In a record-setting performance that’s turning heads across the industry, Volkswagen has clinched four Golden Steering Wheel awards—an achievement no other automaker has managed in the prize’s 49-year history. For a brand mapping an ambitious path toward 2030, this clean sweep signals more than bragging rights; it’s a sign that Wolfsburg’s latest wave of engineering and design is resonating with both the public and the experts.
The Golden Steering Wheel—jointly awarded by AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG since 1976—is easily among Europe’s most respected automotive accolades. This year, 72 new models faced off across 17 criteria ranging from chassis tuning and drive technology to sustainability and overall value. After a broad reader poll, the top contenders were evaluated at the Lausitzring by a jury of auto journalists, pro racers, and well-known car aficionados.
The verdict? Volkswagen walked away with a trophy in nearly every direction you look—performance, EV innovation, family practicality, and attainable everyday motoring.
Golf GTI EDITION 50: Compact-Class Dominance
The GTI turns 50 next year, and Volkswagen is celebrating with what might be the greatest production GTI ever built. The Golf GTI EDITION 50 stormed through the compact segment, outpacing a pair of electric rivals—no small feat in an era where EV torque usually steals the show.
Under the hood, the anniversary GTI pushes 239 kW (325 PS) and 420 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful GTI to roll off a factory line. But this isn’t brute strength for its own sake; the EDITION 50 is dialed-in, responsive, and unmistakably GTI in character. It’s an enthusiast’s tribute wrapped in modern performance and design flourishes that nod respectfully at the badge’s heritage.
ID.7 GTX Tourer: Volkswagen’s Electric Performance Wagon Arrives
Wagons might be fading in some markets, but Volkswagen is determined to prove there’s life left in the body style—especially when you electrify it. The ID.7 GTX Tourer, the brand’s first fully electric estate, took top honors in the upper midsize category, beating out two premium German competitors.
With its 250 kW (340 PS) dual-motor AWD setup, the GTX Tourer blends EV refinement with real-world practicality: abundant cabin space, long-distance comfort, and the seamless traction that makes electric performance feel so effortlessly composed. It’s a compelling entry for drivers who want utility without giving up excitement.
Tayron: The New Family SUV Favorite
Volkswagen’s all-new Tayron claimed the title of best family car, rising above SUV offerings from the Czech Republic and Sweden. Slotting between the Tiguan and Touareg, the Tayron hits that sweet spot where space, features, and price converge.
It offers available seven-seat configuration, a towing capacity of up to 2.5 tons, and a tech suite that brings modern connectivity and safety to the forefront. Comfortable, versatile, and thoughtfully packaged, the Tayron feels engineered for the realities of busy family life—without sacrificing refinement.
T-Roc: Best Under €40,000
Rounding out Volkswagen’s four-trophy run is the reinvented T-Roc, which earned the editorial prize for Best Car Under €40,000. It’s more than a minor update: the latest T-Roc arrives with a sharper, sportier exterior, a roomier interior, elevated material quality, and a new hybrid lineup that pulls tech from VW’s higher-tier models.
The result is a compact crossover that punches well above its price point—precisely the sort of car that earns loyal followings in European cities.
A Strategic Win for VW’s Future
Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer was direct in his reaction: “Four Golden Steering Wheels at once – we are the first brand to achieve this.” He emphasized that the awards validate Volkswagen’s BOOST 2030 roadmap, which aims to position the brand as a technology leader among volume manufacturers.
With six new models slated to debut next year, this victory lap may be only the beginning of VW’s next great era. For now, though, four Golden Steering Wheels make it clear: the brand is firing on all cylinders—electric and otherwise.
Source: Volkswagen