New Volkswagen Golf GTE: Does it deserve the GT badge?

Sporting an impressive 82-mile electric range and GTI-baiting power, can the facelifted GTE offer the best of both worlds? Vicki hits the road, to find out.

While hybrid Golf’s are nothing new, never before has one flown so close to the fabled GTI in terms of outright pace. With 272 bhp on tap, this Mk 8.5 GTE is not only the most powerful hybrid in the Golf range, but also marginally stronger than the current hot petrol car. But how do those figures translate in the real world?  

0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds is certainly nothing to sniff at — but despite that extra grunt, the GTE still trails the GTI but over half a second on account of the hybrid powertrain’s added weight. No biggie, right? Well, actually, when it comes to using that performance, things get a little worse. For starters, Vicki argues the six-speed DSG box is a little dim-witted in its response to paddle inputs. But even when you do get that engine spinning in its sweet spot, a “gruff” soundtrack doesn’t encourage or reward spirited driving. 

So the GTE’s off to a bit of a shaky start. Thankfully, it does claw back some Brownie points when it comes to the handling. The DriverReviews host immediately gels with the sporty hybrid’s accurate steering and abundant front-end grip. Moreover, she’s also complementary about the Golf’s Adaptive Chassis Control suspension and its ability to cope with all surfaces with ease.

It’s an equally mixed bag on the inside. Comfy new seats (with the option of heating and cooling), a head-up display, and an improved infotainment system, all get a thumbs up. However, the ride’s not as rosy for rear seat passengers. Trying to squeeze three adults in the back proves challenging, while the wide front seat backs and short sunroof make things feel a bit gloomy. Oh, and all those hybrid gubbins do no favours for the boot space, either. At just 275 litres, the load bay is a whopping 100 litres smaller than the combustion cars, which means you’ll probably need to leave a suitcase behind on your next airport run.

There is a positive trade-off, though: fantastic fuel economy. For starters, you’ll be able to travel twice as far as before on electric power alone (now 82 miles) while the official combined MPG sits at a staggering 700 on paper. Plus, topping up that battery to 80% now takes just 30 minutes from a public fast charger. 

Is the GTE the perfect steppingstone to VW’s all-electric ID range, or a compromised attempt at blending GTI fun with hybrid efficiency? Hit the video for Vicki’s final verdict.

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