For buyers who want European driving dynamics without the typical price tag, this German sports sedan hits a sweet spot. It proves that performance and prestige don’t have to cost a fortune, and that entry-level can still feel exceptional. Here’s why it’s the most affordable and well-rounded option in the segment for 2025.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.

The Cheapest German Sports Sedan Comes From Volkswagen

You may have been expecting something from one of the big three German automakers, but the most affordable German sports sedan actually comes from a brand that flies under the radar a little bit nowadays. Volkswagen's Jetta GLI competes against some heavy hitters and holds its own exceptionally well.

2025 Trims and Pricing

If you're looking for a small sporty car that you can drive daily, you are a bit spoiled for choice right now. Excellent cars, such as the Acura Integra Type S, the Hyundai Elantra N, and the Honda Civic Si, offer tons of fun at an affordable price. The Jetta GLI stands out for being one of the most affordable options, without sacrificing driving verve.

The 2025 model year comes in a single trim level, the Autobahn. There isn't much need for extra equipment, though, as this little sporty sedan comes exceptionally well-equipped for the price that you pay. Things like leather upholstery, a digital gauge cluster, and adaptive dampers are all standard kit, which is pretty impressive for a performance car that costs less than $35,000.

Changes For 2025

Volkswagen has left the GLI untouched in terms of mechanical equipment. This is not a bad thing in our eyes, though, as performance is pretty sharp as it stands. The Jetta GLI strikes a fine balance between daily driveability and raucous fun, and we don't blame Volkswagen for not fixing what isn't broken.

What the German brand has done, however, is give the Jetta a more modern look. The front bumper, grille, and headlights have all been changed to give the GLI a more contemporary and aggressive style. The back of the car has undergone similar changes, with a new lightbar spanning the width of the sedan. On the inside, the dashboard has also been reworked for the sake of a new and improved infotainment screen.

Warranties and Maintenance

• Limited Warranty - Four Years or 50,000 Miles
• Powertrain Warranty - Four Years or 50,000 Miles
• Complimentary Maintenance - Two Years or 20,000 Miles

Volkswagen's after-sales coverage is pretty decent, though it isn't likely to blow you away. The bumper-to-bumper coverage on offer is slightly longer than the average for this segment. The powertrain warranty is slightly below average, though, and well below the ten-year, 100,000-mile plan offered by Hyundai. Complimentary maintenance does sweeten the deal, however.

Volkswagen Has Built the Jetta GLI For Driving Enthusiasts

In the last couple of years, there has been a resurgence of cars that are being built for purists. Automakers have realized how much people want affordable cars that focus on driving engagement. The GLI is exactly that, and while it might not be as powerful as sports sedans from BMW, Audi, or Mercedes, it is exceptionally rewarding to drive.

Performance Specifications

We know that there will be plenty of people who feel that the GLI's performance falls short of "real" sports sedans. However, sportiness isn't all about straight line speed. The GLI is quick enough, though, beating many of its main competitors to 60 miles per hour, especially if you opt for the optional dual-clutch automatic.

While the automatic might be quicker, we'd stick with the standard manual transmission as it matches the identity of the German sedan. The Volkswagen is eager to tackle backroads, with plenty of agility on tap and plenty of steering feedback enhancing your connection to the car. The only improvement that could be made is that Volkswagen could offer a set of summer tires, like they do with the Golf GTI.

Fuel Economy

Usually, automatics fair better than manuals when it comes to fuel economy. However, in the GLI the standard six-speed transmission is more efficient than the dual-clutch automatic. The difference isn't large by any means, though, meaning you aren't penalized when filling up your gas tank either way.

The GLI's fuel economy estimates are on par with many of the sedans core rivals. It is also more than reasonable for a car that you plan to drive every day.

Safety and Driver Assists

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Intelligent Crash Response System
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Adaptive Cruise Control

Volkswagen has loaded the Jetta GLI with driver assists, with even features like automatic high beams and lane-keep assist being standard. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go is also included from the word go, which definitely makes the sedan more liveable than you'd expect. The NHTSA has put the GLI through crash testing and awarded it five stars out of five for safety.

Volkswagen Keeps Things Sensible On the Inside of the Jetta GLI

Of all the German brands, Volkswagen is certainly the most conservative when it comes to styling. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, with their cars feeling more refined and grown up than a lot of their rivals. This is definitely the case for the GLI, though VW includes a good dose of red trim to remind you that it is sporty.

Interior Dimensions and Comfort

For a car in this segment, the Jetta GLI is pretty spacious on the inside. Headroom is a little tighter than some other sedans on the market, and the tallest of drivers might feel a little bit cramped. Beyond that, though, it offers a pretty good amount of room in both the front and the back. Cargo capacity is also above average, with a ton of space in the trunk for whatever cargo you need to haul.

The interior design in the GLI is pretty similar to the regular Jetta, with a few bits of red trim to differentiate things, as well as a GLI badge on the steering wheel. It comes well-equipped though, with tons of standard comfort features. Things like dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and leather-trimmed upholstery are all included.

Infotainment and Technology

Every Jetta GLI now comes equipped with a new eight-inch infotainment system, added for the 2025 model year. This system is exceptionally user-friendly, with easy-to-navigate menus. It also responds quickly to inputs. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features. The GLI also comes with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster.

There are plenty of USB-C ports for you to charge your smartphone, but a wireless smartphone charging pad is also included. Keyless entry is also standard, with the option of subscribing to VW's connected services meaning you can control a ton of core functions from your smartphone as well. A 400-watt, eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system will also please most audiophiles.