What is the usage tutorial for the Golf 8 electronic gear shifter?

[OscarFitz]

Here is the usage tutorial for the Golf 8 electronic gear shifter: 1. After starting the vehicle, it defaults to P (Park) gear. Press the brake, hold the lock button on the gear shifter, pull it inward, and the D (Drive) gear light will illuminate, shifting into D gear. 2. Similarly, press the brake while in D gear, hold the lock button on the gear shifter, push it forward once, and the N (Neutral) gear light will illuminate, shifting into N gear. 3. While in N gear, press the brake, hold the lock button on the gear shifter, and push it forward once more to illuminate the R (Reverse) gear light, shifting into R gear. 4. To shift into P (Park) gear, simply press the brake and press the P button to engage the parking gear, regardless of the current gear position.

[StCourtney]

When I first drove the Golf 8, I was particularly curious about that small electronic gear lever and didn’t know how to use it. Later, I figured it out, and the basic operations are as follows: After getting in the car, sit firmly, press the brake pedal, and then press the start button to ignite the engine. At this point, it defaults to the P gear, which is the parking gear. To reverse, continue pressing the brake and gently pull the gear lever backward to the R position—the reversing camera will automatically turn on to assist. For normal driving, just shift to D gear, and it will automatically change gears. If you need to stop temporarily, such as at a red light, you can shift to N gear (neutral) to save some fuel. When parking, you must shift back to P gear before turning off the engine—this is crucial for protecting the transmission. I’ve tried its manual mode, using the buttons on the side of the gear lever to shift up or down, which gives a better sense of control when driving on mountain roads. But remember, you can’t shift gears without pressing the brake—it’s a safety feature. After using it for a while, it saves a lot of space, making the interior look clean and comfortable. Don’t rush at first; once you get used to it, it’s super convenient.

[MacVincent]

As a driver with years of experience, I truly appreciate the design of the Golf 8's electronic gear shifter. The core operation involves starting by pressing the brake pedal to ensure safety. The gear positions include P for parking, R for reverse, N for neutral, and D for driving, with a lightweight and easy-to-use lever. For daily driving, the D mode intelligently adjusts speed for fuel efficiency; N mode is suitable for short stops; and R mode, when engaged with the rearview camera, enhances safety during reversing. The manual mode can be switched via buttons on the side of the lever, simulating the fun of manual driving. Remember the correct parking procedure: shift to P mode before turning off the engine to prevent system damage. Always check dashboard prompts to avoid misuse, such as receiving a warning when attempting to shift to P at high speeds. Overall, it's user-friendly, reduces mechanical maintenance hassles, and is well-suited for family trips.

[DelJuliet]

Driving the Golf 8 daily for commuting, the electronic gear lever has simplified my driving routine. After stepping on the brake to start the car, just shift to D gear and go—effortless for city commuting. At red lights, switching to N gear gives a brief rest, and starting up is quick and smooth. When reversing into a parking spot, shifting to R gear with the help of the rearview camera is a great convenience. Gear changes are smooth, just a light push with the fingers—no effort needed. Before parking, shifting to P gear and then turning off the engine has become second nature. It saves the space of a traditional lever, keeping the interior tidy and spacious. Simple and reliable, running errands or picking up the kids is completely stress-free.