Volkswagen is all set to launch the new Golf GTI in India on May 26, 2025. This is one of the brand’s most popular models globally and will now be available to Indian buyers in limited numbers.

The Golf GTI will come to India as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit. That means it will be imported fully built and sold in limited units. Due to this, the price is expected to be over Rs. 50 lakh (ex-showroom). This will be Volkswagen’s second major launch in India after the Tiguan R-Line.

The car coming to India is the eighth-generation Golf GTI (Mk 8.5). It is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that produces 265 bhp and 370 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 7-speed DSG gearbox. It also gets an electronic locking differential for better grip and performance.

Volkswagen claims the 0 to 100 km/h time is just 5.9 seconds, making it a true hot hatch.

Even though the Golf GTI has been around internationally since 2020, it still looks modern and sharp. It gets bold lines, red accents, black gloss elements, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, and a dual exhaust setup.

Inside, the India-spec GTI gets a 12.9-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver display. You also get a 7-speaker sound system, wireless charging, voice control, and wireless smartphone support.

The cabin has a sporty feel with Scalepaper Plaid GTI seats, red stitching, 30-colour ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, a GTI-branded steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof.

This is not the first time Volkswagen is bringing a GTI to India. Back in 2016, the brand had launched the Polo GTI, also as a CBU. That model was also sold in limited numbers. Now, the GTI badge returns in a bigger, more powerful, and premium avatar with the Golf GTI.