While VW’s electric cars have flirted with astonishing and innovative interior design strategies like “not being almost entirely trimmed in black,” the Jetta GLI sticks to a tried-and-tested sober aesthetic. A sprinkling of red accents try their best to lift the black cloth seats, and there’s some matching trim on the steering wheel and faux-woodgrain dashboard panels, but it all feels fairly unimaginative.
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The equipment levels aren’t bad, mind. Dual-zone climate control — with easy-to-use physical controls — and heated front seats are standard, as are three USB ports (two in the center console, one in the center armrest) and multicolor ambient lighting. A 10.25-inch digital display cluster, keyless entry, and wireless charging are also included, along with blind spot warnings, adaptive cruise control, lane-assist, and rear traffic alerts.
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VW’s 8-inch touchscreen isn’t the largest infotainment display out there, but it’s more than sufficient for the Jetta GLI’s pared-back, monochromatic interface. Or, there’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. If only the six-speaker audio system didn’t sound so lackluster and weedy; the Autobahn trim upgrades it to a Beats Audio system, as well as throwing in leather seats, a panoramic glass roof, and front seat ventilation.
