Today’s ICE-Powered VW Golf Might Have 10 Years Left In The Tank

The Future of the VW Golf

The current combustion-powered VW Golf could live on until 2035, according to a VW engineer. However, it will eventually be forced out of production due to a planned ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in Europe and parts of the US. VW plans to introduce an all-new electric Golf in 2026, but it seems that the combustion Golf will continue to be sold alongside it.

The Longevity of the Golf

In an interview with Top Gear NL, VW engineer Kai Grünitz suggested that an evolution of the current Golf might still be around until the EU ban on emissions-producing cars takes effect in 2035. While there may be exemptions for e-fuels, it is more likely to save ICE-powered supercars rather than regular petrol-powered sedans, hatches, and SUVs.

The Evolution of the Golf

VW facelifted the Golf this year, offering it only in GTI and R trim in the US. However, to extend its lifespan for another 10 years, it will likely require at least one more major refresh. If the Golf does continue until 2035, it will trace its DNA back to the 2013 introduction of the Mk7 Golf, the first to use the MQB platform. The new Golf EV, arriving in 2026, will have its own separate EV-only architecture called the Scalable System Platform (SSP), rather than using the MEB kit used by today’s ID cars.

Customer Demand and Sales

VW’s decision to potentially keep the ICE Golf in production until 2035 is driven by customer demand. While demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has not matured as expected, sales of the Golf in Europe have grown significantly. In the first half of 2024, Golf sales in Europe increased by 43% compared to the same period last year, making it the second best-selling car behind Dacia’s Sandero. In contrast, VW’s T-Roc and Tiguan SUVs did not gain any ground, and the Tesla Model Y, Europe’s best-selling car in 2023, experienced a 26% decline in sales.

The Future of the GTI and R

VW has confirmed plans to sell GTI-branded EVs in the future. If the combustion Golf continues for another decade, it is hoped that the GTI and R variants will also be part of the plan.

Source: Top Gear NL (via Motor1)