New Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 to offer more power and lighter weight
New range-topping version of the Volkswagen Golf will get upwards of 328bhp, and has already broken a lap record...
On sale Early 2026 | Price from £45,000 (est)
If you want the world’s hottest curry, you order a Phaal. If you want to fly from the world’s busiest airport, you direct your flight to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International. And if you want the world’s fastest version of an iconic hot hatch, you choose the upcoming Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50.
Volkswagen has confirmed the Edition 50 will have more power than the regular GTI, though hasn’t specified how much. For context, the currently range-topping Volkswagen Golf R gets 328bhp from its 2.0-litre petrol engine – enough to cover the 0-62mph sprint in 4.6 seconds. The regular Golf GTI, meanwhile, has 261bhp from the same engine.
The new car is likely to receive a seven-speed automatic gearbox and limited-slip differential – the latter is currently optional equipment on the GTI Clubsport, which we’re running as part of the What Car? long-term fleet.
As well as a hike in power, the Edition 50 has been on a diet to make it lighter than the regular car, and had myriad tweaks to its steering and suspension to make it even more agile. And buyers will be able to go one step further, with an optional performance chassis, lightweight 19in alloy wheels and special semi-slick tyres from Bridgestone.
As its name suggests, the Edition 50 has been built to celebrate 50 years of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, and to celebrate, it’s set a new record – this is now the fastest road-going car from VW to go around the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife race track in Germany. The time? A furiously fast 7min 46.13 seconds. That’s faster than previous lap times set in the likes of the Ferrari 599 GTB and Porsche 718 Cayman S, as well as the Mercedes-AMG A45 S.
The current lap record for front-wheel drive cars is currently held by another hot hatch, the Honda Civic Type R.
While a price for the Golf GTI Edition 50 hasn’t been set, it’s expected to cost from around £45,000. That would be a substantial premium over the regular Golf GTI, but still cheaper than the Mercedes-AMG A45 S Plus, which is our reigning Hot Hatch of the Year.
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