Volkswagen previously claimed it was going all-electric, but, like many automakers, it appears there has been a change of heart. A combustion Golf Mk9 could be happening after all.
The United States has largely missed out on the Golf since 2021, with only the high-performance GTI and R trims available for the Mk8. This hasn’t stopped Americans from taking an interest in the “people’s car,” however, which has been popular all around the world. And we’re about to get even more envious, since Volkswagen has just confirmed that the next-generation Golf won’t go all-electric.
For a while, it was believed that the Golf would be completely replaced by an electric version called the ID. Golf. However, Martin Sander, VW’s board member for Sales, Marketing, and Aftersales, just told Auto Express: “Combustion Golf will continue as long as there are customers who want a combustion Golf. At the moment, looking at the demand, I assume it’s going to be a long period of time.”
Volkswagen believes in the ID community, but that doesn’t mean gas is gone
The future of the Volkswagen Golf seems quite varied. The ID. Golf is most definitely confirmed for 2028, bringing an all-electric powertrain to the 50-plus year old model. Still a bit of a way out, not much is known about the ID. Golf Mk9. It will use Volkswagen’s modular Scalable Systems Platform and have a longer wheelbase to store the battery. It features a traditional hatchback appearance in the one image VW gave us of its side profile. It’s said that Rivian will be helping to develop the ID. Golf as part of a $5.8 billion deal between the two automakers.
“We decided on how to do the software-defined vehicle. It will happen with Rivian, the joint venture, where we put the new electric electronics architecture together,” VW’s Passenger Cars Chief Executive, Thomas Schaefer, previously stated to the press. “But we have also decided that we want to start this journey with a more iconic product. So, we’ll start with the Golf.”
While the ID. Golf is most definitely a go, that apparently doesn’t mean that combustion and hybrid versions are out of the picture — although VW previously stated it wanted to be an all-electric automaker. The Volkswagen Group is joining a wide range of automakers that have decided to put the brakes on their all-electric plans. Volvo has canceled the EX30, Tesla is dropping the Model S and Model X, and Lamborghini is concerned that its rich customers don’t want an all-electric supercar if there aren’t real engine sounds. Honda canceled its 0 Series lineup, stating: “In such a difficult competitive environment, Honda was unable to deliver products that offer value for money better than that of newer EV manufacturers, resulting in a decline in competitiveness.”
AKA: China.
However, Volkswagen feels pretty confident about its ID line, despite the recent failure of the beloved ID. Buzz, which was heavy on charm but short on range. While a lot of EVs, especially luxury ones, can’t seem to find where they fit in anymore, VW is confident that ID. has carved its own niche in the space.
Sander said: “ID. is a really strong brand. There is an ID. community; ID. drivers meet up once a year at Lake Como. This shows that ID. in itself, is becoming a strong brand — we need to think very, very carefully about whether we want to ditch that.”
Will the Volkswagen Golf Mk9 come to America?
It looks like Volkswagen isn’t only expanding the Golf’s powertrains, but its destinations. It’s expected to be a global vehicle, which means a release in the United States is highly likely. It would be a move that makes sense, offering a smaller, cheaper gas car to a country dying for smaller, cheaper options. Right now, it’s expected to launch at a base price of $34,500, although nothing has been confirmed.
However, you’ll definitely have to wait. Right now, the Volkswagen Golf Mk9 is expected to have a full reveal in 2028, which means it may not be here until 2029.
