UK prices and specifications for the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 have been announced, with the 50th anniversary hot hatchback now available to order.
As the fastest and most powerful road-going version of the Golf GTI to date, demand for the Edition 50 is expected to be high.
Order books open from Thursday 15 January 2026, and Volkswagen enthusiasts will need a minimum of £47,995 to secure one of the limited-production examples.
As the Golf GTI celebrates its 50th birthday this year, Volkswagen has scheduled production of the Edition 50 to take place only during 2026.
Although Volkswagen has created celebratory versions of the GTI before, the Edition 50 offers more than just fancy alloy wheels and new badges. But don’t worry, those are included as well…
Volkswagen chose to reveal the Golf GTI Edition 50 during the 2025 Nurburgring 24 Hours race weekend – a sign of the extra effort that has gone into this anniversary special.
Engineers began by upping output from the ‘EA888 evo4 LK3’ 2.0-litre engine to 325hp, alongside a thumping 310lb ft of torque. This makes it the most powerful Golf GTI to date.
An electronically controlled locking differential is fitted as standard to control the extra power, and sees the GTI Edition 50 accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds. A top speed of 168mph is possible: far beyond the reach of the original 1976 Golf GTI.
An optional Performance Package includes semi-slick tyres, forged ‘Warmenau’ 19-inch black alloy wheels, an Akrapovic exhaust system and suspension lowered even further than the standard Edition 50.
The Performance Package components helped touring car ace Benny Leuchter set a new Volkswagen brand record around the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.
Along with the Golf GTI’s regular driving modes, the Edition 50 comes with a special ‘Nurburgring’ setting, aimed at those who want to challenge Leuchter’s lap time.
A seven-speed DSG automatic is the only gearbox available, but it does boast an ‘S+’ mode aimed at track driving, and an ‘M+’ mode to prevent upshifts at high revs.
Pure White is the standard exterior colour for the Edition 50, combined with a black roof and mirror caps. An exclusive Dark Moss Green will be on the options list, along with other paint colours such as the iconic Tornado Red (pictured here).
A set of 19-inch ‘Queenstown’ alloy wheels have with a bespoke red glaze, plus floating GTI-branded centre caps.
There is also a liberal application of ‘GTI 50’ badges, including on the roof spoiler and side mirrors, plus a gradient stripe along the base of the doors.
More GTI 50 badges can be found throughout the Golf’s interior, including on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and door sill trims.
There is also a new take on the Golf GTI’s famous tartan-check fabric, with bold green lines and synthetic velour inserts. You’ll find additional GTI branding on the seats, too.
Volkswagen has also fitted red seatbelts, red and silver inserts for the aluminium pedals, GTI 50 floor mats and, as a finishing touch, an exclusive GTI 50 key.
For those intent on setting a new Nurburging record, a new GPS-based lap timer can be found within the infotainment system.
Volkswagen has not clarified when it will deliver Golf GTI Edition 50 cars to customers. Still, after five decades of development, the wait should be worth it.
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