Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2.0T and S are the straightforward Jetta GLI trims, built for drivers who want turbo power and sport-sedan handling without the Autobahn’s extra luxury features. The 35th and 40th Anniversary Editions keep that performance focus but add adaptive suspension and model-specific styling. The Autobahn sits at the top as the comfort-and-tech trim. It combines the GLI’s performance hardware with leather seating, more cabin technology, and upscale everyday features.
The Base Model trim level, sold as the 2.0T and S, is the straightforward GLI with core turbo performance and a simpler, cloth-trimmed cabin.
Best for: Drivers who value the GLI’s performance and everyday practicality more than luxury extras.
Highlights
The Special Editions trim level, covering the 35th and 40th Anniversary Editions, is the commemorative GLI with adaptive suspension and exclusive anniversary details.
Best for: Enthusiasts who want distinctive styling and adjustable suspension without the Autobahn’s luxury focus.
Highlights
Adds adaptive suspension and anniversary-specific styling to the straightforward GLI formula; the 40th also brings a broader driver-assistance suite and newer cabin technology.
2 in stock
The Fully Loaded trim level, sold as the Autobahn, is the upscale GLI that combines its performance hardware with more comfort and cabin technology.
Best for: Drivers who want a sporty compact sedan without giving up leather seating and everyday comfort features.
Highlights
Trades the commemorative theme for an upscale cabin, adding leather seating with ventilation, a heated steering wheel, premium sound, and wireless charging.
22 in stock| Feature | Base Model | Fully Loaded | Special Editions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | 2.0T, S4 in stock | Autobahn22 in stock | 35th Anniversary Edition, 40th Anniversary Edition2 in stock |
| Lineup role | Straightforward performance trim | Comfort-and-tech trim | Commemorative performance trim |
| Turbo engine output | 200 hp in 2.0T; 228 hp in S | 228 hp | 228 hp |
| Suspension | Sport-tuned independent suspension | Adaptive chassis control with modes | Adaptive suspension |
| Front seats | Heated cloth sport seats | Heated and ventilated leather seats | Heated sport seats; 40th-specific cloth on 40th |
| Touchscreen and phone integration | 6.5-inch touchscreen in S years | 8-inch system; wireless integration in later years | 6.5-inch on 35th; 8-inch wireless system on 40th |
| Driver assistance | Simpler setup without upper-trim add-ons | Travel Assist, adaptive cruise, lane keeping, and alerts | 35th has key alerts; 40th adds adaptive cruise and more |
| Design theme | Standard GLI appearance | Autobahn’s upscale cabin focus | 35th- or 40th-specific details |
The Autobahn is the comfort-and-technology-focused GLI. On newer models it combines the full performance hardware with leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a digital instrument display, premium audio and an adaptive suspension.
The S was the straightforward GLI through 2021. It kept the 228-hp turbo engine, limited-slip front differential and sport suspension, but used cloth seats and a simpler touchscreen instead of the Autobahn’s added comfort and technology.
On the older GLI, 2.0T identifies the turbocharged 2.0-liter model rather than a recent trim level. The 2009 version made 200 hp and included sport suspension, heated cloth sport seats and bi-xenon headlights.
The Autobahn adds a more upscale cabin and more technology. Depending on the year, upgrades include leather seating, a larger touchscreen, a digital instrument display, extra driver assistance, premium audio, wireless phone charging and adaptive suspension.
The 35th Anniversary Edition keeps the S trim’s core 228-hp turbo performance but adds adjustable suspension damping, a Comfort driving mode, black exterior details and special GLI 35 badging. It remains more simply equipped than the Autobahn.
The 40th Anniversary Edition is the more stripped-back, enthusiast-focused version. It has the same 228-hp engine, limited-slip differential and adaptive suspension, but uses special cloth seats and anniversary details instead of the Autobahn’s leather, sunroof and premium-audio extras.
Both are limited-run GLIs with special trim and adaptive suspension, but they come from different points in the current generation. The 35th uses a smaller 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the newer 40th has an 8-inch wireless smartphone interface, a digital instrument display and a broader safety suite.
The Autobahn is the clear fit. In newer examples it adds leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone connectivity and charging, a digital instrument display and premium audio.
Look at the S for earlier current-generation cars or the 40th Anniversary Edition for a newer special edition. Both keep the important performance hardware while using cloth seats and leaving out some of the Autobahn’s luxury extras.
Within the 2019-and-newer generation, the S, Autobahn and anniversary editions share a 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Older GLIs differ; the 2009 2.0T version is described with 200 hp.
The 35th and 40th Anniversary Editions include adaptive suspension. Autobahn made it standard starting in 2020 and continues to pair it with selectable driving modes on newer models. Earlier trim equipment should be checked by model year.
The S and both anniversary editions use heated cloth sport seats, with special upholstery in the anniversary models. The Autobahn is the leather-focused trim; on newer examples its perforated leather front seats are both heated and ventilated.
Volkswagen simplified the lineup to Autobahn only for 2022 and 2023, briefly added the 40th Anniversary Edition for 2024, then returned to a single Autobahn trim from 2025. Earlier current-generation cars may instead be S, Autobahn or the 35th Anniversary Edition.