VW Golf Mk9: Everything We Know About the New All-Electric People's Car

And this is precisely what they did, as over the next five decades, they made eight generations of this popular model. Featuring an updated version of the MQB platform, shared with the Skoda Octavia, Audi A3, and SEAT Leon, the Mk8 debuted in 2019. It's the same versatile compact car that everyone knows and one of the best in the segment. Front-wheel drive is still standard, with some models like the range-topping R hot hatch featuring all-wheel drive. The powertrain family comprises numerous gasoline lumps, a few hybrids, a CNG (compressed natural gas), and a 2.0L TDI diesel. Transmissions include manual and automatic units and vary depending on the selected engine.

Anything that's not a crossover, preferably with partially or fully electrified drivetrains, is in jeopardy of being phased off these days. Ford is but one automaker that has ditched some iconic nameplates, with the subcompact Fiesta being one of them. So, what does the future hold for Volkswagen's Golf? The popular model will reportedly live on for the next generation, as the car manufacturer has decided to greenlight its development. Nonetheless, as you probably already know, it is going to drop the powertrains fed by dead dinosaurs in favor of electron-sipping assemblies. But where will this put it in relationship with the similarly-sized and shaped ID.3 electric hatchback? It has yet to be determined, but it appears VW plans to keep both of them alive initially, though it is likely that the zero-emission model will be eventually dropped.

Powertrains With Single and Dual Motors Topped by the Hot GTI and R Grades

Considering that we're a few years away from seeing the first camouflaged prototypes being driven on public roads during the usual testing phase, we cannot point out the exact powertrains nor the magical numbers yet. However, it has been reported that the next-gen Golf will be the brand's first model to sit on the SSP. This will be a versatile construction that will underpin additional vehicles from other brands. It will feature the 800V tech for quicker charging times, and it's been said that juicing up the battery will take only 12 minutes from 10 to 80%.

Another big news represents the maximum output supported by this architecture, which will be 1,700 horsepower. Nevertheless, that does not mean the Golf Mk8 will arrive with a four-digit output, as other models, presumably from Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi, Bentley, and probably Bugatti could be the ones to offer that much power on tap.

The cheapest versions of the Golf Mk9 are expected to launch with single-motor powertrains, though it remains to be seen whether they will be front- or rear-wheel drive. We lean towards the latter, and it is obvious that the top grades will feature dual motors with all-wheel drive capability. Volkswagen intends to keep the GTI and R monikers alive, so look forward to hot hatch versions of the upcoming battery-electric Golf. The Mk9 generation Golf R is expected to pack AWD, and since it needs to stay true to its FWD predecessor, the GTI should feature 2WD. And speaking of suffixes, it appears that the GTX will eventually be dropped.

Exterior and Interior Design and Technology Features

Chances are not even Volkswagen's high-ranking execs know anything about the looks of the Golf Mk9. However, we expect to see some influences from past models, including the current Mk8. A possible small grille could be on deck, albeit with a closed-off design, as there is no engine behind it that needs air. Full-width light bars could decorate the front and rear fascias of the car, and it is likely that it will get flush-mounted door handles. The overall proportions should be about the same, though due to the clever packaging and the lack of an internal combustion engine, it should be more spacious than ever. The cargo area is also expected to increase.

The cockpit should be on the minimalistic side. We believe most functions will be implemented into the new infotainment system that should still feature a tablet-like positioning. The main screen will likely have a larger diameter and will be joined by a digital instrument cluster. Chances are the Golf Mk9 will boast augmented reality in higher trim levels and a clever head-up display. The entire cockpit will still be bathed in ambient lighting. The center console will probably be home to a small toggle switch used to change gears, and a wireless charging pad and several USB ports should be included, too.

Look for new driving assistance gear, including a Level 4 autonomous driving system (Level 5 is the range-topper and is identical to Level 4, bar the lack of steering wheel and pedals). This means that the car will be able to drive on its own regardless of the scenario, though not all features will be available, as it will have to comply with the local laws and regulations. Thus, even though it will theoretically have fully autonomous abilities, we wouldn't hold our breath that it will be able to drive you home after a long night at the local bar – unless the legislation allows it, and it probably won't, not yet anyway.

Launch and Availability

The Golf has always been a global product, and there's no reason to believe the next generation won't be one as well. It is possible that Europe might get it first, followed by its launch in North America, Asia, and maybe other markets. The only versions of the Mk8 currently on sale stateside are the GTI and R hot hatches, though that might change once the Mk9 hits the market, as we could get some lesser variants, too. But when will that happen? No one knows precisely, though it has been reported that it could be unveiled by 2028. That's five years from now, so the segment will have to make do with the upcoming facelifted iteration by then because, if you forgot, the current Golf is getting a mid-cycle refresh.