The latest eighth iteration of the Volkswagen Golf will be the final one to feature an internal combustion engine. As per Automobilwoche, VW chief Thomas Schaefer stated that the eighth-gen Golf will conclude its petrol-powered era post its upcoming update in the following year.
Schaefer hinted at a potential resurgence of petrol-powered Golfs in the future, suggesting that it might transpire if global circumstances significantly alter by 2027, but Volkswagen has no such intentions. Rather, VW’s current focus lies in electrifying all of its core models.
“It’s evident that iconic names like Golf, Tiguan, and GTI will not be abandoned but will be transitioned into the realm of electric vehicles,” he relayed to Automobilwoche. Fortunately, Schaefer assured that VW aims to retain the essence of the Golf during its shift to complete electrification and won’t merely affix iconic names to electric vehicles.
VW ID.3
The electric ninth generation of the Golf is slated for the latter part of this decade, as the brand strives to achieve complete electrification by 2033. According to Schaefer, this transition will not occur before 2028, when VW phases out its ongoing MEB platform and ushers in the new SSP electric architecture.
Unlike MEB, the SSP platform will have the capacity to accommodate a broader range of vehicles, including larger SUVs. Consequently, we may witness additional classic Volkswagen models making the switch to EVs, such as the Passat, Tiguan, and even Touareg. Nevertheless, the continuation of the “ID” moniker remains a possibility as well. Schafer hinted in December to Autocar that the connection between Volkswagen and the ID name is strong enough to extend its presence alongside more conventional designations. He even expressed the prospect of an “ID Golf.”
Hence, an SSP-based Volkswagen ID Golf could materialize as early as 2028, heralding the brand’s venture into total electrification.
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