Thomas Schäfer, the Volkswagen CEO, confirms the Golf will return to electric power when the next-gen model is launched by the decade’s end, ending rumors that the long-running hatchback could be canceled in favor of the carmaker’s similarly formed ID.3, as per Wards Auto.
While speaking at the 2022 LA auto show, Schäfer states he sees Golf’s future electric version that coexists with ID.3, despite the two being close in market positioning, pricing, and size.
“The ID.3 has never been a successor to the Golf. It is more of a Golf Plus,” said Schäfer.
When he was asked if he thinks there’s room for both models in the VW model lineup, Schäfer answered, “Yes.”
VW to go all-electric in selected markets by 2030
The CEO confirmed the brand is currently scaling options for its existing combustion-engine models. Many of these have been present for decades and have highly identifiable names as the automaker sets its sights on going all-electric in some markets, including Europe, by 2033.
VW Golf & ID. models
“We have iconic names like Golf and GTI. It would be crazy to let them die. We will stick with the ID. logic, but iconic models will carry a name,” says Schäfer.
The reference to the GTI name, utilized on performance versions of the Golf since 1976, suggests it can be applied to future Golf models’ powered-up electric versions in place of the GTX name Volkswagen used models ID.4 and ID.5.
Schäfer noted the example of the ID. Buzz, carrying a name rather than a numeral, saying, “We might have an ID. Golf, let’s see.”
Schäfer says, “We would not let go of the Golf name, no way.” He emphasizes VW’s commitment to retaining iconic model names.
In 2014, Volkswagen started producing an electric version of the seventh-gen Golf. However, it was discontinued in 2020 when the model ID.3 launched in Europe.
Even though it’s not confirmed, a future electric version of the ninth-gen Golf would possibly be positioned between the ID.2 and ID.2X CUV and the ID.3 and upcoming ID.3X, a revamped high-riding, possibly an all-wheel-drive version of today’s model anticipated to be out in 2025.
