The Volkswagen Golf, a name synonymous with compact car excellence, is preparing for an all-electric rebirth as part of Volkswagen’s transition into a more sustainable future. The ninth-generation Golf, slated for a 2029 debut, will be an exclusively electric model, developed in collaboration with Rivian through a joint venture worth $5.8 billion.
Electric Golf 2.0: A Fresh Start on the SSP Platform
The forthcoming electric Golf will ride on Volkswagen’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), a next-generation EV architecture developed with Rivian’s expertise in electric vehicle (EV) engineering and software. Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer emphasised the strategic importance of starting the SSP journey with the Golf:
“We want to begin this journey with a more iconic product. So, we’ll start with the Golf,” Schäfer said.
Why the ID.3 May Fade Away
While the Golf prepares for its EV resurgence, the fate of the Volkswagen ID.3 hangs in the balance. Introduced as a key player in VW’s early electric lineup, the ID.3 may be phased out to make room for the electric Golf. However, Volkswagen is not letting the ID.3 fade quietly. A redesigned version with upgraded hardware, a better interior, and more physical buttons is planned for 2026, ensuring overlap between the two models as VW evaluates their market viability.
Transition Period: The Combustion Golf Lives On
The electric Golf’s arrival in 2029 does not mark the end for the Mk8 Golf, which launched in 2019 with combustion and hybrid powertrain options. The Mk8 will likely remain in production until 2035, the year the European Union will ban new cars with harmful emissions.
A New Era with Rivian
Volkswagen’s partnership with Rivian represents a paradigm shift in automotive development. Rivian’s technological expertise will drive the creation of software-defined vehicles, starting with Audi and Porsche models due as early as 2027. These innovations will span vehicle segments, from compact cars to luxury SUVs, underscoring the partnership’s broad scope.
What Lies Ahead
As Volkswagen integrates Rivian’s expertise, the electric Golf promises to combine cutting-edge technology, iconic design, and mass-market appeal. This collaboration highlights the dynamic shifts in the automotive industry, where legacy automakers embrace partnerships with tech-savvy newcomers to stay competitive in an electrified future.
Volkswagen’s pivot back to the Golf nameplate for its EV ambitions reaffirms the model’s enduring legacy while positioning it as a cornerstone for the brand’s next chapter.
