The 2023 Golf R 

The rocker panel extensions complement the bespoke R rear bumper with quad exhaust outlets, topped off with a two-piece rear spoiler for greater downforce. Those in the know, will know. 

Named after one of the world’s great racing circuits in Portugal, the “Estoril” 19” wheels on the new Golf R come wrapped in high-performance summer tires.

The new braking system in the Golf R stands out with blue calipers clamping down on 357 mm front rotors, 27 mm larger than before and now cross-drilled for better fade resistance. A new lightweight aluminum hub reduces unsprung mass by 600g per front corner of the vehicle. 

To help ensure driver confidence under braking, Golf R features a larger brake master cylinder for crisp and linear response to even small pedal inputs. 

When you approach your Golf R with your key fob, you’ll be guided to the driver’s seat with light projections from the headlights, taillights, door handles, and side mirrors.

The rear bumper in the Golf R incorporates a striking gloss black diffuser. It’s framed at the sides by a chrome-plated quad exhaust system for maximum airflow.

This fifth generation Golf R is more aerodynamic than its predecessors. The two-piece rear spoiler doesn’t just look sporty, it also creates downforce over the rear axle for improved road-holding.

Whether you prefer to row your own gears or enjoy lightning-quick automatic shifts, the Golf R is here to excite you. If you prefer the fine control and fun of a manual transmission, a slick 6-speed is standard equipment. For those who demand the fastest shifts possible, the 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch transmission can deliver seamless automatic gear changes or be controlled manually via large, Golf R-specific steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. 

The Golf R comes equipped with 4MOTION® All-Wheel Drive for sure-footed traction even in challenging conditions. Now featuring a new torque vectoring rear differential, Golf R can distribute the torque variably between the rear wheels, even sending up to 100% of available power to the wheel on the outside of the bend. This in turn helps pivot the car toward the corner apex, reducing understeer and giving Golf R noticeably more agile handling response.

The standard R-Performance package includes the two-piece spoiler and 19” Estoril alloy wheels, plus two additional driving profiles: “Drift” and “Special (Nürburgring)” mode, for goosebump-inducing performance at the touch of a button.

The new R torque vectoring rear differential is the key enabler of the new, track-only “Drift” mode. In Drift mode, the Golf R changes its stability control parameters to ESC Sport, and the torque vectoring system kicks off the drift by sending all available rear torque to the outside wheel.

A key part of the Golf R’s development included testing on Germany’s legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife racing circuit, sometimes referred to as “The Green Hell.” Twisting through the Eifel mountains, this punishing circuit pushes cars to their limits. It’s this circuit that inspired Golf R’s new “Special” driving profile. 

Once engaged, all aspects of Golf R’s performance envelope is optimized for the unique rigors of the Nordschleife. While the powertrain and other elements are put in their most aggressive settings, the Dynamic Chassis Control dampers adopt a soft response, ideal for a bumpy racing circuit or your favourite Canadian back road.*

^{*Please drive safely and obey all local traffic laws, including speed limits.}   

The Digital Cockpit Pro allows you to customize the look and feel of your Golf R more intuitively and in greater detail. Not only do you get the benefits of the traditional Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, but you can display a full-screen map in the digital cluster and simultaneously on the 10” centre display. The unique R display mode changes the layout of the instruments and puts a horizontal rev counter at the top of the cluster where it’s always easy to see. 

Choose your path with R’s classic sport steering wheel, now heated as standard. A novel new touch control interface incorporates haptic feedback, allowing the driver to easily access various navigation, audio, and driver assistance features. Ergonomically-contoured, the wheel features perforated inserts, a flat bottom, an R blue clasp at the 6 o'clock position, and larger shift paddles for DSG®-equipped models.

Discover a world of power and comfort in the Golf R. Both driver and front passenger ride in style, thanks to premium sport seats with integrated headrests. The Nappa leather seating surfaces feature carbon-look elements with blue accents on the side sections, as well as a blue R logo in the backrest.

The standard Head-Up Display (HUD) in the R puts all the most important information right in front of you to help keep your eyes fixed on the road ahead. When enabled, part of the windshield becomes a projection surface to display speed, navigation instructions, and information from various driver assistance systems. 

The harman / kardon® audio system available in the Golf R provides the perfect musical backdrop to any journey. Get the right balance with 8 speakers, a subwoofer, a centre speaker, and a 12-channel amplifier. 

Enjoy the peace of mind and convenience that comes with the Car-Net®  app, and it’s suite of over 20 connected features.

Use location services to remember where you last parked, or to find parking before you arrive at your next destination. You can even set boundary and speed alerts to let you know what’s happening when you’re not the one behind the wheel.