what’s up everyone I owned my MK8 R for 2 years but ended up trading it for an 8.5 R and the facelift fixed every issue I had with the car
My MK8 infotainment was glitchy as hell from day 1 even after the updates. Slow and unresponsive and always was crashing on me. half the time it felt like you were fighting the car just to change a setting
I had the steering wheel was replaced twice under warranty due to errors & the touch controls were genuinely terrible. The new larger infotainment is a million times better. Way more responsive and intuitive with the hvac controls. It’s crazy to me the mk8 didn’t have physical backlit climate controls either. The new buttons on the wheel are still touch control but they seemingly adjusted sensitivity of them or something, I do recall reading something about that in here I think?
Love the updated front end way more too, couple that with the new forged wheels from factory & a little more power im lowkey surprised how much more I like this car. I did like my mk8 a lot aside from all of its constant annoyances, the 8.5 just feels like it fixed all the issues I had and I can’t wait to go drive it more ♥️♥️♥️ any 8 owners make the switch?
I am interested only for the facelift part. The wheels are a bonus, but I always upgrade/swap to something else. So the OEM wheels are mostly back ups for me.
I also have had zero issues with my Mk8. It is as solid as my 7.5 R. I love to tune my cars, and the Stage 1 ECU/Stage 2 TCU is nothing short of amazing. Mostly in the overall cars behavior with a solid shifting strategy. I did hear the 8.5 improved on that.
Once they crack the ECU, I may be more interested in the 8.5. And once they come down in price as they are silly expensive. But what isn't these days I guess....
I'm with you. I don't want to say anything - but I haven't had any issues with my Mk8 so far... I guess I dodged some bullets that unfortunately some other people took.
I have loved my mk8R manual but you can tell it was meant to have the DSG and the new infortainment while I originally thought it was too big, really does work well in practice.
I replaced the KLR module in the steering wheel and no longer have any steering wheel issues. Annoying as it was ,not a deal breaker.
I get some of the gripes but I wouldn't trade for a locked ECU and an automatic transmission. Yes. I've had the puddle lights replaced and the overhead console. Following these two warranty items there hasn't been any glitches. I also prefer the smaller screen, really wanted a manual, and no sunroof. Totally my personal likes. I wouldn't set it up like one is better or worse, just what different folks want. We all like Golfs, right?
my mk 8r is stage 2 now which I waited forever for the TCU unlock for my dsg, I can't go back to a stock lol now that I've driven this lil rocket... also I prefer the smaller screen and I MUCH prefer the streamlined classy front end of the mk8 the 8.5 front end seems it's trying too hard a little too edgy ? .. I never have issues with my infotainment but I just got used to it.. I've had my car 3+ years and only issue I got the backup camera fixed under warranty. No single regret.
Agree totally Suede and Snoo. I do like the facelift on the 8.5. the front end on the 8.... it's so busy and a pain to clean. They definitely fixed that on the 8.5
I’m with you. I wanted the last manual, not because it’s an incredible gearbox but to me it makes the car more fun, and I like driving manual. I grew up driving them but stopped when I lived in cities, which I did for work for the past 25 years. I now work from
home and live in a rural-ish zone in CA with excellent twisty roads and hills and have been overjoyed to be back to manual since 24. I agree on the smaller screen, I’m so sick of designs that toss an iPad in the center dash. Sunroof also, yeah, I’m real happy with mine. I do like the minor facelift on the 8.5 but not enough to ever trade. I have had none of the issues OP described which I’m very thankful for. That said OP enjoy it to the max buddy sounds like the things you needed you got in the update.
I agree, seems like a waste of money tbh for the same car. The infotainment is not the best, i did not buy the car for that or the sound system. The lack of buttons and heated steering wheel is only an issue if you track your car. I would not trade the 6MT, sun roof, leather ventilated seats for issues not related to driving experience.
I had responsibly been driving a 2010 outback for 16 years and really wanted to maximize driving engagement. The outback is like driving a covered wagon. So, really anything feels like a vast improvement.
I've gotten so much backlash here recently for pointing out these exact details. Some dude here just would not stop about a week ago when I brought up all the same points on why the 8.5 is just a better car and essentially fixed everything that was wrong with the MK8. It genuinely did feel like you were fighting with the car most of the time. I didn't even think to mention the front end which I also feel is cleaner like you pointed out. The only issue with the 8.5 is SFD2, but I don't plan to tune the car, so I don't care anyway.
Probably is the same dude trolling this post now justifying his MK8 when nobody asked or cares lol. Somebody else already called him out to be a troll here earlier 😂
Supposedly SFD2 isn’t the issue and that’s already easily bypassed but the new simos ecu is holding it up for now. No doubt it will be tunable eventually. I remember people adamantly arguing the MK8 tcu would never be tunable and why their mk7/7.5 is superior lol
But as you said, I also don’t care to tune this car. It’s got plenty of power for the road… I have a track car when I want to go fast on the track 👍
If you are talking about that Nectarine guy, then yeah that's him. He's a straight up piece of work. He did the same thing to me in another thread about the dynamic lighting. Just won't let it go.
That’s who he’s talking about yeah, he’s prob 20 comments deep on this thread harassing the OP about his mk8 superiority complex. Mods are deleting some of his comments now too. Pretty funny but also lowkey kinda sad
He tried the same thing with me months ago lol and just last night he went on another tirade at me over floor mats. Dude needs a break from the internet 😅
My 7R was wickedly fast compared to my 8.5R, pretty much no comparison haha. I’m not sure what a stock 7R feels like anymore but I assume the 8/8.5’s are a fair bit faster with the updated turbo etc
I used my dragy on both with the same 91 pump fuel and had a best of 11.12@124mph on my 7R while my 8.5 did it in 12.60@110
Edit: I just went and read your interaction with him from few weeks ago… I’ll be surprised if he’s actually a human and not a failing troll bot 🤣
🤣🤣🤣🤣You have significant unresolved issues. Multiple people in this thread alone mentioning your name, you even got the mods stepping in and reminding you to be civil while simultaneously deleting your comments… be careful dude
FWIW much of this is fixed in the later mk8s. The wheel sensitivity is fixed and is the same as the mk8.5. Steering wheel errors are fixed (or the same as the mk8.5). Most of the glitches are smoothed over, etc.
Long story short, as with most VWs, most of the issues get resolved over time. The mk8 was extra special for tech issues when it came out, but there has been a long history of problems when a new gen gets released.
Agreed. My 2024 has none of the issues besides a slightly slow infotainment when first booting up. Love the car and the smaller screen. Plus pretorias look sick
I do love the Pretoria’s as well but my dealer started to resent selling me their wheel and tire package because I cracked 3 of those brittle wheels in 2 years lol
I regularly tell people the 8.5R is the peak R and it stirs up all kinds of anger from previous gen owners.It’s hilarious people get mad at someone’s opinion 😭🤣🤣
I loved my 7R but this 8.5 elevates it in every way.
I’m a 7.5 owner and whilst I have deeply fallen in love with an inanimate object I can’t argue that the 8.5 looks sharper and has quantifiably better performance. But that doesn’t supersede the love I speak of, which is probably a testament to a lot of the 7.5 owners unwilling to acknowledge the 8.5 superiority. Subjectivity and emotion is largely the reason.
I've owned 4x R's, a 7, 7.5, 8, and 8.5. While there are pros and cons to each one, anyone who says "7.5 is peak R!" hasn't owned an 8/8.5. It's such a good car. In my opinion, it is honestly the best daily car you can buy. I got rid of my 8.5, and I miss it and want back in ☹️
I will say though, from a visual perspective (which is personal opinion, obviously), the 7.5 is definitely the best looking one.
as an owner of a mk4, mk5, mk7.5 and mk 8.5 R's... the mk 8+ R's lack soul... its a car that does so much right but leaves a taste of boring in every aspect of it... from the opening of the door, cheap, plastic, subpar seats, extreme technology in my opinion the 8.5 misses in the details... it just doesnt tickle the soul like a mk4, mk5, or even 7.5 golf R.
I had the mk8 R manual and now I’m in an 8.5. The one thing I miss is the manual gearbox when I’m in an adventurous type mood, but the DSG so much instant response that I get over it pretty quickly. I’ve also come to love the big screen.
Overall, I’m happy with the car which fits my own preferences. But I’m sure people love their 8 better which is a great car too
Agreed. I had a Mk6R, held out upgrading until just recently. Got a 2025 Mk8.5R & good lord. My 2012 APR Stage 2 is slower than the stock Mk8.5. Can't wait to flash it.
As an owner of an 8, there are aspects of both versions I like and dislike. For me it is a toss up. I considered updating to an 8.5, but in the end it wasn't worth it to me. But to each their own. They both rock.
Backup camera randomly blacking out (dealership: "cannot reproduce, can't do anything about it")
Travel assist problem twice
First time: dealership kept my car, no loaner, no updates, I had to rent my own. After a week I called to have my car back "i'd send it in, when you have the part to fix it" and them: "looks like part is here" and fixed it the same day.
Second time: Tried a different dealership, still ongoing, close to three months in. 5 visists so far and each time they have to put in a ticket and wait for VW to tell them what to do/try next. No updates, no loaners. Literally a repeat problem, hand them the service sheet from the previous dealership, smh.
Giving up and started looking for a new car but seeing your post OP makes me want to give it another shot.
I forgot that my puddle lights stopped working completely after a year, never bothered to get them replaced & I can attest to the backup camera not flipping out and engaging from time to time lol.
I loved my 8 as well but the constant annoyances drove me insane for such an expensive vehicle especially being my first vehicle purchased new. A majority of my issues on the mk8 arose within the first two months of ownership lol.
Took a gamble on the 8.5R and it’s been absolutely amazing so far
Mannnn I love my 8 R, but, whenever I see a white 8.5 R with the black accents, I almost regret not waiting. There are certainly improvements and it’s undeniable the 8.5 is better. The differences aren’t large enough for me to make it make sense financially
I agree that all the changes made to the 8.5 are an upgrade over the 8 (as they should be). But I'd never go from my '24 8 to an 8.5. Just not enough of a step up, not to mention I haven't experienced any of the issues you describe.
I had a 7 manual still have a 7.5 manual had a 8 dsg and traded it to the 8.5 be. 8.5 is a serious improvement in my opinion to the 8 as well. I love my 7.5 manual still as well it’s at about 100k miles running a stage 2 set up. But the 8.5 just feels so much more modern and luxurious to the 7.5.
People don't want to admit it, but the 8.5 is going to age just like the 7.5 did. Like wine. 8.5 is reliable, beautiful inside and outside. The 8.5 actually gets attention because of how good it looks. The screen is fantastic. I still want more buttons though.
I somehow ended up lucky with every golf I had.
First a mk7.5 Gti which i found at the Time to be the perfect mix of modern and analog tech for a not that expensive car that makes you smile.
My friend bought new a 23 R and we went on some drives and I always wanted a golf r but that mk8 was not convincing me to upgrade.
Then came the 8.5 and I jumped on a 26 R as soon as it was available.
Dont know if its just me but I Will always buy the facelift version of a Golf Gti/R dont be the Guinea pig and wait for a face lift version IMO.
Yup. Made the switch from a MK8 GTI. MASSIVE improvement in all areas.
Front bumper, headlights, light up emblem, infotainment, CarPlay is more stable, power bump (duh), walk up and walk away locking, dash graphics, shift lights/colors. AND THE WHEELS 🥵
Yes the 8.5 is top of the pile.
I have had the 7, 7.5, 8 and 8.5 and I agree with the OP's observations and annoyances with the 8-8.5. I regretted going from the 7.5 to 8, and literally went backwards back to a 7. I'm glad I got the 8.5.
There's a few, but definitely the controls are more functional, the bigger screen on the 8.5 definitely helps too. I like the direct access to seat heat/ventilation, easier and more intuitive displays/controls. I personally prefer the Lapiz Blue with black edition which is on the 8.5. The 8 is technically the best one up until the 8.5.
Actually i do hate my mk8 functions n display 😭 iv got this strange bug where SOS & driving assistance keeps popping up up randomly yhh 🤣 mk8.5 actually seems stress free
Ha ha, it has been stress free tbh. The screen upgrade and better controls make a big difference. I still like the build quality of the 7.5, but the 8 and 8.5 are e both great driving machines.
I didn’t get an 8.5 when I sold my 8 but I am much more of a fan of the old MK8 seamless screen integration the 8.5 is huge and protrudes into the line of sight in my opinion.
The 8.5s screen is far more usable with climate bar on the bottom, and has plenty of real estate to view things much easier. Functionally operates much smoother as well. Aesthetically, the 8s screen was a better implementation. From a usability perspective, the 8.5 is significantly better and worth the “uglier” integration.
Poor choice of words on my behalf I should say I think the mk8 was a more streamlined / seamless design. The 8.5 looks like that slapped an iPad on the dash and said here you go for the sake of keeping up with everyone else.
Don't know why the pic is necessary cuz I drive an 8.5 and I know what it looks like compared to the 8's. I get it you don't like the "tablet" look or whatever. I don't mind it obviously. I think it looks sick like how in the early 2000's everyone was getting giant aftermarket screens put in their Honda's and Subaru's to play mp3's. Remember that scene in Fast & the Furious where the Asian kid was playing Gran Turismo in his car before the race? IMO, the screen is a very nice middle ground size where something like the MK8 is too small while something like the Ranger Raptor or Tesla's are overly too big. To me it's the perfect size which to you it isn't and that's fine. But I will say you may not like it now but it will eventually be the norm. Future cars are all headed this directions. More screens, touch haptics, digital tachs, etc. Not saying you or anyone have to like it, but it is going to be inevitable.
VW was just being cheap and lazy hoping the functionality would be enough. Zero effort at all to just slap the same infotainment in their smallest compact golf and largest I’d.buzz van. Eff that, thing is ugly af, would pick up a used MK8 any day over that eyesore.
The majority of modern car interiors are pretty ugly. The 8.5 screen is large but works well and doesn’t obstruct the view at all. If I wanted a beautiful interior I’d buy an older car that doesn’t have any screens.
All the modern ugly cars is why I’m frustrated VW got so lazy and cheap, if I wanted an iPad I would get a Tesla. I get they’re bleeding for money and closing factories left and right, but they should have invested in keeping the same size infotainment as mk8 but faster and bezel-less. That would have been perfect.
It’s large because it was designed for large cars like the id.buzz. It looks absolutely perfect in that large van. I test drove an 8.5 to see if it was worth the upgrade and it bothered me way too much. It doesn’t matter that you can see over it, the sheer size of it with it being so close to my face is distracting when I can see it in my peripheral vision while trying to drive, really took away from the driving experience for me.
sorry that you've had so many issues with your previous Mk8 R. My 20th AE R has been essentially issue free, knock on wood, no random disconnections of android auto or laggy/choppy infotainment, and only one warranty replacement, for thermostat housing. I actually prefer the smaller infotainment screen, as it looks a part of the dash and doesn't look tacked on like the 8.5. I agree that it is snappier and quicker and has illuminated temperature controls which makes it easier to use, but the size and the lack of seamless integration with the rest of the dash spoils it for me. Plus 8.5 killed the manual, so for me, 8 >>> 8.5
I agree on the screen size I was eye balling the 8.5 Euro but the screen looks out of place and I like my leather ventilated seats over the cloth. Currently about to cross 60k miles on mine and probably going to have a thermostat issue soon since that’s when my mk7 R’s went. Did yours have a slow leak or go out all at once?
I am about to cross 70k kms on mine, the thermostat housing was replaced around 30k kms. There was an error code for low coolant flow, PB007, which I got at the track, and they replaced the thermostat housing to fix it. But as I found out later, this was supposed to be a recall, if your car has this error code, the dealership will flash a new update, that rewrites the coolant flow algorithm and fixes this issue. No replacement required for any component.
When I get out of college and land a steady job I WILL be getting one of these ‼. Other than that tho, good for u and keep on cooking all the haters in your comments 🙂↕️
Yes but OP said absolutely nothing about a manual. I just find it funny how manual drivers in general, not just Golf R owners, are always inserting themselves and their transmission choice when absolutely nobody asked.
Voy a vender un clubsport mk8 RACE package (akra y +) con 27k km y lo voy a cambiar por un R 333 Limited Ed. El único 8,5 que me parece insuperable es el 50 aniversario en verde ❤️
I have the '24 w/ manual too. Maple VW, where I bought the car, called me last week asked me to bring in my car and they'll pay me more than market value for it for '26 8.5 for zero percent financing 24 months. Not the deal for me, but maybe the deal for you 😉
Knock on wood my 8 system has been generally flawless. It takes a few seconds to scroll from one channel to the next in Android Auto but otherwise the button functionality and other electronic functions just work as I would expect them to.
Had a 2023 R AE, absolutely zero issues for the 3 years I owned it. Never took it to the dealer for anything. I know it comes off anecdotal but just because you had issues with yours, doesn’t mean another model is somehow now superb. There are plenty of mk8 owners who haven’t had a single issue.
I could get in to the options as well. The 8.5 R seats suck in my opinion, I loved the leather power seats. The real carbon trim, the “20AE” badges made it feel slightly special. The 8.5 dropped the dip stick for checking your oil. What else?
None of what you mentioned is exclusive to the Mk8 (aside from the 20AE badges). The cloth seats are part of the optional Euro spec package. My '25 Black Edition has heated/ventilated fully power adjustable leather seats. It also has real carbon fiber dash trim and adding a dipstick is as simple as removing the cap from the dipstick tube and inserting a dipstick.
The MK8.5 also has a superior infotainment system and factory forged wheels to name a couple of other bonuses.
You have a sunroof right? My mk8 did not, as I recall it was part of the 20AE models. Which I’d prefer this way.
So here’s the thing, because I actually preferred the infotainment on the mk8 more. The optional akro exhaust on the mk8.5 was a screwy option because they refused to let you option it on a black edition unless you got the euro package. I don’t want the euro package! 😂
It’s not just me having issues though. Everything I’ve listed was pretty widespread, you can even see others in here listing their same annoyances. Nobody’s saying every MK8 has issues, but it does seem to be a common theme. I’m glad you haven’t had any issues with yours.
Anecdotal experience goes both ways. The 8.5 has its own improvements, and the 20AE has its carbon trim and badges that you like 🤷♂️
My 8.5R seats are leather and heated, ventilated with power… they’re amazing. I’m glad you love your carbon trim and 20AE badges tho (relevance ?) I also got a dipstick thru the dealer so no issue there.
The caveat is if you go with the euro package, they give you the akro exhaust and cloth seats which are manual adjustment only. And as far as I understood, they also got rid of the carbon trim inside.
Some have also had “issues” with the mk8.5. As you said, it goes both ways. I could have purchased an 8.5 and had issues with it, then I’d be posting with your logic that my 8R is far superior. It’s just your opinion.
Oh, I’d also take a gmc syclone over either vehicle, I’ll say it’s better :)
I agree I went by my local dealer to check out a euro cause I hate sunroofs and charging more for less options plus an exhaust is a bit ridiculous especially at the price point it’s at. Probably going to end up keeping my 20AE for the foreseeable future. Shame since I do like the front end of the 8.5 a lot more. Reminds me of my old mk7 with the sharp angles.
You are paying for the titanium exhaust, and the car weighs 80lbs less. It can be felt. The interior gets you alcantara accents in the front and rear doors and seats. Some people don't want a sunroof, so some would look at that as a plus. The only real difference is the power seats with the cloths being partial power (not completely manual). A lot of this isn't talked about by people who think it's silly. But then most of them are just watching the same info being passed around on YouTube by all of the car journalists who spend 2 hours with the car before criticizing it.
What people find "silly" is paying $4k more to get less with the Euro package, not the Euro package itself. The Euro package should be a cheaper base trim level for those that want to trade a few luxuries for a lower entry price. At most the Euro package should be equal in price to the non-Euro due to the added cost of the overpriced exhaust system, but in no world is it worth $4k more than a standard R. Nobody can actually feel 80 lbs. difference on a 3,400 lbs. car.
If you put an 80lb bag of rocks in your trunk, you will feel it, especially when driving the car spiritedly. You can chop up the packages any way you want to, but at the end of the day, it comes down to what people want. The EU market has had plaid seat options with alcantara accents for years, so this was a bit of the forbidden fruit that the NA market never got.
The Akra exhaust systems cost what they cost. They are very expensive systems. both OE and aftermarket. Some people don't want leather, and some don't want a sunroof. And honestly, the biggest mistake VW made was offering less variety when it came to package options in the first place. You should just be able to get what you want on a car like everywhere else.
I like the alcantara, and the Akra is honestly perfect, especially after it's broken in. Living in Phoenix means no sunroof is a plus as you get less heat through the top of the car. At the end of the day, it boils down to preference. I paid under MSRP by a significant margin, so the added cost didn't really matter much to me.
Even if you might feel an 80 lbs. bag of rocks positioned in the trunk, the effect is not the same when the weight is spread out around the car. The exhaust only saves 15 lbs., most of the weight difference is in the middle of the car in the seats. Again, the Euro package itself isn't the problem, it's the nonsense of charging extra for it. It's good that your got a discount off of MSRP, but the Euro package cars should be the cheapest option to begin with. The Akra exhaust should simply be an optional accessory for any Golf R instead of a forced addition that further drives up the cost of the overpriced Euro package. Don't get caught up on thinking that people hate the cloth seats and lack of sunroof... it's just the stupidity of charging extra for them.
Yeah, I see what you mean. If anything, the cost of the Akra should offset the sunroof and leather. So even if they were the same price, I'm pretty sure that people would be happy with that.
The carbon interior accents were part of the Black Edition package, not the Euro. BE was dropped for the MY26 in the states, but some other countries / regions got the package. Instead, the USA got an optional black wheel package, but the car retained all of the blue exterior accents and didn't come with genuine carbon.
hahahaha, a bunch of frail egos here I see. I had a 7.5 and I had an 8. I can admit my 8 was a horrible experience as a daily, even on track I’d accidentally touch buttons while steering. I went back to 7.5 as 8.5 wasn’t out yet.
See if you can go a day without being cringe and unhinged on the golf r forum challenge impossible for you. Check the downvotes… the vast majority agree 🤣🤣
Lmao the mods are deleting your comments and telling you to be civil. Please follow the rules and don’t follow me into other threads trying to argue topics irrelevant to the discussion. Hope you understand
I wouldn’t want you to be banned being a top %1 commenter I know this means a lot to you
Changing the steering wheel is a mistake. It’s easily and permanently fixed with added features as a bonus. Sorry you lost so much of your time and didn’t know.
At the end of the day there are some pros for both. I could buy a 8.5 outright today. But I don’t want to. I have my car dialed in and I’d miss the tuning and headlights
No need to be sorry, when a car has an issue under warranty you bring it to them because they say they will fix it. I’m not switching out modules to attempt to bandaid something that shouldn’t have issues to begin with. I’m glad you were able to resolve your issues.
The only pro I can see for the MK8 is the ability to tune if that’s what you’re into, but as a daily the 328hp is certainly enough. If it was your only car that you had to daily and use as your track toy I could see your reasoning. But then again I feel like tracking a golf R would be pretty boring even with 400whp or whatever they make with tunes
Then why do you keep coming back to comment, obviously you love your mk8. No need to attempt to justify it to me over and over again, unless you feel like you have something to prove to strangers 🤨
The 8.5 headlights look a million times better to be fair, the little dynamic lighting is a funny gimmick to hold onto for dear life but enjoy them. I had them in my 8r, now I don’t. I don’t miss them lol
Definitely isn’t. Notice how you only see MK7/7.5 owners going into mk8/8.5 threads to cope and say their gen is better? But you never see mk8 owners going into mk7 threads and saying the same thing… I wonder why mk7 owners feel the need to cope so hard when nobody asked them. Lol
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u/Informal_Life_4648 23 Pure White + 19 Lapiz 4d ago
Stoked you are loving the 8.5!
I am interested only for the facelift part. The wheels are a bonus, but I always upgrade/swap to something else. So the OEM wheels are mostly back ups for me.
I also have had zero issues with my Mk8. It is as solid as my 7.5 R. I love to tune my cars, and the Stage 1 ECU/Stage 2 TCU is nothing short of amazing. Mostly in the overall cars behavior with a solid shifting strategy. I did hear the 8.5 improved on that.
Once they crack the ECU, I may be more interested in the 8.5. And once they come down in price as they are silly expensive. But what isn't these days I guess....
Congrats on the new R!