2025 VW GTI Review: 273 LB-FT Through FWD (How?!)

This video includes sponsored content from CarLock. All opinions are my own based on personal experience. 🔒 PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE WITH CARLOCK: Get CarLock in Best Buy through this link: USA: https://bit.ly/brianmakse-CarLockBBYUS CANADA: https://bit.ly/brianmakse-CarLockBBCA Use my code BRIANMAKSECL to receive 14 days extra FREE subscription when you activate your CarLock device. Compatibility check: https://bit.ly/brianmakse-CL Updated discount codes: https://www.carlock.co/creators/brianmakse ——————————————————————— 2025 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn Review How does VW send 273 pound-feet through the front wheels with zero torque steer? The VAQ torque-sensing differential rewrites front wheel drive physics, and this in-depth driver's review explains exactly how it works. The 2025 GTI makes 241 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.0L EA888 engine paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission. At $42,560 as tested, the Autobahn trim adds DCC adaptive damping that adjusts 200 times per second, ventilated seats, Harman Kardon audio, and, crucially, physical buttons replacing haptic controls. VW admitted defeat, and the result is dramatically better. We cover what reviews miss: real owner intel on steering wheel sensor failures, battery drain issues, OBDII coding to unlock Golf R features, and why the Autobahn trim faces equipment deletion problems. Plus Stage 1 tuning potential (330hp for $600) and whether the $10,000 premium over base GTI S justifies adaptive DCC damping. KEY SPECS: • Engine: 2.0L turbo I-4, 241hp @ 5,000-6,500rpm, 273 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500rpm • Transmission: 7-speed DSG dual-clutch • 0-60: ~5.5 seconds • Price: $32,445 (S) | $42,560 (Autobahn as-tested) • Curb weight: 3,183 lbs • EPA: 24 city / 32 highway Manual Farewell! Why You NEED the 2024 VW Golf GTI 380 in Your Garage https://youtu.be/T1NhmHXgK0I ——————————————————————— // MY AMAZON STORE with my favorite things for drivers https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-4cc174af (this is an affiliate link) /// MERCH Pick up some sweet merch in our store! https://brian-makse-shop.fourthwall.com/ /// SUBSCRIBE Subscribe NOW to Brian Makse's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=brianmakse /// SOCIAL Instagram: http://Instagram.com/BrianMakse Twitter: http://Twitter.com/BrianMakse Facebook: http://Facebook.com/MakseAttack Spotify: https://sptfy.com/brianmakse Link In My Bio: https://makse.com/linkinbio/ /// MORE About Brian: http://makse.com/about /// WHAT I'M LISTENING TO Real AF With Andy Frisella https://andyfrisella.com/blogs/realaf-podcast Be sure to let us know what you think about this video and smash the subscribe button if you haven’t already! Test vehicles are provided by the respective manufacturers for review purposes, unless otherwise noted, and all opinions are our own. Music © 2025 Russell Soares (russellsoares.com), used with permission, all rights reserved. #VWGTI #GTIReview #HotHatch #VW2025 #brianmakse