[Portimao Blues]

As the title says, I turned in my leased 2021 M340i xDrive. I was over my allotted mileage, so leasing was no longer an option, due to the amount of driving I now do, and financing a new M340 had payments well over $1,000 a month.

Call it a mid-life crisis of sorts, but I've always wanted a Golf R! So, I decided to pull the trigger on a new 2024 Lapiz Blue MK8! After a long and at times frustrating search, I found one for MSRP ($48,584) with no add-ons, at a dealership just outside of Philadelphia. I called about 20 dealers in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, and I was shocked that most were asking $5K over MSRP, with a few even asking $10K over!

I couldn't be happier with the Golf R in terms of performance, comfort, features, and utility. It has all of the creature comforts of my M340, with the addition of cooled front seats! The tech interface on the M340 is definitely better, but the Golf R's is not as bad as some of the reviews I've seen.

This is one fun car to drive! I especially love the drive modes - it even has drift mode and launch control! The exhaust note with Race and Nürburgring modes is sweet. My friends thought it was an aftermarket exhaust! I also like the Golf R's ambient lighting, which allows for more customization than the M340.

I already had PPF installed on the entire front of the vehicle and 30% tint done. I had it coded to remember the last drive mode selection, and to disable the annoying start/stop function. Ceramic coating and spacers are next!

This may only be a temporary farewell, as I usually get a new car every three years. So, chances are I may return to BMW!

Below are some pictures.

Cheers!

[dancing__narwhal]

Congrats. As a former GTI owner I get the appeal. Hope to see you back in the BMW community again soon 😎

[madpistol]

She's purdy!

Those cars are super fun to drive. Enjoy it!

[bavarianride]

I just read the Golf R spec sheet:

0-60 3.9 seconds
1/4 mile 13.4 sec @106mph
7-speed dual clutch
3360lb
2.0L turbo 315HP/310lb-ft
AWD
103.5-in wheelbase

Those numbers look quite impressive.

What is the weight distribution of the car? How does it perform in corners?

[Portimao Blues]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

I just read the Golf R spec sheet:

0-60 3.9 seconds
1/4 mile 13.4 sec @106mph
7-speed dual clutch
3360lb
2.0L turbo 315HP/310lb-ft
AWD
103.5-in wheelbase

Those numbers look quite impressive.

What is the weight distribution of the car? How does it perform in corners?

Those numbers don't lie!

I could not find the F/R weight distribution anywhere.

The Golf R is more playful than the M340, understandably due to its dimensions and weight. The 1/4 mile for the 7-speed is actually 12.5 sec @ 111mph. I haven't really pushed it hard, as I have less than 1,000 miles on it. However, in Sport and Race mode settings, handling is crisp, dialed-in, and sure-footed, thanks to the AWD system with torque vectoring rear differential. Because I live in NJ, I just swapped out the summer performance tires for a set of Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4s, which as you would expect, don't disappoint. I'm very happy thus far!

[G30M]

have they replaced the haptic touch with real buttons yet?

[G30M]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

What is the weight distribution of the car? How does it perform in corners?

it's got a trick drift diff at the rear that swings the butt around when you are on power. but severe understeer if you don't power around.

[connerry330i]

Originally Posted by Portimao Blues

As the title says, I turned in my leased 2021 M340i xDrive. I was over my allotted mileage, so leasing was no longer an option, due to the amount of driving I now do, and financing a new M340 had payments well over $1,000 a month.

Call it a mid-life crisis of sorts, but I've always wanted a Golf R! So, I decided to pull the trigger on a new 2024 Lapiz Blue MK8! After a long and at times frustrating search, I found one for MSRP ($48,584) with no add-ons, at a dealership just outside of Philadelphia. I called about 20 dealers in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, and I was shocked that most were asking $5K over MSRP, with a few even asking $10K over!

I couldn't be happier with the Golf R in terms of performance, comfort, features, and utility. It has all of the creature comforts of my M340, with the addition of cooled front seats! The tech interface on the M340 is definitely better, but the Golf R's is not as bad as some of the reviews I've seen.

This is one fun car to drive! I especially love the drive modes - it even has drift mode and launch control! The exhaust note with Race and Nürburgring modes is sweet. My friends thought it was an aftermarket exhaust! I also like the Golf R's ambient lighting, which allows for more customization than the M340.

I already had PPF installed on the entire front of the vehicle and 30% tint done. I had it coded to remember the last drive mode selection, and to disable the annoying start/stop function. Ceramic coating and spacers are next!

This may only be a temporary farewell, as I usually get a new car every three years. So, chances are I may return to BMW!

Below are some pictures.

Cheers!

A MK6 Golf R was my last of 3 VW's in a row before coming over to BMW back in 2014. 4 Bimmers later I may do a MK8.5 R next time around. Enjoy...add a lil somethin' from APR+ and you can have yourself a really good time in that thing.

[Portimao Blues]

Originally Posted by g21

have they replaced the haptic touch with real buttons yet?

VW is supposed to be addressing the steering wheel buttons and tech interface with the MK8.5 LCI, which is due out in 2025.

[Portimao Blues]

Originally Posted by connerry330i

A MK6 Golf R was my last of 3 VW's in a row before coming over to BMW back in 2014. 4 Bimmers later I may do a MK8.5 R next time around. Enjoy...add a lil somethin' from APR+ and you can have yourself a really good time in that thing.

Yup, agreed! I was already looking at the APR ECU and TCU upgrades, as well as an intake!

[tturedraider]

Congratulations!! Good looking hot hatch!! Personally I’m not into hot hatches, but that is definitely a good looking hatch!!

[m440i804]

Nice car. Enjoy.

[Montaver]

Cool car, although why not just buy out the M340?

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by Montaver

Cool car, although why not just buy out the M340?

Thanks for asking that! I meant to do it.

[Portimao Blues]

Originally Posted by Montaver

Cool car, although why not just buy out the M340?

It had too many miles on it. I got the dealer to buy out the lease so I didn't have to pay the mileage penalty. I also avoided having to pay for new brakes, tires, and other costly services if I kept it. This was factored into my decision.

Believe me, if it had low mileage, buying out the lease would have been a no-brainer.