2024 Golf R: Volkswagen’s performance halo
The Mk8 Golf R continues to evolve a legacy of understated performance first pioneered for the 2004 model year, with the introduction of the rally-inspired Golf R32. Two decades later, the fifth iteration of Volkswagen’s performance halo ups the ante with new race-inspired content and premium features.
NEW FOR 2024
The Golf R is available in one well-equipped trim for the 2024 model year. Minor changes include power-folding exterior mirrors and, as a mid-modelyear update, a new 19-inch wheel design. The model year 2024 will be the final year of manual-transmission production for Golf R.
MSRP for the 2024 Golf R starts at $45,665 and the destination is $1,225.
EXTERIOR
The subtle but purposeful design language of the Mk8 Golf R communicates its standing as a top-tier performance car while avoiding flamboyant styling that does not offer engineering benefits. Despite its performance capabilities, Golf R is suited to being a daily driver, as comfortable in the school carpool lane as it is on the racetrack.
The Mk8 Golf R is again based on the successful MQB modular transverse architecture, in this case allowing for even sportier proportions. While the wheelbase remains unchanged from the previous generation, at 103.5 inches, the car is now longer, at 168.9 inches. At 57.7 inches high and 70.4 inches wide, the new Golf R boasts a very low visual center of gravity, which was achieved through the wide air intakes at the front and a striking shoulder line.
More than any other Volkswagen model, the Mk8 Golf R shows off the performance capabilities of the MQB modular transverse architecture. The aerodynamicists and designers at Volkswagen worked together to shape the Golf R in the wind tunnel, where each new body panel was designed for unrestricted airflow. From its aerooptimized exterior mirrors and refined wheelarch linings down to its extensive underbody paneling, and quite literally from bumper to bumper, the Golf R displays an optimal combination of confident yet mature performance car presence.
Subtle design elements separate the new Golf R from its sporty Golf GTI sibling. Situated above the Volkswagen logo, an accent line in characteristic “R” blue stretches across the grille, continuing through each headlamp and eventually merging with the fenders on the side of the vehicle. An illuminated crossbar underneath gives the Golf R an unmistakable light signature.
An R-specific front bumper features twin intakes framed in gloss black. These seamlessly integrate into a large central opening, bringing a uniquely aggressive look but also serving to improve airflow and increase downforce. Intensive wind tunnel development has returned impressive results, with reduced lift front and rear and a drag coefficient of 0.33. Sharp cut body-colored side sill extensions bring the vehicle’s visual mass nearer the ground. The Golf R is fitted with 19-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels as standard, fitted with 235/35 summer performance tires. Mid-model year, a wheel design change brings 19-inch metallic gray alloy wheels as standard.
The Mk8 Golf R shows that light is the new chrome with new LED designs both in front and in the rear. At the front, LED projector headlights with Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), Active Cornering Lights, and poor weather lights pair with the illuminated grille. On the side, matte aluminumlook side mirrors with memory settings and passenger-side tilt-down in reverse gear project the “R” logo on the ground when the doors are unlocked, and the door handles feature illuminated recesses. An LED taillight cluster finishes the look at the back.
INTERIOR
As much as the exterior of the Mk8 Golf R clearly announces its sporting intentions, its interior deftly balances enthusiast-focused features with stateof-the-art technology, while remaining comfortable and practical. There is an expansive 91.1 cu-ft of interior room and 19.9 cu-ft of luggage space— space that rivals midsize sedans. The versatility of the load space is enhanced by a trunk floor that can be raised or lowered, while the 60:40 split backrest can be folded to give an almost flat cargo area of 34.5 cu-ft, enough to accommodate grocery runs, travel bags and suitcases, or even a full-size bicycle.
Sport seats with integrated head restraints and supportive bolsters feature perforated Nappa leather seating surfaces and feature the characteristic blue “R” stitched into the backrest. The driver’s seat offers 12-way power adjustment as well as three memory presets, while the passenger seat has a powered backrest. The seat side panels and stitching are highlighted with a matching blue — a look that continues to the rear seats, where the sides of each headrest share the same blue. Both front seats are heated and ventilated (limited availability), and the rear outboard seats are heated.
The driver controls are positioned to help optimize ergonomics and usability — defying conventions where needed to streamline the look and feel of the cabin. For instance, the driving lights and defrost functions are now operated using a “Light and Sight” shared digital panel to the left of the steering wheel. Touch sliders are used below the infotainment display to adjust the standard Climatronic automatic climate control and to change the audio volume.
Ambient lighting comes standard on the Mk8 Golf R and washes the interior with color. Thirty colors are selectable and illuminate the decorative trim in the dash and doors, storage compartments in the doors and center console and the footwells. The digital instruments and infotainment system also take on the selected background color. Along with the individual colors, pre-configured “mood” lighting profiles can be selected.
The Golf R is loaded with comfort and convenience features. Volkswagen’s KESSY keyless access with push-button start is standard, as are Nappa leather sport seats; a 12-way power driver’s seat with threeposition memory; heated and ventilated front seats; heated outboard rear seats; three-zone Climatronic Touch automatic climate control with controls for rear passengers; automatic rainsensing windshield wipers; automatic headlights; an auto-dimming rearview mirror; LED reading lights; Volkswagen CarNet with Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan; and a head-up display, which is digitally projected onto the windshield, virtually floating in front of the driver. A panoramic power tilt-and-slide sunroof is standard, operated by a touch slider at the front of the headliner.
WARRANTY & MAINTENANCE
Every 2024 Golf R comes with a bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty and Carefree Maintenance Program. The warranty provides coverage for four years or 50,000-miles (whichever occurs first), and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration. The Carefree Maintenance Program provides scheduled maintenance services for two years or 20,000 miles (whichever occurs first) at no additional charge, and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration.
COMPETITIVE SET
Honda Civic Type R, Subaru WRX STI
MSRP: Price starting at $45,665
MPG: Up to 20 city/28 highway
— Volkswagen