Electric era revives Volkswagen Golf with powerful Golf R flagship

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【Summary】Volkswagen has confirmed that the Golf name and high-performance R models will continue in the electric era, with the possibility of an all-electric Golf R in 2028. The new Golf will be built on the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) and will maintain its package and drivability. The GTI version of the electric Golf is also likely to be released. The ID brand may merge with the ICE and BEV line-ups, potentially leading to the disappearance of the ID badge. The recently-facelifted ID.

FutureCar Staff Sep 05, 2023 11:23 PM PT

Electric era revives Volkswagen Golf with powerful Golf R flagship

Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schafer has confirmed that the Golf name and high-performance R models will continue to exist in Volkswagen's electric era. There is a possibility of an all-electric Golf R in 2028, utilizing Volkswagen Group's advanced new SSP architecture. Schafer stated that the iconic names that will definitely be carried into the future are Golf, Tiguan, and GTI. The Golf will most likely be placed directly on the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). There will be a renewed Golf next year, leading up to the decision of whether to bring it straight away or later. The next all-new Golf will be on the new SSP platform, expected in 2028. Schafer also mentioned the importance of the GTI name, suggesting the likelihood of a GTI version of the new all-electric Golf.

Schafer clarified that the R version of the 2028 Golf will probably only be available with the SSP platform. The R model requires four-wheel drive, which would be challenging to achieve with the MEB+ platform. The R line will still be available for the ICE models, but the switch to SSP will mark the end of the recently launched GTX models. The ID brand's future is uncertain, as the ID name could come under threat when the ICE and BEV line-ups merge by 2033. The ID.3 is expected to be replaced by the new Golf EV in 2028. Schafer mentioned that the ID badge may disappear eventually, as it was initially necessary to differentiate from the ICE vehicles.

Despite the challenges in deciding what to do with the ID name, Schafer hinted that the ID.3 name could be used for a different model. He also revealed that there were debates surrounding the Golf name in relation to the ID. GTI Concept. The new GTI concept, based on the upcoming small ID.2 electric car, will not be called Polo either. Schafer explained that the car is bigger than a Polo and calling it a Polo would limit its earnings prospects. The GTI concept is expected to go on sale in 2025 with a proposed price point of €25,000.

In conclusion, Volkswagen plans to continue the Golf name and high-performance R models in its electric era. The new Golf and GTI will be placed on the Scalable Systems Platform, with an all-electric Golf R a possibility in 2028. The future of the ID brand and the ID name is uncertain, but there may be a replacement for the ID.3 in the future. The GTI concept, based on the small ID.2 electric car, will not be called Polo due to its larger size and price point.