Volkswagen Shares First Official Image Of The MK9 Golf
Volkswagen has offered an early look at the future of its most recognizable model—the Golf.
During a works council meeting in Wolfsburg on March 4, 2026, the automaker showed employees the first silhouette of the next-generation Golf, an electric version expected to carry the nameplate into the automaker's next phase of electrification.
The image, shared by German trade union IG Metall, appears to confirm that Volkswagen still plans to combine established model names with the ID branding used for its electric vehicles. The photo file itself references the name “ID. Golf,” which in a roundabout way confirms earlier reports that the electric hatchback will replace the ID.3 while wearing Golf branding.
From the outline alone, the new model is clearly tied to the Golf’s traditional shape. The silhouette shows a compact five-door hatchback with pronounced fenders and the familiar rear pillar design that has defined the car since the original Golf debuted in the 1970s.
The automaker is no longer developing completely separate designs for gasoline and electric versions of the same car. When the ID.3 arrived, it looked distinctly different from the combustion-powered Golf, but the ID. Golf should take a different route.
Production plans for the Golf are also changing as Volkswagen continues the transition to electric models. Assembly of the gasoline-powered Golf will move from Germany to Puebla, Mexico, beginning in 2027. The change should free up space at the Wolfsburg plant to build the ID. Golf.
The current Golf will not disappear immediately when the electric model arrives. Volkswagen has said that the combustion-powered version could remain in production alongside the EV for some time, possibly receiving a major nose job around the same period the ID. Golf launches.
Under the skin, the ID. Golf will ride on Volkswagen Group’s upcoming Scalable Systems Platform, or SSP. The architecture is designed to underpin a wide range of future electric vehicles across the group and will feature zonal electronics and new software systems developed in cooperation with Rivian.
The platform is expected to support 800-volt charging capability and cell-to-pack battery technology, with both single-motor and dual-motor configurations likely. Performance variants are probable, with Volkswagen’s GTI and R badges reportedly continuing in electric form.
Volkswagen has not confirmed a launch date, but it's thought the ID. Golf could arrive toward the end of the decade, with some sources pointing to a potential debut around 2028.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, went over the wall during the Rolex 24, and wrenched in the intense IndyCar paddock.
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I don't think VW is as bad as it's supposed to be. Sure European cars can be quirky and the Brit stuff was the worst but VW isn't the company sitting there with almost a million V8 engines to replace on warranty.
Maybe the US and Canada will get an electric Golf in 2028? Maybe. The ding dongs at VW should make the Golf models (of all kinds) in the US to reduce costs of shipping, tariffs and European labor rates. My 2019 Golf was made in Mexico and has been great, but why not make them in the US? Also, the Golf is available as a PHEV in Europe and should be available in North America. I have a regular Golf and a 2024 GTI, both manual transmissions, but I would like a PHEV or EV Golf in the future. Maybe we will have them by 2028? 2029? 2030? I'll probably buy an American made EV by then.