2025 Volkswagen Golf GTE Mk8.5 Full Review: Has it earned the GT name?
Join Vicki Butler-Henderson as she drives the updated Volkswagen Golf GTE – the most powerful plug-in hybrid in the Golf range. With 272hp, a 0–62mph time of 6.6 seconds, and up to 82 miles of all-electric range, the GTE blends hot hatch performance with hybrid efficiency.
The mid-life refresh brings sharper styling, smarter LED lighting, and a new infotainment system designed to be easier to use on the move. Inside, there are comfort features like a head-up display, customisable ambient lighting, and a suite of driver-assistance tech, while practical touches include a usable five-door layout and plenty of charging options.
Rolling on Bridgestone Turanza T005 tyres developed in collaboration with Volkswagen, the GTE aims to balance grip, refinement, and everyday comfort. And with adaptive chassis control available, the Golf’s reputation for handling precision remains at the core.
Does this facelifted GTE carry enough of the GT spirit to sit alongside the GTI and R, or is it better viewed as the ultimate efficiency-focused Golf? Vicki puts it to the test.
Specification
• Price: Starting at approximately £39,000
• Power: 272PS
• Engine: 1.5 TSI
• Acceleration: 0-62mph in 6.6s
• Boot Space: 273 litres
• EV Range: 82 miles
Exterior Design & Boot Space
Vicki argues that much like the Porsche 911, Range Rover and MINI, the Volkswagen Golf has retained its instantly recognisable shape throughout the decades. However, she believes that the middle section of the car is morphing into the design of every other hatchback. We would love to know whether you agree or disagree, so let us know in the comments section of our video! The GTE is now available as a five-door model. The mild changes to the mid-life update include a slightly sharper-looking front end and a new body-coloured bumper. The headlights have a straighter design and feature LEDs that illuminate the road up to 500 metres ahead. For the first time in the UK, the GTE also features an illuminated VW logo.
In terms of boot space, there is a minimum of 273 litres, which is 100 litres less than in a non-hybrid Golf. This is because the battery pack takes up a considerable amount of space. There are also four new colours, including crystal ice blue metallic, which is the colour of the car in our review and accounts for £1,400 of the price.
Wheels & Tyre Talk
If you're going to call a car a 'GT' model, it needs to have a special set of wheels. The 17-inch Richmond-designed wheels on the GTE in our review could do with making more of a statement.
That said, they are encased in a generous amount of rubber. The tyres in our review are Bridgestone Turanza T005s, which were developed in close collaboration with Volkswagen, as indicated by the small plus symbol on the sidewall. The Turanza T005 has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from thousands of drivers on DriverReviews.
Interior Design
Those familiar with older Golf models will appreciate the new infotainment system. Volkswagen has named the latest version MIB4, which simply stands for 'Modular Infotainment Platform 4'. Vicki tells us that the climate controls in recent versions of the Golf have been rather tricky to use. Thankfully, this has been resolved with the mk8.5 generation, with the controls now being much more user-friendly and illuminated at night for easier access. Volkswagen continues this user-friendly approach when it comes to navigating main functions such as driver assists, the main menu and driving modes, with a selection of labelled one-touch buttons situated under the main screen.
Some people like them and some people don't, but you can add a head-up display for an extra £600. Vicki believes that they are a worthy investment, as they keep your eyes on the road while displaying information such as your speed or sat nav directions. However, if you don't like the idea of a head-up display, the screen directly behind the wheel can be configured to display a wide range of driving data according to your preferences.
The word on the seats is that they are "super comfortable", offer great support and have a back height that will suit even the tallest of people. They can be heated or cooled as part of the Vienna leather upholstery package, which also includes a heated steering wheel and costs just over £2,000. There is now an option called Area View, which provides a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the car and its surroundings to make manoeuvring easier.
There are some nice touches throughout the cabin, such as the partially lined door bins and the twistable cup holders, which help to maximise space when not in use. There is also a wireless phone charging compartment that can be closed to prevent distractions when a notification comes through. However, Vicki says that the overall feel of the cabin isn't luxurious, and it lacks the features you would expect from a VW GT car.
Although there is a panoramic roof, Vicki does make the point that it feels more like a sunroof, as it doesn't extend to the back of the car. Your passengers won't benefit from it as much as you and whoever is sitting in the vacant front seat. The high waistline of the doors adds to the darkness in the cabin. Vicki tells us that three adults in the back would be a bit of a squeeze, so it's best to keep it to two, which would allow you to make full use of the collapsible armrest with cup holders. However, there's no need to worry about spilling a drop of coffee, as the lining is one of the grippiest we've seen! Other rear-seat creature comforts include USB ports, climate control and ample storage.
On the Road: Engine & Performance
Hidden under the bonnet is Volkswagen's second-generation hybrid engine, which is paired with an 110 hp electric motor. Volkswagen claims that the GTE's performance is closely related to that of the GTI, with the total power output of the GTE's engine being 272 hp. However, this doesn't translate into a fast 0–62 time, with the GTE taking 6.6 seconds to complete it. This is half a second slower than the GTI. The engine is paired with a specially designed six-speed DSG gearbox, which is accompanied by flappy paddles situated behind the steering wheel. However, Vicki says that these might as well be for decoration only, as they don't facilitate the quickest gear changes.
Handling & Suspension
According to Vicki, the GTE's forte is tackling bends. If you select sport mode and turn off the traction control system, there is just enough torque — 350 Nm — to produce a slight tyre squeal. The car will reward you with lots of grip from the front end — the handling is where this car's DNA really shines through. Through the front-wheel-drive chassis, you can feel decades of development that have gone into the Golf. The suspension is worth noting here, too: there is an optional £735 adaptive chassis control system that copes with all surfaces and speeds to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
Battery & Charging
The new, faster-charging, bigger battery improves efficiency in two ways. Firstly, it improves fuel economy; the new model can travel around 700 miles on a gallon of fuel, whereas the current Golf GTI achieves 39 mpg. Then there are the electric miles. The GTE can travel 82 miles on electric power alone, which might actually be enough to never have to use the petrol engine. But what about charging? The battery can be boosted more quickly than in a fully electric car because you're only charging part of the power source. A full charge at home takes a few hours, but a fast public charger will take you to 80% in just half an hour.
Vicki’s Verdict
“It is the epitome of efficiency, from my hands down to the road. It’s a joy to turn this car”.
Vicki describes the Golf GTE as a sensible, comfortable and economical stepping stone for those who are not quite ready to switch to Volkswagen's fully electric ID range. With an impressive electric range of 82 miles, the GTE is only beaten by a similarly priced Audi A3 and its cheaper sibling, the Golf eHybrid. However, Vicki feels that the GTE lacks the pizzazz to warrant the 'GT' letters in its name, so she would probably opt for the slightly cheaper, slightly less powerful, but longer-lasting Golf eHybrid.
Don't miss out on future reviews and automotive insights – subscribe to DriverReviews on YouTube for the latest updates and in-depth analysis from our brand ambassadors!
