Volkswagen Golf R flagship continues in the electric era

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【Summary】Volkswagen confirms that the Golf name and high-performance R models will continue in the electric era, with a potential all-electric Golf R in 2028. The new Golf will be on Volkswagen's advanced Scalable Systems Platform, and the GTI and R versions will be available. The recently launched GTX models will be merged in the long run. The future of the ID brand is uncertain, and the ID.3 could be replaced by the new Golf EV in 2028.

FutureCar Staff Sep 06, 2023 6:33 AM PT

Volkswagen Golf R flagship continues in the electric era

Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schafer has confirmed that the Golf name and high-performance R models will continue to exist in Volkswagen's electric era. He mentioned that an all-electric Golf R could be a possibility in 2028, utilizing the advanced new SSP architecture of the Volkswagen Group. Schafer stated that the iconic names that are confirmed to be carried into the future are Golf, Tiguan, and GTI. He also mentioned that 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 bringing it straight away or a little later. Schafer confirmed that there will be a Golf and it will maintain the true essence of the package and drivability.

The next all-new Golf, following the revised Golf Mk 8.5 in 2024, will be on the new Scalable Systems Platform, expected in 2028. When asked about the possibility of an R version of the 2028 Golf, Schafer explained that the R version requires four-wheel drive, which would be more feasible with the SSP platform. He mentioned that the R line will still be available for the ICE models, but eventually, they will switch to SSP. This decision also means that the recently launched GTX models will come to an end as they were an interim for the battery electric version.

The future of the ID brand is also under consideration. The ID name could potentially be threatened when the brand's ICE and BEV line-ups merge by 2033. The ID.3, which recently received a facelift, is expected to be replaced by the new Golf EV in 2028. Schafer explained that the ID name was necessary to differentiate from the ICE vehicles, but it may not be needed in the future. However, the decision on whether to drop the ID name completely or use individual names is not yet clear.

Despite the challenges in deciding the future of the ID name, Schafer hinted that the ID.3 name could continue with a different model. He mentioned the ongoing debate over the Golf name and how it extended to the ID. GTI Concept revealed at the Munich Motor Show. Schafer explained that the GTI Concept, based on the forthcoming small ID.2 electric car, is not exactly a Golf in terms of shape, size, and package. Therefore, it will not be called Golf. Similarly, it will not be called Polo because it is larger than a Polo and falls into a different price range. The GTI Concept is expected to go on sale in 2025 with a proposed price point of €25,000.

Overall, Volkswagen plans to continue the Golf name and high-performance R models in the electric era, with the possibility of an all-electric Golf R in 2028. The company is also considering the future of the ID brand and the naming conventions for its upcoming electric models.