(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – A few weeks ago, we were able to see the first design sketch of the future Volkswagen Golf 9 – the ninth generation of the compact bestseller. It will be fully electric, but not expected before 2028.
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So far, little is known about the new model – apart from the fact that it is already in development. That’s why we followed up at a meeting with Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen. According to Schäfer, the project is “on the right track”.
“The team is working on the car. Last year, in November, I was able to see the first full-size model – and all I could say was: ‘Wow. That’s so beautiful…’. That was just one of the ideas, not the final model, but one of those prototypes on which further decisions are made. But at first glance, I thought it was very good.”
And apparently, he wasn’t alone in this within the company: “Towards the end of the year, we had a final meeting of top management, where we analyzed the results and looked ahead. There, we showed the car on stage – and everyone was impressed.”
In a separate conversation with Kai Grünitz, Head of Technical Development at VW, we learned further details about the future Golf 9. For example, that the final design is already almost set.
“It is reminiscent of the Golf IV, which at the time represented a big step forward. But it is a vehicle with a modern appearance – and with a timeless look. I think you’ll like it.”
“From a design perspective, our new electric Golf is already 96-97% finished. We started with a proportion model with Andy [Mindt]. And that was already so good that Thomas Schäfer and I came along and said: ‘Hey, don’t touch anything.'”
Grünitz also confirmed that after the market launch, two Golf models will be offered in parallel: the all-electric Golf and the current, electrified Golf.
“There will be two different platforms: one for the electric model and one for the internal combustion engine. The MQB Evo will remain with plug-in hybrids as we know them today, and then there will be a completely new, electric Golf on the new SSB platform.”
The look towards the Golf 4 and the desire for a “timeless” approach seems more like good news – especially for a model that is intended to reconnect more strongly with the clear, easily recognizable lines of the brand. And according to the CEO’s statements, the final design seems to meet expectations.
Photo gallery: VW Golf Falco Edition models (2026)
“I have a lot of confidence in the launch of the Golf 9. It is being developed in an absolutely correct way. And it’s incredible what you can do with a car where you think: How can you even improve that further?”
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“But the team has created a design that blew us all away: without question the best we have ever seen. So I am very satisfied and confident that we will offer something that will make many people happy.”
Andreas Mindt, until recently Head of Design at Volkswagen and now appointed Head of Design for the Volkswagen Group, plays a central role in this. Schäfer has only words of praise for him:
“Andy is very important – because of his attitude and his positive thinking. He is a special type, not an off-the-shelf designer. He listens to all opinions, he has solutions. His mentality and the way Andy works have changed the entire organization.”
Already in 2024, Mindt himself had hinted at what the new Golf would look like – with the sentence: “A Golf will always be a Golf. Now – or in 20 years.” He gave some hints:
“We want to create a very pure, very simple design – strongly focusing on a clear, uncluttered appearance. And incorporate the entire essence, the best details from Golf history. A Golf will always be a Golf – I promise you a Golf that you will recognize. And if we removed all emblems and there was nothing left on the car, you would recognize it as a Golf.”
Another important point is related to this: Why isn’t the ID.3 Neo called ID. Golf – in a phase where the brand seems to be focusing more on well-known and “fitting” model names instead of pure numerical designations? For example, with the ID. Polo. Schäfer has a clear position on this:
“We have a big plan on how we are developing towards fitting names for each model. The ID.3, however, is a special case: We looked at it, and many said: Then let’s just call it Golf. We discussed it – but it’s not a Golf.”
“We improved the car, it remains an ID.3, but it needed a new name. And after considering whether to give it an artificially modern name, we ultimately decided to name it after the former show car: Neo.”
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