The time has come for the VW Golf MK8 lineup to receive a mid-lifecycle update. Following prototype sightings of the standard plug-in hybrid (eHybrid), our spy photographers caught the more powerful GTE during hot weather testing with minimum camouflage.
The GTE is the electrified member of the fast Golfs, serving as an alternative to the petrol-powered GTI and the diesel-powered GTD, all positioned under the flagship Golf R. Predictably, the model inherits the slimmer and more angular headlights of the facelift, combining them with a redesigned bodykit.
More: 2024 VW Tiguan PHEV Spied Putting 62-Mile Electric Range To The Test
The front bumper retains the large interconnected intakes with the honeycomb pattern although their shape has been altered, with the body-colored fins bringing it closer to the Golf R and the GTI Clubsport in terms of visual traits. The same bumper with mild variations on the grille is expected to be used in the GTI and GTD, alongside the sporty side sill and rear bumper extensions. Besides the GTE emblems and the blue trim on the grille, the plug-in hybrid performance model will differentiate from its siblings by the absence of visible tailpipes.
Inside, the GTE will benefit from the new free-standing 15-inch infotainment display, better-quality materials, and other improvements in the user interface. Compared to non-electrified Golf trims, expect unique graphics showing the battery charge status and power delivery of the plug-in hybrid system.
Coming With A Longer EV Range
Setting aside the visual and technological upgrades, the facelifted VW Golf eHybrid and GTE trims are expected to inherit the latest plug-in hybrid powertrain, likely shared with the upcoming Tiguan. The electrified SUV has been confirmed to produce either 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) or 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS), with the former having an identical output with the outgoing Golf eHybrid and the latter producing 27 hp (20 kW / 27 PS) more than the current Golf GTE. This power boost could be attributed to the all-wheel-drive capabilities of the Tiguan which are unlikely to be carried over in the Golf.
In any case, VW is expected to retire the old 1.4 TSI in favor of the more efficient 1.5 TSI, combining it with an electric motor and a larger 18.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. As a result, the all-electric range will grow to more than 100 km (62 miles) between charges, meaning that owners will be able to use their PHEV as an EV for the majority of driving scenarios.
VW hasn’t given us a date for the reveal of the facelifted Golf but we expect a 2024 market launch. Rivals of the GTE variant include the sporty Opel Astra GSe that debuted last year and the high-power PHEV variant of the Peugeot 308.
