will follow later. Only the GTI version will be sold in the U.S., and it will not go overseas until next year.

50th Anniversary

The Golf celebrates its 50th birthday this year. To date, more than 37 million Golfs have been sold over eight generations.

Source: Volkswagen