Volkswagen wrote one of the most important chapters in automotive history with its Golf. But now it's time for a new era: the new electric Volkswagen Golf Mk9, developed in collaboration with Rivian, arrives in 2029. What's in store for us?
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen, is in an interview for Automotive News confirmed that there will be a new, all-electric generation of the Golf - that is, a new electric one Volkswagen Golf Mk9, one of the first models designed on the platform Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). Schäfer explained that Volkswagen has found the perfect partner in Rivian for the development of the car of the future: "We decided that the Golf will start this new electric journey, as it is an extremely iconic model that is recognized all over the world."
Schäfer revealed that the SSP platform will be developed in partnership with the American manufacturer Rivian, key to achieving technological superiority. The new architecture will not only enable exceptional battery and motor performance, but also advanced electronic and software support based on constant updates.
The Golf Mk9 as imagined by the author of this entry.
Volkswagen and Rivian recently announced a joint investment worth 5.8 billion euros to develop the next generation of electric vehicles. The collaboration combines Volkswagen's long-standing automotive tradition and Rivian's fresh perspective and expertise in the field of electric mobility.
For the Volkswagen Golf, which has defined the compact car segment since 1974, this will mark the beginning of a complete transformation. According to Schäfer, the electric Golf Mk9 will retain its affordability and practicality, while bringing a new level of technology enabled by the SSP platform.
Specifications and expectations
Although the official technical data has not yet been revealed, Schäfer's statements and knowledge of the SSP platform are enough to create high expectations:
- Range and charging: Expected to be the new electric Volkswagen Golf Mk9, offered a range of more than 500 km (311 miles) and support for ultra-fast charging, which will allow the battery to be charged from 10 % to 80 % in less than 20 minutes.
- Versions and capabilities: Historic badges like the GTI and R will most likely return as more powerful versions of the electric Golf.
- Software and Connectivity: The SSP will enable upgradable features, an advanced digital cockpit environment and possibly even third-level autonomous driving.
Volkswagen's strategy is to keep the Golf accessible to a wide range of buyers, so base versions are expected to be affordable, while luxury and performance versions are also available.
When is the electric Golf Mk9 coming?
The new electric Volkswagen Golf Mk9 will hit the market in 2029, which means Volkswagen has plenty of time to further refine its current electric range, including the ID.3 model. Schäfer announced that the facelifted ID.3, which will be launched in 2026, will be a key step towards a complete overhaul of Volkswagen's electric line-up.
It is also important to emphasize that the arrival of the electric Golf does not mean the end of the current Golf Mk8 with internal combustion engines. This will remain on offer until 2035, when the European Union will ban the sale of new cars with emissions.
When the new electric Volkswagen Golf Mk9 hits the market, it will have to compete with established models such as the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the upcoming BMW iX1. Volkswagen is betting on the long-standing tradition and recognition of the Golf name, which is associated with reliability, accessibility and innovation.
Conclusion: The electric Volkswagen Golf Mk9 is not just another step in the evolution of motoring, but a turning point that combines an iconic history with a bold vision of the future. Cooperation with Rivian opens the door to a new era, where cars are not only means of transport, but also smart and sustainable partners on the road.
In 2029, the Golf will go down in history again – as a model that not only followed the electric revolution, but helped define it. Will the electric Golf live up to its famous name and win the hearts of new generations of drivers? Time will tell, but expectations are more than optimistic.
