2024 CES Reveals Updated 2025 Golf GTI

In something between a tease and a full-on model reveal, the 2025 Golf GTI was on display at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. This update of the 8th generation Golf or “8.5” was displayed in a CES-specific purple, pink, and blue wrap of high-tech graphics that obscured some of its exterior changes.  Here is what VW of Duluth can tell you about what has been revealed so far. 

Most noticeable were new headlights that are narrower and have a single lower convex curve instead of the two curves of the current model. At the rear, the taillights also appear slimmer and reshaped, and they include new LED graphics.

The cabin was not obscured and revealed a significantly larger infotainment touchscreen.  In contrast to the current 10-inch screen, this appears to be the same 15-inch display revealed in the upcoming ID.7 model. The lower edge of the display shows permanent climate control status readouts just above related controls on a bent-forward section of the display housing. A new steering wheel also indicates a return to physical controls on the left and right spokes.

Behind the big screen lies new software, including the first application of ChatGPT artificial intelligence in a consumer vehicle, which was why the car was shown at CES.  ChatGPT enhances the voice assistant system to make it more conversational and intuitive. VW stressed that ChatGPT cannot access vehicle data and that any questions and answers are deleted immediately to ensure privacy and data protection.

It is already known that all 2025 GTI and Golf Rs will come with the current model’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This was revealed at the 2024 Golf GTI 380 Special Edition debut, which was developed as a farewell to the manual transmission on GTI and Golf R models. VW did not reveal any additional information regarding possible drivetrain or chassis changes. 

While this may disappoint 3-pedal fans, the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission has repeatedly shown itself to be faster shifting and more efficient than the manual. The 2025 model year will continue to have all Golfs sold in the U.S. as either Golf R or GTI models.

Volkswagen did not give a date for the 2025 GTI or Golf R availability and simply said that more information would be forthcoming.  If you want to know more about the updated GTI and Golf R, this blog will bring more information when it becomes available.  You can also request that one of our VW of Duluth sales professionals notify you of any model updates.