GTI and R models: Volkswagen legends go electric
Volkswagen has no intention of abandoning its sports versions with the arrival of the electric Golf 9. The legendary GTI and R models will indeed be part of the line-up, but in fully electrified form. Here's what we know about it:
- The Golf 9 GTI will retain the sporting spirit of its predecessors, despite the absence of a combustion engine.
- The «i» in GTI will take on a new meaning, now standing for «Intelligence» to reflect the advanced technologies incorporated.
- An electric Golf R is planned for 2029, promising high performance and all-wheel drive.
- The ID. GTI concept recently presented by Volkswagen gives a glimpse of this transition towards sporty electric vehicles.
These electric sports versions of the Golf 9 demonstrate Volkswagen's determination to maintain the high-performance DNA of its flagship models, while adapting to the age of electromobility. The brand is seeking to appeal to both longstanding enthusiasts and new generations of drivers, by combining sporting heritage with the technologies of the future.
The Golf 9 will be based on the new SSP platform
The Volkswagen Golf 9 will mark a major turning point in the history of this iconic model by adopting the new SSP (Scalable Systems Platform). This architecture, designed exclusively for electric vehicles, will bring a number of significant advantages:
- Advanced electrical performance: The SSP platform will enable the integration of high-voltage batteries (800V) offering more than 700 km of power.’autonomy.
- Cost reduction: Volkswagen is aiming for a reduction in production costs of around 30% compared with current MEB models, which could translate into more competitive prices for the electric Golf 9.
- Cutting-edge technology: The SSP will incorporate advanced electronic and software systems, developed in partnership with Rivian, enabling constant updates.
- Sporty versions retained: Despite the switch to electric power, the Golf 9 will retain its emblematic GTI and R versions, adapted to the new engine.
This new platform, the result of a joint investment of 5.8 billion euros by Volkswagen and Rivian, positions the Golf 9 as a pioneering vehicle in the German manufacturer's electrification strategy.
Andreas Mindt design
Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen's Design Director since 2023, is playing a crucial role in the development of the electric Golf 9. Drawing on his experience at Bentley and Audi, Mindt brings an innovative vision while respecting the Golf's heritage. His key contributions include:
- The design approach is faithful to the Golf's DNA, with elements that are recognisable from the very first sketches.
- The harmonious integration of GTI styling codes into the electric version, ensuring visual continuity with previous models.
- The exterior design promises to evoke «the authentic face of a Golf GTI», reassuring purists of the brand.
The Golf 9, due in 2028, will benefit from Mindt's expertise in creating an electric vehicle that combines modernity and tradition. This approach aims to appeal both to loyal Golf fans and to a new generation of motorists who are sensitive to electromobility.
Performance worthy of its heritage
The Volkswagen Golf 9, in its 100% electric version, promises to continue the sporting heritage of its predecessors while embracing the future of mobility. Developed in partnership with Rivian, this new iteration of the iconic German compact aims to redefine performance standards in the electric vehicle segment.
The electric Golf not only follows the trend, it aims to surpass it. With a 0 to 100 km/h time of less than 5 seconds for the most powerful version, it easily rivals the best combustion-powered GTIs. This dazzling acceleration is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of performance.
The collaboration with Rivian brings invaluable expertise in the field of high-performance electric vehicles. This synergy should result in exemplary roadholding and driving dynamics worthy of the best Golf GTI and R. Volkswagen and Rivian engineers have worked together to optimise weight distribution and refine the chassis, ensuring the Golf's characteristic agility.
Range, the lifeblood of electric vehicles, is no exception. With an estimated range of over 700 kilometres in the WLTP cycle, the electric Golf 9 promises long jaunts without range anxiety. This performance is made possible by the use of the new SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) and new-generation batteries that are denser and lighter.
The release date of the Volkswagen Golf 9, originally scheduled for 2026, has been pushed back to 2028, due to technical challenges related to the development of the SSP platform. This extra time will allow Volkswagen and Rivian to fine-tune every aspect of this electric Golf, ensuring that it lives up to the high expectations of brand aficionados and new electric mobility enthusiasts alike.
Summary table
| Caractéristiques | Détails |
|---|---|
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Autonomy
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> 700 km (WLTP cycle) thanks to new-generation 800V high-voltage batteries, integrated into the SSP platform.
|
|
800V technology, offering high energy density and low weight to maximise range and performance.
|
|
|
Power
|
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds for sports versions (GTI and R).
|
|
Estimated price
|
Competitive price thanks to lower production costs, but no official estimate published to date.
|
|
Release date
|
Planned for 2028 (initially postponed from 2026 due to technical challenges linked to the development of the SSP platform).
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the electric Volkswagen Golf 9 represents a major turning point in the history of this iconic model. The result of an innovative collaboration between Volkswagen and Rivian, this new generation, scheduled for 2028, combines the sporting heritage of the Golf with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
Based on the SSP platform, it promises impressive performance, long range and the continuation of the sporty GTI and R versions. Under the creative direction of Andreas Mindt, the design of the Golf 9 will remain faithful to its DNA while embracing modernity.
This ambitious project positions the Golf 9 as a pillar of Volkswagen's electrification strategy, offering a driving experience that is both innovative and true to the Golf spirit.
