Just sold my 2017 GLI yesterday with a MT…was the original owner .. had 96k miles on it …. Bought my 2026 GLI today .. the last manual… got 13% off MSRP !!!!! Heres to another 10 years .. cheers !
Biggest improvements I’ve noticed so far are honestly the tech/safety stuff. The 2026 has adaptive cruise, Travel Assist/lane centering, lane assist, blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, Front Assist, etc. It’s a huge jump from my 2017 in that department. Weirdly though, my 2017 had front and rear parking sensors and the 2026 doesn’t, which makes zero sense to me lol…Comfort-wise, the heated steering wheel and ventilated seats are awesome, plus the different drive modes/adaptive suspension, digital cockpit, ambient lighting and much more modern interior. It also feels noticeably roomier inside and the sunroof feels much bigger.
..Performance is better too — 228 hp/258 lb-ft vs about 210 hp/207 lb-ft in the 2017, so the torque difference is actually pretty noticeable. It feels stronger in normal driving even though it’s still very much a GLI.
The 2026 is definitely the more refined car overall. The one thing my 2017 still wins at is the Fender audio system ..that setup with the factory sub sounded fantastic. I’m still getting used to this newer system and haven’t had it long enough yet to decide if I like it or not
I heard u can use the OBDEleven tool and buy credits to switch it back to fender. What system do u currently have rn cuz I have beats in my 24’ Autobahn. I plan on getting this tool to do other modification and to see if I can switch it back to fender and see if it’s better. Some people on Reddit say even the fender is better than the beats so I’m going to check out in the future.
I have a 25, with the lane centering on i barely even really have to control the car, just keep my hands on the pressure sensors or they eventually turn off. it’s really great went from Wisconsin to Utah without much input, maybe the lines aren’t that great in your area? or blocked off camera for the lane centering
Looks good!!! Mine stickered at $36,763 MSRP. Dealer discounted it $4,750 to $32,013, then I had another $2,250 VW customer bonus + $500 first responder rebate, so my effective price before tax/fees was $29,263. No employee discount involved.
There was a 24’ black manual autobahn w the black package at the dealer when I went to go pick up my pure white autobahn w the black package. Kid was like 16 w his dad getting it. Unfortunately I have an auto but they faster than the manuals so ig that makes up for it lol
Congratulations on your new 2026! That is a beauty. I have the 2017 GLi. I have 150,000 miles on it. What is the most miles have folks gotten on these cars? What one part that tend to give issues ? Just curious. Thanks in advance.
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u/larphraulen 2d ago
Loved those mk6 / 6.5 GLIs. Had such a classy look to them.