German automaker Volkswagen (VW) is preparing to take its iconic Golf into a new era. The company has indicated that the next, ninth-generation Golf (Golf 9) will be fully electric and could be launched in 2028. This means that the future of the Golf with traditional petrol and diesel engines is gradually coming to an end.
Recently, the first teaser image of the Golf 9 was shown at an internal company meeting, revealing the silhouette of the car for the first time. This image was presented by Daniela Cavallo, chairwoman of the VW Works Council. She stated that the new Golf will also be manufactured at the Wolfsburg plant in Germany, the model’s traditional production center.
According to the company, the Golf is not only a symbol of VW but also of the city and brand of Wolfsburg. Therefore, production of its next generation will continue there. VW also plans to build the electric successor to its popular SUV, the T-Roc, at the same plant.
Golf 9 to be fully electric
According to reports, the current Golf 8 is currently produced in Wolfsburg, but the plant is planned to upgrade to the new SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) in the summer of 2027. After this, production of the Golf with a conventional combustion engine could be shifted to the Puebla plant in Mexico.
This means that after 2028, only the electric Golf will be manufactured at the Wolfsburg plant.
Design and Technology
The first teaser image reveals that the new Golf will have a very modern design.
Possible design and technical features:
. Sporty roof spoiler
. Clean and sharp rear design
. Shorter overhangs, resulting in a longer wheelbase
. Better space for a larger battery
. 800V high-voltage architecture
. Fast charging support
Although the company has not yet released official technical specifications, it will be available.
Software development with Rivian
A major update for the new electric Golf will be its software. VW is developing it in collaboration with American electric vehicle company Rivian.
This software could include:
. Improved over-the-air (OTA) updates
. Performance improvements
. Remote updates of new features
Features like these could be available. Rivian has already demonstrated chassis and performance improvements through OTA updates on its R1T pickup.
Will there be a hybrid engine option?
According to some reports, a version of the Golf 9 could also come with a hybrid engine, based on VW’s existing MQB platform.
However, it is not yet clear whether the company will offer it in Europe, as VW supports the EU’s combustion engine ban and wants to focus solely on electric vehicles in the future.
Golf’s journey so far
. Golf 8 – Launched in 2019
. Facelift – Expected in 2024
. Current options – Petrol, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid
Volkswagen launched the first e-Golf in 2014, with:
. 85 kW electric motor
. 24 kWh battery
. Approximately 150 km range
An upgraded version was later released, offering a range of up to 200 km.
Future plans
Before the electric Golf arrives in 2028, VW will update its existing MEB platform and introduce the MEB+ version. This could include upgrades such as new battery technology and an APP290 electric motor, which will improve the car’s range and efficiency.
However, VW currently lacks widespread 800-volt technology, which puts the company behind Korean and Chinese EV brands in fast-charging technology.
