Volkswagen’s upcoming electric Golf, tentatively named the ID. Golf, is set to launch approximately five years from now, with early details about its pricing and design surfacing. According to Auto, Motor und Sport, the ID. Golf will draw inspiration from the design and proportions of the Golf IV, a model that gained popularity between 1997 and 2006.
The report indicates that the new ID. Golf will feature design elements reminiscent of the Golf IV, including its characteristic wide C-pillar. However, the translation of these proportions into an electric vehicle framework remains uncertain. Typically, electric vehicles (EVs) feature longer wheelbases and shorter overhangs compared to traditional combustion-engine models. This design shift allows for increased space for battery storage and smaller motors, which may result in notable changes in proportions.
By referencing the Golf IV, it is suggested that the ID. Golf could measure around 4.15 meters in length, making it shorter than both the current Golf VIII and the ID.3, which are both about 4.28 meters long. Given the improved interior space utilization in electric vehicles, a 4.15-meter ID. Golf could potentially offer as much interior space as the longer Golf VIII. Rumors earlier this year suggested that the new electric Golf might be slightly shorter than the ID.3, aligning with these insights.
The ID. Golf is expected to be the first model built on Volkswagen’s new SSP platform, with a projected market introduction in 2029. Initial reports indicate that at least two variants will be available, with a base model starting around €33,000 and expected to achieve a real-world range of at least 400 kilometers. This value is anticipated to correspond to a WLTP range exceeding 500 kilometers. Higher-end versions of the ID. Golf are projected to deliver a range of approximately 600 kilometers, with the ability to charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 15 minutes.
Additionally, an ID. Golf R variant is planned for a later launch, likely not before 2032 or 2033, marking the first electric version in Volkswagen’s R lineup. The company has generally avoided using traditional combustion engine designations for its electric vehicles, choosing the GTX label for its performance models instead. However, a GTI variant based on the ID.2 is expected to debut earlier, around late 2026 or early 2027, although it will feature an output of less than 200 PS.
In terms of software capabilities and reliability, Volkswagen aims to provide a dependable experience with the ID. Golf. “Volkswagen has learnt a lot about software. We have even overtaken the competition in many areas, for example, with our electric route planner, the super-fast HMI, and optimised simple operation,” stated Kai Grünitz, Head of Development at Volkswagen, in comments to Auto, Motor und Sport.