World’s most famous hatchback set for next-gen model in 2028 with CHANGE to nameplate & tech built by US car brand
THE next-generation Volkswagen Golf is on the horizon, with the world’s most iconic hatchback set for major changes in 2028.
The Mk9 model will be the first to feature a bold new software system, developed through Volkswagen’s joint venture with US EV brand Rivian.
But perhaps the most noticeable change to the much-loved motor – which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year – will be its nameplate, as it is set to be called the ID Golf.
VW’s ID range, which currently includes several models, is the brand’s lineup of fully electric vehicles, developed as part of its commitment to sustainable mobility and reducing carbon emissions.
The “ID” stands for Intelligent Design, Identity, and Idea, which reflects the German marque’s vision for the future.
According to Autocar, the ID Golf is currently in development and, forgetting the long-forgotten e-Golf, will be the first to be fully electric – using the Volkswagen Group’s next-gen SSP EV platform.
To be sold alongside the current, combustion-powered Mk8 Golf, the ID Golf will be manufactured at VW’s main factory in Wolfsburg, while the former model’s production will be moved to Mexico in 2027.
VW has yet to confirm much of the details of the ID Golf, but design chief Andreas Mindt did say that work on the model has begun.
“I was involved in the design of the Golf Mk6 and Mk7, and right now I’m deep into the story of the Golf,” he told Autocar.
“I see a lot of chances for a future and a lot of good things that can happen to it.
“The Golf is a special thing within Volkswagen, and you have to stay true to the Golf. It’s a brand on its own, but you can play with this.
“There’s so much nice content you can use – but I cannot say more now.”
Work on the new, all electric Golf comes just months after the Volkswagen Group invested £4.6 billion into American firm Rivian, forming a joint venture with the EV maker to develop new software architecture.
The new architecture controls, which can be found on the Rivian’s R1T pick-up and R1S SUV, allows for over-the-air updates that can also be used to adjust hardware settings.
The new £17,000 ID. Every1 city car – exclusively revealed by Sun Motors earlier this month – will be the first model to use a version of the Rivian-derived software platform when it’s launched in 2027.
And VW technical chief Kai Grunitz hinted that that decision was made in part to help develop the Mk9 Golf.
He said: “The ID. 1 will be the very first vehicle with that architecture and will be the frontrunner on our side for the ID Golf.
“This reduces the risk for the Golf, because we will start with lower functionality in the ID Every1 than will be necessary for the ID Golf.”
The switch to the SSP platform will mean the ID Golf uses an 800V electrical architecture – which should offer substantially faster charging times and greater efficiency, compared to the current ID EVs.
It also promises autonomous driving functions, as well as the beloved GTI and R sports variants.
These are certainly exciting times for VW, who recently revealed the iconic Audi R8 is set for a revival – having been pulled from production just one year ago.
The beloved supercar – which, upon its debut in 2006 was Audi’s first of its kind – is to return as a plug-in hybrid that could become their most powerful and fastest roadgoing model to date.
Pencilled in for a debut in late 2027, the new R8 has progressed beyond the feasibility stage, according to Autocar.
As before, the two-seater will be twinned with Lamborghini – another brand owned by VW – as it did when it was first produced in 2006 alongside the Gallardo, which mechanically was the R8’s twin.
The highly-successful collaboration was then renewed in 2015 for the second-gen R8 and Huracan, respectively.
To that end, this next-gen release will likely use the drivetrain, structural elements, electronics and chassis of the Temerario – Lambo’s recently released successor to the Huracan.