2022 Volkswagen Golf R Arrives in U.S. with $43,645 Price, 2022 GTI $29,545
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R debuted today at the Chicago Auto Show alongside the 2022 Golf GTI with full pricing and model details. Both Mark 8 Golf models are powered by an updated version of the EA888 2.0-liter engine and can be paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG® transmission. The 2022 Golf GTI and Golf R are expected to have a release date of Q4 2021.
Design
2022 Golf GTI
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R are an evolution of the Golf-family design formula. They are slightly longer and sportier, but still carry the styling hallmarks of their predecessors. For instance, they have a more sharply raked hood, new signature LED headlights and an available light bar in the grille on either side of the updated VW logo. However, the GTI bears distinctive new X-shaped fog lights and new wheel designs. It also has the classic honeycomb lower grille, red grille line, red brake calipers and dual exhaust tips.
Inside, GTI models still incorporate the golf ball design into the manual shift knob and features standard plaid seats. In addition, the GTI is available in Oryx White Pearl, Moonstone Gray, Kings Red Metallic, Atlantic Blue Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic, and Deep Black Pearl, as well as Pomelo Yellow Metallic, a special Autobahn-only launch color.
2022 Golf R
Furthermore, Golf R models feature a blue grille line and brake calipers, a new wheel design, and more aggressive front and rear bumpers, and diffusers than on GTI. It also comes with a large two-piece rear spoiler, body-colored side sill extensions, and a quad-tipped exhaust system. Lastly, the Golf R is available in signature Lapiz Blue Metallic, as well as Pure White and Deep Black Pearl.
Performance
The latest iteration of the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection TSI® engine is found in both the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R. This makes them the most powerful versions of the brand’s performance vehicles to date. Either model can be paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic. The GTI produces 241 horsepower—up 13 from the Mk7—and 273 lb-ft. of torque. In comparison, the Golf R now makes 315 horsepower—27 more than the previous generation—and 295 lb-ft. of torque with the DSG transmission, or 280 lb-ft. with the manual. Finally, both models have an electronically limited top track speed of 155 mph.
4Motion® All-Wheel-Drive
On the 2022 Golf R, Volkswagen engineers have designed a new 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system with rear-axle torque vectoring. This serves as the foundation for the updated handling abilities of the Golf R and delivers a new level of performance for its category. The previous generation’s 4Motion system could send up to 50 percent of the engine’s total power to the rear axle via a multi-plate clutch. However, the new torque vectoring system in the 2022 Golf R uses a rear differential with two multi-plate clutches that can distribute up to 100 percent of the rear torque to an individual rear wheel.
The new GTI also comes standard with the electronically controlled torque-sensing limited-slip VAQ differential. Compared with mechanically operated differentials, the system in the GTI offers a variable degree of intervention depending on the actual driving situation and ESC, EDS and XDS+ functions.
Interior
The interior of 2022 Golf GTI and Golf R feature an entirely new electronic architecture with the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro as standard. This allows drivers to create a customized display of pertinent information, including car status, driving data, phone information, album art, driver assistance features and more. In addition, models equipped with the Discover Pro infotainment system with navigation are able to display a full screen map in the digital cluster and simultaneously on the 10-inch center display.
An available head-up display also digitally projects onto the windshield, virtually floating in front of the driver. Thirty-color ambient lighting comes standard on the Mk 8 GTI and Golf R as well. This washes the interior as well as the digital instruments and infotainment system with the selected color or mood setting.
Driver Assistance Technology
The IQ.DRIVE® suite of driver assistance technology is available on the 2022 Volkswagen GTI and Golf R models and features hands-on semi-automated capability. The system utilizes front and rear radar, a front camera, and several ultrasound sensors. They collect data from the surrounding area, enabling a full complement of driver assist features. Just some of the features included are Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance); Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring); Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency, DSG only).
Price and Release Date
As we mentioned above, the 2022 Golf GTI and R have a release date of fourth quarter 2021. So expect them to hit dealerships towards the end of this year. Here is a complete breakdown of pricing.
GTI S: $29,545 MSRP for the manual transmission and $30,345 for the DSG
GTI SE: $34,295 MSRP for the manual and $35,095 for the DSG
GTI Autobahn: $37,995 MSRP for manual and $38,795 for DSG
Golf R: $43,645 MSRP for the manual transmission and $44,445 for the DSG
Image Gallery
Swipe below to see more of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R and GTI.