ES DCT with Tech vs. VW GLI

I have to admit being interested in changing to a GLI (pre test drive) because of the 2.0 turbo torque, limited slip diff and the main thing being able to choose ride and handling via the GLI DCC (because our roads won't get better). An additional benefit to that with the GLI is the 45 aspect ratio tires, like the Aussies get with our car. In terms of loaded automatic compacts with decent performance and luxury options, that look good at a mainstream car price, these two are the only ones IMHO.


Getting into details, I find the GLI is somewhat 'decontented' making a decision difficult. There is no heated steering wheel, no Homelink, no proximity sensors (that has saved me $$ with the ES..lol) and no 'active' rear backup camera. The GLI has what I call the dreaded Start/Stop that can't be permanently disabled - have to turn it off every time the car is started. The GLI does have lots of sundry stuff like interior ambient lighting and power driver seat with lumbar and memory and ventilation in addition to heat. I think the GLI exterior looks a bit worse than my 2017 ES, but better than the 2019. To me the GLI interior isn't better than our cars. The GLI Beats audio vs. our Infinity system - probably close? Same 8" touchscreen size. And of course the GLI costs more.


What do you think?