If you're looking for a reasonably affordable high-performance compact car that also offers high-level versatility and functionality, then you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option than 2017 Volkswagen Golf R. The current generation of the fun-to-drive Golf R is the most powerful version of the Golf ever to be sold in the United States. Let's see how it stacks up against one of the marque luxury performance brands in this 2017 Volkswagen Golf R vs 2017 BMW M240i comparison.
Even though the Golf R is over $8,000 cheaper than the M240i ($35,655 vs $44,450 MSRP), it can more than hold its own on the performance front. The Golf R comes with a high-tech 292-hp EA888 four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI 2.0-liter engine, while the M240i offers a 335-hp 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder. While the M240i delivers an impressive 0 – 60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, the Golf R is not far behind with a time of 4.9 seconds (with DSG automatic transmission; 5.3 seconds with manual). Also, the Golf R has the advantage for handling and traction with its standard 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
2017 Volkswagen Golf R | VS | 2017 BMW M240i |
$35,655 | MSRP | $44,450 |
292-hp EA888 four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI 2.0-liter | Engine | 335-hp 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder |
Standard | All-Wheel-Drive | No |
Standard on DCC and Navigation | Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking | No |
Even furthering the value story of the 2017 Golf R is its abundance of standard premium features. This includes such things as adaptive xenon headlights, heated mirrors, heated front seats, 18-inch wheels with performance tires, rear spoiler, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth, 6.5-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, satellite radio and ambient lighting in the door trim. The Golf R also comes with the innovative MIB II touchscreen infotainment system with USB and Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect, which offers a cutting-edge suite of connected vehicle services and features.
The Golf R also has the advantage for safety, especially if opting for the DCC and Navigation trim, with its wide array of standard driver assistance features. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, front and rear Park Distance Control, Lane Departure Warning and High Beam Control. Blind Spot Monitor uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and helps warn drivers of potential danger in adjacent lanes, while the Rear Traffic Alert system not only helps alert the driver to stationary and moving vehicles directly behind, but also helps detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing.
Do you live in Southern California? Would you like to get behind the wheel of the high-value, high-performance 2017 Golf R? If so, then don't hesitate to contact us at Capistrano Volkswagen!