VW

Volkswagen boss reveals first details about Golf 9

The Volkswagen Golf 9 will be fully electric, but it won't hit the market until 2028. However, the current Golf with internal combustion engines will not disappear, but will continue to be sold in parallel for some time.

The first sketch of the next generation of Golf was published a few weeks ago, but concrete information is still scarce. Media representatives spoke to Thomas Schaefer, who confirmed that development is "on track", writes Motor1.

"The team is working on the car. Last year, in November, I saw the first model in full size and I could only say: 'Wow. That's so nice...' It wasn't the final model, but one of the prototypes on the basis of which decisions are made, but at first glance it seemed very good to me."

Others within the company had similar reactions.

"At the end of the year, we had a senior management meeting where we analyzed the results and looked to the future. We showed the car and everyone was impressed."

In a conversation with Kai Grunica, head of technical development, it was revealed that the design is almost complete.

"It reminds me of the Golf IV, which was a big step forward in its time. But it is a modern car with a timeless look. I think many people will like that."

According to him, the design is 97 percent defined. The design direction is clearly defined, simple and recognizable.

Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen's chief designer, emphasizes that the goal is to create a clean and minimalist look while maintaining the model's identity.

"The Golf will always be the Golf, today or in 20 years. We want a design that is simple, clear and recognizable. Even without a logo, it must be clear that it is a Golf."

The catch, however, is that it shouldn't replace the current generation. At least not entirely. The brand has previously stated that it will transfer production of the current model to its plant in Puebla, Mexico – something that should happen from 2027 onwards – giving a second life to the car we know today.

It seems that the strategy will be similar to that of the ID.Polo and the combustion engine hatchback sold today. They will be sold together as long as there is demand for both.

It's worth remembering that VW's new plans no longer include exclusively electric models, such as the old ID.3 and ID.4. Starting with the Polo, the successors to these electric vehicles will be renamed with more traditional and well-known names.

Before the Golf, however, the brand will focus its attention on the aforementioned ID.Polo and the ID.Cross, the electric equivalent of the T-Cross. Later, the final version of the ID.Every1 will arrive, whose most likely name is Up!. In the short term, the ID.4 is expected to be renewed – without changing generations – and become the ID.Tiguan.

Volkswagen plans to offer two versions of the Golf in parallel. One will be fully electric, while the other will remain on the existing platform with electrified engines, including plug-in hybrids. The electric Golf will use the new SSP platform, while the existing models will remain on the MQB Evo architecture.

The image was released by the German union IG Metall and shows the profile of the future model, which should arrive on the market in 2028, also known as "in two years." Just to give some context, IG Metall (Industriegewerkschaft Metall) is the largest industrial union in Germany and the world, with more than 2.2 million members. It represents workers in the metallurgical, electrical, textile, woodworking, and plastics sectors. The teaser anticipates a Golf with slightly different proportions than the current ones, with a longer wheelbase, a more pronounced roof spoiler, and a more vertical rear.

These differences, compared to the current generation, should have a clear objective: to improve aerodynamic efficiency, an important factor in electric models because, according to internal information from the brand, the ninth generation of the German compact is expected to be exclusively electric.

It was already known that the next generation of the VW Golf should be exclusively electric—probably renamed ID. Golf—and should be the first to debut the new SSP (Scalable Systems) platform. Platform), which should replace the current MEB. Among the expected new features are an 800 V electrical system, more sophisticated batteries, and faster charging times.

As it is a platform dedicated exclusively to electric models, a longer wheelbase is expected, and with that, better use of interior space, while maintaining exterior dimensions similar to the current generation. There are already rumors that, although the SSP is only for electric vehicles, it may integrate combustion engines that function only as generators for range-extended electric vehicles (EREVs). This rumor still needs official confirmation.

Despite the technological change, Volkswagen does not intend to abandon the Golf with an internal combustion engine for a long time. The eighth and current generation of the hatchback will still receive a new update, using hybrid engines and a style closer to the electric model. This update of the Golf 8 could extend the model's career until 2035, with both generations being sold in parallel.

Another of the major new features of the next generation concerns the future software architecture, which will be developed in collaboration with the The North American company Rivian is expected to centralize processing, reduce the volume of cables, and facilitate updates and the addition of new features through remote access (OTA).

Although many details are not yet known, Andreas Mindt, head of design at the Volkswagen Group, has already given some clues about the stylistic language of the new generation, describing it as "a kind of masterpiece," as it combines striking elements from past generations of the Golf with a modern look.

The question was also raised as to why the Volkswagen ID.3 model was not named Golf. Schaefer explains that this was an option, but that it was ultimately rejected.

"We thought about it, many said to simply call it Golf. But it is not Golf. We have improved it, but it is still ID.3. It needed a new identity."

In the end, the model was named Neo, inspired by an earlier concept.

The Volkswagen Golf 9 (MK9), expected to debut around 2028, will mark the hatchback's transition to a predominantly electric era, with teasers already showing a futuristic design with LED signature lighting. The model will focus on advanced technology, intelligent hybridization, and a minimalist interior, maintaining its classic DNA but with a focus on sustainable mobility.

Highlights and Projections of the Golf 9 (MK9):

Powertrain: Electric and hybrid versions are expected, with a strong possibility of a purely electric model.

Design: The silhouette should be aerodynamic, with LED Matrix headlights, an illuminated VW emblem, and a complete light signature.

Interior: It will feature a minimalist digital cockpit with curved screens and a focus on ergonomics, while maintaining some physical controls.

Technology: Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and enhanced connectivity.

by Autonews