Volkswagen has clarified that the ID. Golf, its upcoming electric version of the long-standing Golf model, is not cancelled. Instead, the project is postponed and is expected to begin production in the early 2030s at the Wolfsburg plant.
ID. Golf Development Delayed but Not Dropped
Recent reports suggested Volkswagen paused work on the ID. Golf due to financial pressures and weaker sales in key markets like China, Europe, and the US. However, a Volkswagen spokesperson told German media that the electric Golf remains an important part of the brand’s future. The delay allows the company to avoid rushing development for cost savings and focus on delivering the car properly.
Currently, the Golf is still offered as a plug-in hybrid, while the fully electric ID. Golf follows behind as part of Volkswagen’s long-term electric lineup.
Built on the New SSP Platform Developed with Rivian
The ID. Golf will use Volkswagen’s upcoming Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), co-developed with the American electric vehicle maker Rivian. This platform is set to replace both the current MEB platform (used in existing ID models) and the PPE platform shared by Audi and Porsche.
The SSP platform offers high flexibility with eight variants and two battery sizes. It can support a range of vehicles from compact cars to SUVs and sports models. Volkswagen projects it could underpin up to 40 million vehicles over time and reduce production costs by about 20%.
The first vehicle to arrive on SSP will be the ID. Roc, an electric version of the Volkswagen T-Roc, expected before the ID. Golf.
Market Outlook and Roadmap
Volkswagen’s plan places the ID. Golf in the compact segment (C-segment), positioned above smaller models like the ID. Polo and the upcoming ID. Up!, which revives the name of the former SEAT Mii-based city car. Audi’s recent statements align with this, highlighting growth opportunities for electric cars in compact segments over the next decade.
The ID. Golf’s launch timing has shifted from an original target around 2028 to sometime beyond 2030. This shift reflects challenges including lower returns in main markets, trade tariffs, and investment in new production facilities, such as Audi’s plant in Georgia, US.
Volkswagen is expected to resume ID. Golf development early next year. This cautious approach aims to ensure the model meets quality expectations while adapting to changing market conditions.
In summary:
- The ID. Golf electric is confirmed but postponed until the early 2030s.
- It will be based on the new SSP platform, shared with Rivian and replacing older architectures.
- The ID. Roc electric SUV will debut first on SSP.
- Volkswagen delays development to manage costs amid market challenges and focus on a thorough launch.
This long-term outlook also includes a rethink of Volkswagen’s compact electric offerings to cover urban and compact segments comprehensively in the 2030s.
Source: Automobilwoche
Via: AMuS (Automobilwoche)
Source: motor.es