Wolfsburg – Volkswagen has set a new benchmark in the 49-year history of the prestigious Goldene Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel) awards, claiming victories in four categories – more than any other manufacturer in a single year. The annual award, presented by AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG, recognises excellence across Europe’s automotive industry, evaluating design, technology, safety, and driving performance.
The 2025 winners from Volkswagen include:
- Golf GTI EDITION 50 – Winner, Compact Class
- ID.7 GTX Tourer – Winner, Upper Mid-Size Class
- Tayron – Best Family Car
- T-Roc – Editorial Prize: Best Car Under €40,000
Golf GTI EDITION 50: Celebrating 50 Years of Iconic Performance
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the GTI, and Volkswagen is celebrating in style with the Golf GTI EDITION 50 – the most powerful production GTI ever. Delivering 239 kW (325 PS) and 420 Nm of torque, this exclusive model combines exceptional driving dynamics with distinctive design elements, making it a standout in the compact class. Its victory comes against strong competition, including two electric rivals, highlighting the enduring appeal of the GTI.
ID.7 GTX Tourer: The First Fully Electric Estate from Volkswagen
The ID.7 GTX Tourer, Volkswagen’s first fully electric estate, wins the upper mid-size category. Introduced in summer 2024, the model features dual-motor all-wheel drive with 250 kW (340 PS), offering generous space, comfort, and versatility for long-distance travel. Its combination of sustainability and performance set it apart from premium German competitors.
Tayron: Versatile and Spacious SUV for Families
The new Tayron secures the title of Best Family Car, demonstrating Volkswagen’s mastery in delivering space, comfort, and modern technology. Positioned between the Tiguan and Touareg, the Tayron can be equipped with seven seats and tow up to 2.5 tonnes, making it ideal for family adventures. Its flexible interior and high-quality features clearly impressed the jury.
T-Roc: Excellence Under €40,000
The new T-Roc has been enhanced across the board, offering more space, comfort, and advanced hybrid technology. With a sporty yet elegant design and innovative assistance systems derived from higher-class models, it claims the editorial prize for the Best Car Under €40,000. This recognition reflects Volkswagen’s ability to combine affordability with premium features.
A Historic Achievement for Volkswagen
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, commented:
“Four Golden Steering Wheels at once – we are the first brand to achieve this. I am incredibly proud of the entire Volkswagen team. These awards confirm that our Volkswagen BOOST 2030 strategy is on the right track. With strong design, top quality, premium technologies and the right name – 100 per cent Volkswagen!”
The Golden Steering Wheel has been awarded annually since 1976, evaluating vehicles in areas such as drive, chassis, design, quality, sustainability, price-performance ratio, safety, and consumption. This year, 72 new models were considered, with readers of AUTO BILD and partner magazines determining the preliminary rankings. The finalists were then rigorously tested by a jury at Germany’s Lausitzring circuit, including trade journalists, racing drivers, and celebrity car enthusiasts.
With these four wins, Volkswagen not only demonstrates its versatility across segments but also reinforces its commitment to performance, innovation, and sustainability – setting a high standard for the automotive industry in 2025 and beyond.
Technical Highlights of the Winning Models:
| Model | Key Specs | Consumption & Emissions |
|---|---|---|
| Golf GTI EDITION 50 | 239 kW (325 PS), 420 Nm torque | 7.9–7.6 l/100 km; 179–173 g/km CO₂; Class G-F |
| ID.7 GTX Tourer | 250 kW (340 PS), dual-motor AWD | 16.6–18.8 kWh/100 km; 0 g/km CO₂; Class A |
