Introduction
Now it is finally known what the VW Golf GTI Edition 50 will cost. In Germany prices start at 54,540 euros. Overall, the anniversary model is 15 mm lower than a classic Golf. Compared to the Golf GTI Clubsport, the anniversary model offers more power, a higher V-Max and exclusive design features as standard.
The standard equipment also includes DCC adaptive chassis control, IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights, 19-inch “Queenstown” light alloy wheels (with red glaze paint and including dynamic GTI wheel hub cap), a black painted roof and darkened side/rear windows.
VW Golf GTI Edition 50 Details
The optional GTI performance package “EDITION 50” can be ordered for 4,200 euros. It includes 235mm “Potenza Race” semi-slicks from Bridgestone on 19-inch “Warmenau” forged wheels, a lightweight R-Performance exhaust system with titanium rear silencers and a new performance chassis that has been lowered by a further five millimeters for even more driving dynamics. The camber on the front axle has been increased to -2 degrees on this sporty chassis. The package makes the anniversary model up to around 30 kg lighter.
Further optional highlights include the exclusive exterior colors Dark Moss Green Metallic and Tornado Red as well as the heated multifunction sports steering wheel in “ArtVelours” microfleece with shift paddles. The first vehicles are scheduled to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026.
Volkswagen gave itself a special gift for the 50th birthday of the Golf GTI – and the fans at the same time: the Golf GTI Edition 50. Instead of just putting a few badges and special paint on it, VW gave the GTI a proper technical treatment. What the special model can do and what makes it special? Let’s take a look at it calmly.
The Motorsport
Volkswagen once again chose the setting of the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring to present the new special model. Not by chance, because like last year, the Max Kruse Racing team is competing here with two brand new, factory-supported VW Golf GTI Clubsport 24h. Incidentally, the racing cars built according to TCR regulations run on alternative, environmentally friendly fuels.
VW and motorsport? After the inglorious total exodus from all racing activities more than five years ago, this officially factory-supported effort is once again more than a delicate plant that is lovingly nurtured and cared for by VW icon Benny Leuchter – works driver, brand ambassador, development pilot and also team boss and driver at Max Kruse Racing.
325 hp for the compact sports car
The heart of the Golf GTI Edition 50 is the well-known two-liter turbo (EA888 evo4), but here in its most powerful version to date. It sends 239 kW (325 hp) and 420 Nm to the front wheels – that’s 25 hp more than the Golf GTI Clubsport and even 60 hp more than the “normal” GTI. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in around 5.5 seconds, and the top speed is 270 km/h – electronically limited, of course.
The whole thing runs via a 7-speed DSG, which ensures quick gear changes. Even though front-wheel drive can have its pitfalls in this performance class: VW has made improvements with an electronically controlled front axle differential lock. This locks variably and helps to transfer the power to the asphalt better.
Chassis: no half measures
The chassis of the GTI Edition 50 is not just lowered – even if it sits 15 mm closer to the road as standard than a standard GTI. Included: MacPherson front axle, four-link rear axle, progressive steering and DCC adaptive damper control. The latter is standard on the Edition 50 and constantly regulates how hard or soft the dampers should work – depending on what the driver is currently doing.
And the driver has the choice: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Special (tuned for the Nordschleife) and Individual are the driving profiles. If you want, you can switch between savings rolls and race track heroes as you please. In special mode, the setup is optimized for undulating slopes such as the Nordschleife. If you like it even spicier, VW offers a very special extra.
The optional GTI performance package: technology for experts
This is where it gets exciting: If you order the performance package, you don’t just get a show, but real substance. There are swivel bearings on the front axle with a modified camber (minus two degrees), which ensures more grip in curves. Harder bearings, an overall stiffer chassis (natural frequency 20 percent higher) and specially adapted rear axle components ensure less rolling movements and a crisper driving experience. The body is lowered by a further 5mm – a total of 20mm below standard Golf.
There are also 19-inch forged wheels that only weigh 8 kg per rim – a whopping 3 kg less than normal 19-inch wheels. Mounted on it are Bridgestone “Potenza Race” semi-slicks, which were specially developed for the GTI Edition 50. They provide plenty of grip, but are designed in such a way that they don’t become torture in everyday life. And to make the whole thing sound good (and make it lighter), there is an Akrapovič titanium exhaust system. This saves 11 kg and provides the right soundtrack. In total, the package saves almost 30 kg in weight – and significantly sharper handling. The result? A Golf GTI that has a lot to offer when needed – as the Nordschleife time of 7:46 minutes impressively shows.
Design: GTI as we know it – only more refined
Visually, the Edition 50 remains true to its line. Red stripe in the grill, LED matrix headlights with 500 meter high beam range, black mirror caps, black roof, special 19-inch models with red inserts. The GTI 50 logo is emblazoned on the side mirrors and the roof edge spoiler. There are five paint colors, including the exclusive Dark Moss Green Metallic and the GTI classic Tornado Red.
Inside, VW relies on familiar ingredients: sports seats with a checked pattern and racing green details, red belt (except with optional occupant protection), pedals with red pads, GTI 50 steering wheel with shift paddles. Plus an upgraded infotainment with 12.9-inch touchscreen, ChatGPT voice control and digital cockpit.
A compact sports car for purists?
The Golf GTI Edition 50 is not a dazzler. The technical changes – especially with the performance package – are clearly aimed at more precision and even sportier driving behavior. If you like the Golf GTI but are looking for something special, you should find it here. The anniversary model is less of a marketing gimmick and more of a technical fine-tuning for people who want to have a track day feeling.
A normal Golf is 15 millimeters taller than the anniversary model, which is 15 millimeters shorter than the standard Golf. In comparison to the Golf GTI Clubsport, the anniversary model provides a higher V-Max, more power, and unique design features as standard equipment.
Edition 50 and Pricing
“EDITION 50” is the name of the performance package that is available as an optional upgrade for the GTI, and customers may buy it for a price of 4,200 euros. This package includes 235mm Bridgestone “Potenza Race” semi-slicks mounted on 19-inch “Warmenau” forged rims, a lightweight R-Performance exhaust system with titanium rear silencers, and a new performance chassis that has been lowered by an additional five millimeters for even greater driving dynamics. As part of the process of developing this sporty chassis, the camber on the front axle was increased to a value of -2 degrees. The anniversary model is about thirty kilos lighter than the standard model as a consequence of the package.
In the first three months of the year 2026, it is projected that the first autos would be delivered to the customers. The original version of the article that we published on June 20th, 2025 is as follows:
During the celebration of the Golf GTI’s 50th birthday, Volkswagen presented itself with a one-of-a-kind present that was also a gift to the aficionados of the car. This present was the Golf GTI Edition 50. Volkswagen did not only embellish the GTI with a few logos and provide it with a distinctive paint job; rather, the company offered the GTI a comprehensive technical upgrade.
Volkswagen and the original founder face.
The whole of the apparatus is propelled by a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which grants the capability of making quick gear changes. Although front-wheel drive may have certain limitations in this performance class, Volkswagen has made progress with an electronically controlled front axle differential lock.
Conclusion
This latter function is offered as standard on the Edition 50 and continually changes the dampers to decide how hard or soft they should work, depending on the activities that the driver is currently performing. It does this by analyzing the driving circumstances of the driver.
