The highly-anticipated 2020 Volkswagen Golf Mk8 is finally out and the really big news is that it comes with five hybrid drivetrains. The regular TSI engines are now paired to 48-volt systems, but Volkswagen also offers two proper hybrids with electric motors. One of them is basically similar to the old Mk7-generation GTE, but the new Mk8 GTE is a wild one and packs more punch than the outgoing GTI. I bet you didn't expect that.

The 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTE is a proper hot-hatch

While the regular gasoline Golfs are now fitted with 48-volt systems that don't add much performance-wise but improve on efficiency, the GTE features an electric motor, just like its predecessor. But Volkswagen now offers two versions. There's a base model with 204 PS (201 horsepower) that's identical to the Mk7 GTE, but the Germans also crafted a beefed-up variant that generates a solid 245 PS (242 horsepower). That's 18 horsepower more than the outgoing GTI! Granted, the GTI equipped with the Performance Pack is just as powerful, but it's still incredible to have a hybrid Golf with similar power ratings.

The 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTE is better than the GTI in almost every way

Before you bring out the tar and the feathers, I have to say that the new GTE probably doesn't sound as mean as the GTI under full throttle. But apart from that and the red body accents that make the GTI look cool, the GTE is the better car in every department. Not only is the new GTE a bit more powerful, but it's probably just as fast as well. Volkswagen has yet to reveal performance figures, but the new, 242-horsepower GTE should be notably quicker than the old model and just as quick as the GTI.

The old GTE needs around 7.6 seconds to hit 62 mph. But that's with 201 horsepower and old underpinnings. The extra 41 horsepower, the revised suspension, and the new tech behind the drivetrain plus the instant torque of the electric motor should help shave off at least a second compared to the old benchmark. Speaking of torque, this figure is still a mystery, but the electric motor should add enough to place it above the GTI, rated at 258 pound-feet. All told, the range-topping GTE should reach 62 mph in 6.4 seconds, similar to the old GTI, or even less.

Granted, the GTI can do 155 mph, but let's face it, you'll never get to that speed. Finally, the GTE gives you GTI power and performance with all-electric range. The new GTE runs for about 60 km (37 miles) on electricity alone so you can go green and silent where you don't need to floor the gas pedal.

The 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTE is the most powerful Mk8 so far

A premiere for the nameplate, the hybrid model is the most powerful vehicle in the lineup. Actually, both hybrids pack more punch than the available gasoline, diesel, and natural gas versions. That's because the most powerful gasoline and diesel models deliver 150 PS (148 horsepower), while the natural gas version comes with 130 PS (128 horsepower) on tap. The hybrids pack an extra 50 or almost 100 PS (49 or almost 99 horsepower), depending on the model you're looking at. That's proof that Volkswagen wasn't kidding when it made big promises about its electrification program.