I'm not at all knocking this video, but I really dont think some people understand this version of the GLI. As an owner of a new GLI and a master VW tech, there's some things that I'd like to try to clear up as best as I can. The first thing is that this GLI is NOT a GTI in a Jetta skin. While it may share a lot of the GTI DNA, it is however still a Jetta. I'm sure some will argue that point, but whatever. The one question I've had SO frequently recently is the engine. "Why didn't VW use the same engine in the GLI as they did in the GTI"? Well, they did! The Jetta GLI does share the very same engine as the GTI. The answer to that is very simple and that is marketing and image. The VW brand was severely tarnished by the MK3 GTI in the mid to late 90's. A large majority of those vehicles came with the same 2.0L 8v engine found in the regular golfs and jetta. Some of those did come with the optional VR6 engine, but more were built with the 2.0L. Back then you paid extra for a GTI package and never really got an actual GTI. Most people in the world could hear the term GTI, and know immediately what kind of vehicle it is. That's the marketing side of that. The image side of it would be to keep the GTI at the top. The GTI is the bread and butter to VW. For VW to make a better and faster GLI that can outperform the GTI would kill the GTI. Lets face it, you just don't compete with family. It's also the very same reason that GM killed off the Buick Grand National. That car was faster than the Corvette, and GM knew it. The Grand National was a threat to the Corvette, and GM pulled the program from Buick to avoid hurting the image of the Corvette. As a Grand National owner as well, I do get some bad looks from the Vette owners. Now, lets get back to the Jetta. The horsepower numbers of the GLI and GTI are only off by 13HP. It's not a huge difference, but it is a difference. Plus the GTI in many cases weighs less than the GLI. 13 more horses in a car that weighs less equals a faster car. The only difference is really in the ECU programming of the two vehicles. THEY HAVE THE VERY SAME ENGINE! There is no difference at all. It's the same EA888 engine design. Yes, there are some people that feel this iteration of the GLI could've been better, but you have to remember about the GTI. VW will protect the GTI at all costs, including making the GLI less attractive to some buyers by sacrificing quality. That alone would get some people looking at the GTI instead of the GLI. VW can make the GTI better than the GLI, charge more for a GTI, and get more people into a GTI. The GLI I think is a great car! I have no regrets buying the newest version of it. The newest version of the GTI just has a real funky dashboard setup, with most people use to seeing a gear shifter of some sort in the center console, that is no longer there. Your gear shifter in the DSG models is a tiny little toggle switch now. Someone PLEASE tell me how that's sporty looking! I cant wait for those to start coming in on tow trucks because someone spilled there morning coffee on that switch and now there car wont move. Is the GTI better than the GLI? It all depends on who you ask and what there opinions on both are. I believe both have there strengths and weaknesses. The GLI is and always will be a Jetta, and will always be second to the GTI.

I’ve had my 2023 for a little over a year and love it!

Just bought this car in white today. I owned a 15 GTI before, couldnt fit my golf bag in the trunk. For that alone, the GLI is the better decision for me. Also like $10k less, at the moment.

@alexgayer85

3 ай бұрын

Ironic that a car named Golf is no good to take you golfing. Lol

Insane GLI Ben !! ❤❤

I will never umderstand why they use the GLI S for the 40th anniversary rather than the GLI Autobahn.

@sleepy35th

8 ай бұрын

it’s lighter

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

@@sleepy35th 26 pounds lol.

@sleepy35th

5 ай бұрын

@@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer they use the autobahn outside of the USA for the base of the anniversary trim 🤷🏽‍♂️

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

5 ай бұрын

@@sleepy35th Here in Canada the 40th is almost identical to the Autobahn 2023 without the leather. Meaning the Autobahn 2023 is still the top dog.

I’d still take the gti over this. I have a 2019 gti and a 2024 Gli, and while I enjoy driving both, I still would rather drive the gti. Getting the Gli was as close as I could get to convincing the wife to get a 2nd gti. So she gets a new sedan, and I get another gti engine, lol

I bought my first VW Jetta 2 years ago during the pandemic, and I really wanted a Honda Civic, but due to the limited availability in the market the Jetta was the only viable option. Nevertheless, so far I am happy with my Jetta and didn’t realize how much space this car offers, both in the passenger seat and the trunk. I wasn’t sure about financing it either, so I chose leasing instead. We will see.

Ben, I really like your reviews. You do great work. I would just request that you expand your reviews to include some highway driving and some curvy roads to offer your audience a more complete picture. Best wishes!

Man, you never get out on a highway or on a curvy road. Is it just the agreement you have with all the dealers? Hard to get a good feel for a lot of cars at such low speeds and next to no g forces.

I personally don't think it's an argument of what's better, gti mk8 or gli mk7.5. it's about what fit your needs. I had a GTI mk7 and it could not fit 2 kids car seats comfortably. Also trunk space was not ad practical (did not fit strollere we have). But it was better for home depot trips because of the hatch. So if i was 19yo i would prefer a GTI, but as an adult, the GLI fits my family needs better.

I think the biggest difference with these and the GTI mechanically is the engine. I really wanted a GLI but i couldn't get past the fact that it still uses the Gen 3 EA888. The EA888 EVO in the GTI is a beast and takes 87 octane while making more power. Not sure if the GLI is made for 87 stock or not.

@sleepy35th

8 ай бұрын

91/93

@gigglybeast

8 ай бұрын

He didn’t even seem to know that. It was clear when he said it was just a GTI in Jetta skin.

@redmk8

7 ай бұрын

the EA888 Evo4 is so much better honestly you can definitely feel the difference. the MK8 GTI 40th gets a lot of hate for no reason it’s crazy. the key fob is also different

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

Yes it is but I use more nonetheless.

2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2.0T 7-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic Autobahn 40th Anniversary Edition!

How is this way better than the GTI?. Only thing it does better is rear seat room and comes with more standard features than the base s GTI. Driving and performance wise the GTI is on another level with steering, suspension, feedback/engagement. If you are more after comfort GLI, but performance and engagement wise it's a bigger difference than you'd think.

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

Not for the price difference.

The DSG is going to limit your RPM up-shift and downshift range. You shifted up and down and didn't give it any gas. What did you expect? I have the 22 Autobahn black package and it shifts the best in Sport mode. I think I might trade my 23 Taos Sel for a Golf, I don't know yet. I really want to see what the Gen 4 Ea888 feels like.

I with would like to get both to bd honest.. I do have a 2017 Jetta S

I get that part of the appeal might be that it is cheaper than the GTI, but as long as I can remember it has always had less horsepower, if VW used the same exact engine, meaning tuning, would it not save them a little bit of money, and increase the appeal?

I am waiting for my 2024 GLI. Hopefully this month

@WarrenMI84

8 ай бұрын

I just picked up my 2024 40th anniversary edition October, 6, 2024. Im absolutely in love with this car.

@backtoshallabal6662

8 ай бұрын

@@WarrenMI84 how long was the wait time?

@WarrenMI84

8 ай бұрын

Hey you get you car yet?

@backtoshallabal6662

8 ай бұрын

@@WarrenMI84 Nah man I'm kinda pissed. LEts see when the date passes the original ETA maybe I should haggle them

@WarrenMI84

8 ай бұрын

I’m in USA. I actually never got a official ETA from the dealer I just got a text a week later hey your car is here!

Test drove both a 23 GLI and the new 24 GTI 380. Took home the GTI. By far head and shoulders above the GLI and the GTI is the base model

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

You're tripping.

@basslover352

6 ай бұрын

​​​@@Quadruple-Vaxxed-BoomerIve driven both. GTI hands down thr faster and better drivers car. Better chassis tuning for spirited drives. If you want more room and value thr GLI is better. im guessing you havent driven both and only own the GLI.

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

@@basslover352 I've owned both, and the GTI feel like a rigid cube compared to the GLI. Once tuned to stage 3, the GLI is far superior because, in part, of its chassis.

@basslover352

6 ай бұрын

​@@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomerif you think a gti in comfort mode is rigid/stiff you are buying the wrong car. It's not a luxury car.

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

@@basslover352 I don't think you understand what I am saying.

"This is nice... this is cool"

Wanna do a 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI review before you compare?

does nobody signal anymore when they drive? or is that not the law in Salt Lake?

WAY better in that it has a bigger backseat and trunk. Otherwise, not.

Best performance VW is a GTI automatic

@gigglybeast

8 ай бұрын

Most fun is the manual.

Feels like they skimped out on some features on this gen

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

Yes, in order to drop the price a little, the Autobahn 2023 is more expensive.

@Tony99992000

2 ай бұрын

No vents or USB connectivity in the rear. That's not a lot to ask for and it has zilch.

Those seats are hideous though. Everything else is pretty nice for the $$

GLI Autobahn more features same as GTI Autobahn

Doesn’t feel as quick as the golf because the golf has more horsepower..lol

biggest difference is the engine EA888 Evo4 also the key fob on the GTI 40th is also 10x better lmao

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

So you pay 12 000 $ more for a key fob ? lmao

@basslover352

6 ай бұрын

​​@@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomerits 8k more for an se gti vs the 40th GLI. you must have canada specs. S model is the best value dor the gti in the low 30's.

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

@@basslover352 The GTI is near 50,000$ in Canada, overpriced.

The red trim paint around the fake vents make it look cheap and goofy.

@Tony99992000

2 ай бұрын

I always think that too. If I bought one they would definitely be painted black!

I have a 2023 Jetta SE. Paid $26,400. I see very little difference aside from the red trim and digital cockpit.

@balthazar2136

8 ай бұрын

The engine on the GLI is significantly bigger, different transmission, different suspension...a lot of different things between a GLI and a regular Jetta.

@MrGooch2706

8 ай бұрын

@@balthazar2136 Figured as much.... that's where the price tag jumps. Nothing really different from the general interior. My Jetta serves me well. Don't feel the need for the extra speed.

@federal6616

8 ай бұрын

It has the old engine updates. 228hp vs 241 I believe.

@pabloromero2532

7 ай бұрын

It’s cause it’s the 40th edition. The Autobahn has way more features then SE

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

Try your luck at the red light with the GLI autobahn and you will understand the difference.

It’s cheaper with ‘old school’ infotainment systems. And that’s about the ONLY thing that makes it better than the GTI.

I really love those cars but expensive bad long term reliability.

@myhandlewastakenandIgaveup

8 ай бұрын

They make great leases! That is honestly the only way I would drive any german car or high end italian like a maserati.

@balthazar2136

8 ай бұрын

@@Brian_Eugene_Lee Doesn't matter nowadays as cars are made by robots. They have the same softwares and the same machines in Mexico than in Germany. This isn't like 10-15 years ago.

@gyishin

8 ай бұрын

​@@balthazar2136Different labor laws, and service though. German manufacturing is way different than manufacturing in a country with lower wages/regulations. True for Japan, etc. Better quality control, etc.

@kd6836

8 ай бұрын

In 2018, I bought an Atlas. I bought a 2019 Beetle, Jetta SEL and a 2022 Taos. Out of the 200,000 total miles currently on them, there has been one trip to the dealer for unscheduled work for all of them. One. I’ve owned nothing more dependable. We are looking for a 2024 GLI Autobahn 6 speed when we can find one in black. VW isn’t overstyled like most other brands and is every bit as dependable. Time will tell, but these cars I bought for my kids, have held up very well. That’s my experience. Much better than the last few Toyotas and Hondas I’ve had.

@enriquet548

8 ай бұрын

@@kd6836 I’ve had a 98 Jetta and 2007 Audi A4, 140k is like the limit before extreme expenses or breakdowns.

2024 GTI is definitely much more refined than this

@calebniederhofer6529

8 ай бұрын

It depends on the need honestly. I drive the GTI and actually didn’t care for it as much. I believe the sedan to be more practical for most people and the GLI is quieter. If all I wanted was performance, but I don’t see the value of the GLI at the higher price point.

@arisgolseen2693

8 ай бұрын

@calebniederhofer6529 The hatch definitely makes it more practical with more space. The bigger and better turbo plus adjustment of suspensions makes a better handling. Idk which source you got the gli being quieter but it's definitely not that big as GTI is quiet enough already for its class. GLI is still a step behind but the price makes up for it.

@calebniederhofer6529

8 ай бұрын

@@arisgolseen2693 The power output is in the tuning lol. Respectfully, You are not educated about the topic. The GTI and GLI have the same motor.

@arisgolseen2693

8 ай бұрын

@@calebniederhofer6529 GTI has a 22.8 cu ft GLI has 15.5 which is more storage especially with headliner. GTI has upgraded bigger turbo with garett compared to GLIs carry over of IS20 GTI front spring rate is up 5% and rear is 15% higher this from last gen improving cornering and steering response Stock for stock in their current gens GTI is still the more nimble and peppy of the two. Also personally I find the body style of the GLI ordinary looking compared to previous gens. I also like the mk7 GTI body style more but the new look isn't as boring. Tuning is another topic but obviously GTI has a lot of that lol

@calebniederhofer6529

8 ай бұрын

@@arisgolseen2693 I own one lol. I am very familiar with the specifications and features of both. I have driven both and personally prefer the sedan, as a daily driver. These have the same exact motors, the only performance difference is in the tuningx suspension, interior design. You can do a stage 1 tune and add considerable amount of power, so that is not a reason to buy the GTI. The GTI will handle slightly better and is built in Germany. I personally like the sedan, but for someone wanting the most performance oriented experience, The GTI is the better options. Value wise the GLI is the better buy. Also, you are talking about the GTI R, which is a completely different topic.

Jetta should have used the GTI motor...its not as good in any way shape or form IMO

Jetta is so big now

I have always owned VW GLI my first car was 1987 Gli they were great cars but stopped buying in 2011 the looks and cheap interior has kept me away even this one ugly on inside and outside I can not believe how VW ruined this car they drive excellent but sitting in a 2007 GLi is a long way from a 2024 as far as interior feel / textures

If you could drive a stick, you would not put this car above the GTI, lol.

This video makes me glad I bought the GTI. lol

@redmk8

7 ай бұрын

LMAO same

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

Do you still like that little ridiculous button that serve as transmission ? 😂

Volkswagen have lost their minds. $30,000.00 for a 4-cylinder sedan? I don't get why people buy "performance" sedans... little emphasis on the "performance" aspect of that description. Sorry folks, not trying to be rude... always looked at sedans as "Mom and Pop" cars. So, VW is charging those ridiculous prices for basically an "S" model 4-cylinder mom and pop sedan? I know, I know... the "Mom and Pop" designation is all in the eyes of the beholder. These newer Jetta's kinda' remind me of a Ford Fusion or similar, from a side/rear view. The front looks nice. I will say one thing... at least the infotainment system is better than the Mk8 GTI's. It even has REAL knobs! Who would have thought of such a thing? Although, that infotainment system is right out of my Mk7. It's like a Mk7 infotainment system (yes, that is what it appears to be as far as I can tell from the review), yet it resembles a Golf R/Mk8 GTI in the digital gauges department. Weird. I MUCH PREFER that infotainment system than the Mk8 GTI's system with all of the false, haptic "feel" buttons and sliders. It appears to have a Mk7 GTI Autobahn HVAC system and controls also. Again, weird! Body wise... I think the GTI is King over this, in my opinion. Then again, I like hatchbacks better. This is obviously only my opinion. To each his own! Interior is nice-looking for a sedan [except for the seats]... don't care much for those. Then again, I don't care much for the Mk8 GTI or R seats either. Does anyone think they could have at least offered full leather throughout? Thanks for the review.

Heard you may be doing a video on my new k5 gt at jerry seiner. Give me a shout out. Kaleb Rugh air force veteran

Nice try, I guess...maybe, do more research before coming up with some half-baked hot take. It's a bargain because you get noteably less. You aren't "paying for a name" you are paying for higher quality interior and a new and improved generation of engine. Don't get me wrong, the GLI is great and worth the money...but there are tangible reasons why the GTI is better.

Not better than a GTI.

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

Overall, yes.

I prefer the GLI but this generation is hideous

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

Says no one ever.

The poor man’s BMW!

@calebniederhofer6529

8 ай бұрын

Not really lol. This car outperforms the 3 series and has more features.

@backtoshallabal6662

8 ай бұрын

@@calebniederhofer6529 outperforms a 2023 330i?

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

@@backtoshallabal6662 Easy, the 2023 GLI autobahn is way more zippy.

@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer

6 ай бұрын

That is the comment of someone who lost track about VW evolution during the last years...80% of the BMW on the streets are bought use by broke people and the GLI outperform a whole bunch of them.

@calebniederhofer6529

6 ай бұрын

@@backtoshallabal6662 The 330is faster stock, but you can do a mild tune to the GLI. The GLI is also much more reliable longterm. I hate BMW.

Nothing about this is better than a gti. Slower, less functional, handles worse. Looks worse. Okay ben.

Car looks very cheap