Volkswagen has unveiled the first official teaser for the next‑generation Golf, the Volkswagen Golf Mk9. According to Autocar, the image was released through the German trade union IG Metall, with Volkswagen confirming that the new Golf is expected to debut in 2028.
The teaser was reportedly shown to Volkswagen employees, where the company also reaffirmed its commitment to the Wolfsburg factory, which will continue to produce the Golf. Autocar adds that Volkswagen plans to offer the Mk9 both as a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) model and as a fully electric (EV) version.
Autocar suggests that the model shown in the teaser is likely the electric version of the next-generation Golf. This is hinted at by the car’s longer wheelbase compared to the current Mk8 Golf, which typically indicates the use of Volkswagen’s upcoming SSP architecture — the platform the Golf EV is expected to adopt.
The report also cited Volkswagen Group Head of Design, Andreas Mindt, who said the final design of the Mk9 Golf will draw heavy inspiration from the brand’s upcoming range of affordable EVs. These include models such as the ID. Polo, ID. Cross and the production version of the ID. 1. Despite the influence of these newer EVs, Mindt emphasised that the design will still retain the familiar character of previous Golf generations.
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So what can we expect from the next-generation Mk9 Golf? According to the report, the fully electric version will likely be called the ID Golf and will feature an 800-volt electrical architecture. This setup is expected to improve range, efficiency and charging speeds, while also allowing for larger battery capacities.
As for the combustion-engine variant, it will reportedly use a heavily updated version of the current Mk8.5 Golf powertrain. Its design is also expected to be revised to more closely resemble the EV version, while offering a range of hybrid powertrain options moving forward.
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Mindt has also previously revealed that the upcoming Golf will take inspiration from the philosophy of the Mk7 Golf, saying, “The Mk7 is kind of a masterpiece, because it resembles all the best elements from history, but it’s still a fresh design.” He also promised that future Volkswagens will reintroduce physical buttons and knobs for key functions such as media and climate controls, making them easier to use while driving.
Benefiting from the group’s SSP platform, which is being developed in collaboration with Rivian, the architecture is expected to bring significantly improved software integration and greater control over the vehicle’s hardware systems. It will also support advanced over-the-air (OTA) updates, allowing Volkswagen to update not just infotainment features but potentially even adjust elements such as the car’s ride and handling characteristics over time.
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