With all of the headlines that the Volkswagen GTI gets, it can be easy to forget that there is another turbocharged Volkswagen badged budget performance model, the Jetta GLI. First making its debut in 1984, the GLI attempted to blend the GTI’s traits in a slightly more sedate four-door sedan wrapper. While VW’s marketing department has never given the model not as much attention as it should have, the four-door has still managed to garner a legion of fans, and VW is looking to pay homage with the limited production 2024 40th-Anniversary Edition GLI.
Styling Package Adds Retro Flair, Performance Remains Unchanged
Volkswagen hasn’t made any key changes to the GLI’s core identity, but the 40th-Anniversary Edition does get some minor extra touches, including 40th-anniversary badging on the front fenders as well as black 18-inch wheels. The package restricts you to three paint colors: Pure Gray, Pure White, and Rising Blue.
Meanwhile, the interior gets more attention, with the cloth pattern on the front seats being designed to create a “one-of a-kind fingerprint.” Volkswagen claims that the pattern will vary on each car though it will be interesting to see just how extensive the differences will be when two 40th Anniversary Edition models are viewed side by side. Other add-ons include a 40th-anniversary emblem on the steering wheel, GLI 1984 lettering on the cupholder tray, and GLI 40 seat tags and front door sills.
Performance for the 2024 GLI 40th Anniversary Edition remains unchanged when viewed alongside its mainstream cousins, with these models retaining the 228-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic was featured in Volkswagen’s press images, but it remains unclear whether the six-speed manual transmission will also be added to the package. The rest of the upgrades are also carried over to this version, including the DCC system and the larger brakes.
When Can I Buy One?
The 2024 Volkswagen GLI 40th Anniversary Edition is slated to come to a VW showroom near you this summer, and the first units could be on their way out as we speak. Pricing starts at $28,085, with production being limited to 1,984 units before Volkswagen pulls the plug. It’s unknown if Volkswagen will make another iteration of the GLI due to increased CUV demand and its large sales gap when viewed alongside the GTI hatchback so this 40th Anniversary Edition model might be one of your final opportunities to add one to your garage.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.