The new VW Golf R lacks the steering wheel buttons found in the GTI due to one frustrating reason.

      Adam Ismail

      

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      Despite the fun and versatility offered by the Mk 8 Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R, the primary topic of discussion when both hot hatches were launched a few years ago was the absence of physical buttons in their interiors. Instead, everything was capacitive—from the steering wheel to the infotainment system—which frustrated many enthusiasts. VW quickly responded, announcing in late 2022 that traditional buttons would be reintroduced to the wheel. Now, in spring 2025, we’re happy to report that they have finally arrived—in the Mk 8.5 Golf GTI only. The R continues to use its previous wheel, and the blame can be attributed to a feature that the GTI lacks.

      Earlier this week, Volkswagen invited me to experience the new Golf GTI and R at its new North American headquarters in Virginia, where I had the chance to test both models on the road and track. The first notable difference I observed, having previously tested the outgoing R, was that it did not come with the new GTI’s steering wheel. The Mk 8.5 GTI’s wheel is identical to that found in standard Golf models sold outside the U.S., and VW employs this wheel across almost all of its vehicles equipped with an internal combustion engine, from the Taos to the Atlas.

      However, the Golf R is distinct because its wheel includes a unique feature absent in other VW models: the “R” button. Activating this button instantly switches the hot hatch into its most aggressive “Race” mode for damping, steering, and powertrain settings—a profile that the GTI lacks. Eric Park, Volkswagen of America’s Product Planning Specialist for the Golf lineup, explained that integrating this feature with push-button controls for the GTI would have been challenging.

      This means Volkswagen would have needed to create a new button layout or modify an existing button on the GTI’s wheel to serve the “R” function. While changing a button label might not seem very complex for a company of VW’s size, the automotive manufacturing world is anything but simple. Park mentioned that a new circuit board might have been required, or at the very least, the software of the existing one would need modifications, leading to further testing and validation. Consequently, the company would be spending a significant amount of money for just one button on its most niche model (especially now that the Arteon is no longer available). Last year, Volkswagen sold 11,072 GTI units in the U.S., while the Golf R sold 4,196.

      In the end, decisions hinge on financial considerations, making this outcome unsurprising from a business perspective. However, from an enthusiast's standpoint, it’s disappointing. Many current and prospective customers expressed frustration over VW’s reliance on capacitive controls, prompting the company’s CEO to announce their removal in future models. This transition took about two years, as progress in the auto industry can be slow. While this change may please GTI buyers, who outnumber Golf R buyers by more than two to one, the reality remains: The car priced at $33,670 comes with the steering wheel many prefer, while the one priced at $48,325 does not. While the R provides significantly higher performance to potentially justify the nearly $15,000 price difference, it also requires buyers paying a premium to accept a controversial user experience.

      Additionally, keep in mind that this is all just to facilitate easier access to Race mode. Like the GTI, the Golf R allows drive mode adjustments via the capacitive button located below the infotainment screen near the hazard button. I would argue that this option is sufficient; as an owner, I likely wouldn’t switch in and out of Race mode frequently enough to require having that control constantly at my left thumb. For context, the only way I can change drive modes in my Toyota GR Corolla is via the rocker toggle above the shifter, and I have no issues with that. Had Volkswagen opted for it, they could have simply installed the GTI’s wheel in the R and called it a day. I would be interested to know if Mk 8 Golf R owners in the discussion group would find that an acceptable compromise. It’s also worth contemplating that European owners may not be as troubled by touch-sensitive buttons as we are.

      Ultimately, I’m sure VW evaluated the costs and benefits of all available options and concluded this was the optimal path. When I drove the Mk 8 Golf R in 2022, I was not fond of the capacitive wheel; I remember inadvertently skipping tracks, adjusting volume, and rearranging the digital gauges with my palms. However, I adapted and became accustomed to it. Despite the frustrations that may arise with modern vehicles, ergonomically speaking, one has little choice but to adapt. I still thoroughly enjoyed that car and would never consider these matters a dealbreaker. The same holds true for the Mk 8.5 model.

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