New VW Golf EV Will Channel the Mk4 Golf’s Design and Arrive by the End of the Decade

Iconic nameplates are evolving once again, and Volkswagen is betting big on one of the most recognizable hatchbacks ever built. The automaker is nearly finished with the design of the ninth-generation Golf, which will debut as a fully electric model for the first time.

According to company executives, the new Golf’s styling takes clear inspiration from the fourth-generation Golf—better known to many enthusiasts as the Mk4—one of the most successful and beloved versions of the model ever produced.

While the upcoming EV will feature modern proportions and the latest technology, Volkswagen wants it to have a more timeless and instantly recognizable look. The goal is to blend nostalgia with a design that still feels fresh for the next decade.

Interestingly, the next Golf will be offered in two completely separate forms: a fully electric version and a traditional gasoline-powered model. Despite sharing the same name, they will be entirely different vehicles from an engineering standpoint.

The electric Golf will ride on Volkswagen’s new SSP platform, which is being developed specifically for the brand’s next generation of EVs. Meanwhile, the gasoline-powered version will continue on the MQB Evo architecture and will support hybrid powertrain technology.

Volkswagen also made it clear that it had no plans to simply rename the current ID.3 as the Golf, even though both vehicles compete in a similar segment.

The reason is straightforward: the company wants to reserve the Golf name strictly for its true successor, protecting the legacy and status of one of its most legendary models.

The all-electric Golf is expected to make its debut around 2028 or 2029, with production planned in Germany—a sign of just how strategically important this model remains for Volkswagen.

Volkswagen appears to be taking the right approach: preserving the Golf’s heritage rather than replacing it. If the brand can strike the right balance between classic styling and modern technology, the new Golf could once again become one of the standout cars in its class.