The electric cars of this generation are savvy pieces of machinery that you can spot from a mile away. Their aggressive modern styling screams for attention announcing that its one different from the bunch, but the e-Golf follows a different ideology altogether. Volkswagen took the well recognized and iconic face of the gas-powered Golf and turned it electric, retaining most of the interior and exterior looks.
New Safety features like Blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Features
vehicle bio
base price
$31895
bodystyle
4dr Hatchback
passenger capacity
5
drivetrain
front wheel drive
engine type
horsepower
134 hp @ 3000 rpm
torque
214 ft-lbs. @ 0 rpm
transmission
1-speed direct drive
chassis
suspension front
Independent front strut suspension w/anti-roll bar
suspension rear
Independent rear multi-link suspension w/anti-roll bar
dimensions
wheelbase
103.5 in.
length
168.1 in.
width
70.8 in.
height
57.2 in.
curb weight
3459 lbs.
ground clearance
5 in.
capacity
passenger volume
93.5 cu ft.
cargo volume
52.7 cu ft.
payload
827
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
126/119/111 mpg
warranty
basic warranty
6 yr./ 72000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
6 yr./ 72000 mi.
corrosion warranty
12 yr./ unlimited
roadside assistance
Yes
Pictures
exterior
interior
Trims and Configurations
MSRP
SE
power
134 hp @ 3000 rpm
fuel
Electric
mpg
119 combined
$31,895
Style
Prices
MPG
Engine
Transmission
Drivetrain
Seats
Colors
SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
Starting at $31,895 MSRP
(126/119/111)
134 hp @ 3000 rpm, electric, electric
1-speed direct drive
front wheel drive
5
SEL Premium
power
134 hp @ 3000 rpm
fuel
Electric
mpg
119 combined
$38,895
Style
Prices
MPG
Engine
Transmission
Drivetrain
Seats
Colors
SEL Premium 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
Starting at $38,895 MSRP
(126/119/111)
134 hp @ 3000 rpm, electric, electric
1-speed direct drive
front wheel drive
5
Colors and Styles
Arctic Blue Metallic
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Features
7.5
Interior
8.5
8.0
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
8.0
Overall Rating
The earlier variants of the e-Golf left more to be desired, which is why the new ones have returned with more power under the hood. The 2019 e-Golf makes 134 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque from its 100 kW electric motor and has a range of 125 miles on a single charge from its 38.5 kWh battery. It is further accentuated by a comfortable ride quality and a spacious trunk, showcasing practicality at its best. All in all, Volkswagen has taken all the things one loves from the Golf and packed them behind an electric motor. You get the same material quality, driving experience, and practicality, minus the tailpipe of course.
2019 Volkswagen E-Golf Front Three quarter View
2019 Volkswagen E-Golf Rear Three quarter View
7.5/10 Features
8.5/10 Interior
2019 Volkswagen e-Golf electric Features
7.5/10
The New Volkswagen e-Golf comes in two variants, the base SE model and the SEL Premium model. Both the variants use the same 100 kW motor with a 38.5 kWh battery providing 134 horsepower. The SE model is priced at $31,895 while the costlier SEL Premium model is for $38,895.
Trim
SE
SEL Premium
MSRP
$31,895
$38,895
Key Features
4 wheel ABS
Cornering Lights
Daytime Running lights
Blind-spot monitoring
Engine Immobilizer
Pre Collision Safety features
Post-Collision Safety Systems
Emergency Braking Preparation
Dual Front Mounted Airbags
LED Headlamp
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Adaptive Cruise Control
Dusk Sensing Headlamps
Front and rear parking sensors
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Compass
Traction Control
Leatherette Interior
8 SpeakersKeyless Ignition
Hands-Free Entry
Heated Mirrors
Trip Computer
Heated Mirrors
Trip Computer
We Recommend
Out of the two, the more affordable SE model is the one we prefer, provided you opt for the Driver Assistance package. The SE model provides more value for money and you're not missing out on performance as both variants come with the exact same engine. The Driver Assistance package also gives access to some crucial safety features which, by the way, are standard in the higher SEL Premium model.
2019 Volkswagen e-Golf electric Engine and Performance
“It feels utterly smooth and effortless because the torquey direct-drive electric powertrain never shifts.” - Edmunds.com
Power and Performance
The 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf puts out 134 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque from its 100 kW electric motor. The power delivery is quick and responsive. Small increments to the pedal also feels wholesome as the car reacted swiftly.
The power figures aren't exactly attractive, but provide the best bang for the buck.
The transmission is a 1-speed direct drive, which is the norm for cars of its type. While one may miss the mechanical feeling of shifting through gears, the silent acceleration provides a different kind of exhilaration.
Models
VW e-Golf
Chevrolet Bolt LT EV
Nissan Leaf SV
Hyundai Ioniq Base
MSRP
$ 31, 895
$36,620
$36,550
$30,315
Engine
100 kw @ 3300-12000 rpm
150 kw
110 @ 3283-9795 rpm
88 kw @ 2850-6000 rpm
Transmission
1 Speed auto
1 speed auto
1 speed auto
1 speed auto
Horsepower
134
200
147
118
Torque
214 lb ft
266 lb ft
236 lb ft
218 lb ft
The Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf, and the Hyundai Ioniq are the top competitors of the VW e-Golf. The Bolt offers 200 horsepower from its 150 kW electric motor while the Leaf spits out 147 horsepower from its 110 kW electric motor. Although both these cars outperform the e-Golf, the are priced a few thousand dollars higher. The e-Golf performs better than the Ioniq which has 118 horsepower 88 kW electric motor. However, the Ioniq costs a thousand dollars less. The e-Golf’s price to performance ratio is among the highest making it a good value for money option.
Acceleration
The 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf isn't turning any heads with its acceleration. It takes 8.4 seconds to get to 60 mph from a standstill. However, these numbers justify the price at which the car is placed at. On paper, the car does seem slow, but you may be distracted by the torquey response of the silent single speed direct drive.
Models
VW e-Golf
Chevrolet Bolt LT EV
Nissan Leaf SV
Hyundai Ioniq Base
0-60 MPH
8.4 seconds
6.8 seconds
7.8 seconds
8.9 seconds
Quarter mile
Emission
(Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
The 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf’s humble 0-60 of 8.4 seconds isn't the best in its class, beating only the Hyundai Ioniq, which also isn't that far behind. It is a full 2 seconds slower than the Chevrolet Bolt which takes the lead among the competitors.
Braking and Handling
Braking on the 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf is done through 11.3 in and 10.7 in disk brakes in the front and back respectively. The brakes manage to stop this 3560 lb car, going 60 mph in 128 feet.
The e-Golf has 4 levels of regenerative braking. However, the most aggressive setting fails to provide a one-pedal driving experience.
Staying true to the badge of “Golf”, the e-golf is steady and balanced in corners. The e-Golf leans less in turns compared to a Golf due to its low mounted battery pack. The e-Golf’s direct-drive provides a smooth drive quality quite effortlessly.
Model
VW e-Golf
Chevrolet Bolt LT EV
Nissan Leaf SV
Hyundai Ioniq Base
Brake Front (in.)
11.3 x 1.0 in
11 in
11.1 in
11 in
Brake Rear (in.)
10.7 x 0.4 in
10 in
11.5 in
10.3 in
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3560 lb
3582.5 lb
3468 lb
3031 lb
60-0 MPH (ft.)
128 ft
128 ft
128 feet
124 ft
Among the competitors, the Chevrolet Bolt is the most powerful car here but also the heaviest. Even so, it manages a 60-0 of 128 feet. The Ioniq being the lightest only manages a stop distance of a disappointing 124 feet. The Leaf and the e-Golf are on par with each other at 128 feet.
2019 Volkswagen e-Golf electric Fuel Economy
Compared to gasoline vehicles, the fuel efficiency of electric vehicles is measured in MPGe (Miles per Gallon equivalent) which is a unit to measure the distance an electric vehicle can cover from an amount of electric energy which is equal to the energy consumed by burning one gallon of gasoline.
The e-Golf is efficient, providing a solid 126 MPGe in the city. Its efficiency takes a hit on the highway where it manages 111 MPGe, which is the second-highest among its competitors. It has a combined MPGe of 119.
The e-Golf lacks in range, estimated at 125 at a single charge. The Chevrolet Bolt sports a range estimated at 240 miles on a single charge, nearly double that of the e-Golf.
However, to make up for that, DC fast charging comes standard in the e-Golf which can charge the car up to 80% in an hour of charging in any DC fast charging station.
Model
VW e-Golf
Chevrolet Bolt LT EV
Nissan Leaf SV
Hyundai Ioniq Base
MPG (city)
126 miles
128 miles
124 miles
150 miles
MPG (highway)
111 miles
110 miles
99 miles
122 miles
MPG (combined)
119 Miles
119 miles
112 miles
136 miles
Range
125 miles
240 miles
150 Miles
124 Miles
In a sudden turn of events, the Hyundai Ioniq becomes the top contender, providing 150 MPGe in the city and still maintaining 122 MPGe on the highway. It has a range of 124 miles on a single charge.
2019 Volkswagen e-Golf electric Interior
8.5/10
The interiors of the e-golf follow suit of the exterior, with a refined and elegant design. The insides are well put together, providing a convenient design that is easy on the eyes, the exact design Volkswagen was going for.
The e-Golf, being a hatchback, has a passenger capacity of 5 people. It provides ample front as well as rear space to passengers thanks to its boxy design. Getting in and out of this hatchback is quite trouble-free thanks to its squared-off doors while the size of the door makes it easy to open in tight spaces.
The e-Golf shines when it comes to its driver's seat. The generous adjustment range of the steering wheel and the seat allow almost anyone to fit.
Model
VW e-Golf
Chevrolet Bolt LT EV
Nissan Leaf SV
Hyundai Ioniq Base
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
40.1 in/ 55.9 in/ 41.2 in
39.7 in/ 54.6 in/ 41.6 in
41.2 in/ 54.3 in/ 42.1 in
39.5 in/ 56.1 in/ 44.7 in
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.1in/ 53.9in/ 35.6in
37.9 in/ 52.8 in/ 36.5 in
37.3 in/ 52.5 in/ 33.5 in
38.2 in/ 55 in/ 31.5 in
All the cars seat 5 people comfortably. The interior space available among the competitors is fairly similar to the Nissan Leaf with the maximum front space and the Hyundai Ioniq with the most Rear space. The difference in space among the four cars, however, is of fractions of an inch.
Infotainment
The 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf SE comes equipped with an 8” touchscreen infotainment display, while the SEL Premium comes with a larger 9.3” screen. The car comes standard with Volkswagen’s innovative Car Net App Connect allowing seamless integration with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and also the lesser-known MirrorLink. An eight-speaker sound system also comes standard. The SEL Premium trim comes with an add on Navigation system. Also, the car comes with a USB port as standard.
Other features include:
AM/FM radio
Auxiliary Audio
Satellite Radio
Memory Card Slot
Cargo Volume
The Volkswagen e-Golf has identical cargo space to its gas-powered brother. The battery isn't placed in the trunk, which is unusual for Electric vehicles adapted from their gas-powered sibling. The golf already has a decent amount of trunk space which increases more than 3 times with the seats folded down.
Model
VW e-Golf
Chevrolet Bolt LT EV
Nissan Leaf SV
Hyundai Ioniq Base
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)
12.04 ft3
16.92 ft3
23.59 ft3
12.36 ft3
Cargo Volume with rear seats down (ft.3)
43.47 ft3
56.6 ft3
30 ft3
49.79 ft3
With the seats up the e-Golf has the least amount of cargo space as compared to its competitors thought. The Nissan Leaf leads in that criteria. However, the Leaf falls behind when comparing cargo volume with seats down, in which, the Chevrolet Bolt leads.
2019 Volkswagen e-Golf electric Exterior
“There are some subtle differences to the exterior styling (the e-Golf-specific wheels are the easiest way to tell) …” -Edmunds
The e-Golf has a length of 168 inches, is 71 inches wide with a height of 58 inches. The ground clearance is standard in its class at 5.6 inches.
The 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf holds an uncanny resemblance to the Volkswagen Golf. Apart from the unique Daytime running lights and alloys, there are no differences. The iconic boxy shape is easily recognizable.
Model
VW e-Golf
Chevrolet Bolt LT EV
Nissan Leaf SV
Hyundai Ioniq Base
Curb weight (lbs.)
3560lb
3582.5 lb
3468 lb
3031 lb
Length(in)
168 in
164 in
176.4 in
176 in
Width(in)
70.8 in
69.5 in
70.5 in
71.7 in
Height(in)
58.3 in
62.8 in
61.4 in
57.1 in
Ground clearance (in)
5.6 in
6 in
5.9 in
5.5 in
Wheelbase (in)
103.5 in
102.4 in
106.3 in
106.3 in
Track width (in) F/R
60.4 in/ 59.2 in
59.1 in/59.1 in
60.6in/ 61.2 in
61.2 in/ 61.6 in
In comparison, the Ioniq is the lightest in the class, almost 500 lbs lighter than the others. The Ioniq and Leaf tie for the longest while the Ioniq leads in width. With an average ground clearance of 55 inches, the Ioniq leads again in wheelbase and track width.
Exterior features:
Daytime Running Lights
Led Headlights and Taillights
Iconic 16” Alloys Wheels
Classic VW Golf body
2019 Volkswagen e-Golf electric Safety
Unfortunately, the 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf hasn't been crash-tested yet. This is not uncommon for vehicles with low sales volume. Even so, the e-Golf comes equipped with an array of driver-assistance features. However, these features while standard on the SEL Premium trim, are available through an optional “Driver Assistance Package” for the SE trim.
Some other safety features include:
4 wheel Anti-Locking Braking system
Traction Control
6 Occupant Sensing Airbags
Anti-whiplash Front Head Restraints
Side Impact
3 Rear Head
Engine Immobilizer
Stability Control
Remote Anti-theft Alarm
Blind Spot Warning Accident Avoidance
Pre-Collision Safety System
2019 Volkswagen e-Golf electric Competition
2019 Chevrolet Bolt LT EV
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt is the only car in this class to beat the Volkswagen e-Golf in direct comparison. It outperforms the e-Golf in almost every category except Fuel Economy, where the e-Golf and Bolt perform at par.
The Bolt, however, is heavier and for the extra performance, you will have to shell out a few extra thousand dollars.
2019 Nissan Leaf SV
The Nissan Leaf SV a true rival to the e-Golf. On paper, both perform almost identical across various categories. Although being slower than the Leaf in acceleration, the e-golf shines in cargo space and fuel economy. The e-Golf also costs significantly less.
2019 Hyundai Ioniq
Although costing less than any other car in this class, the Ioniq is overshadowed by all of its competitors. Even being the lightest car of the bunch doesn't help its performance numbers. Ioniq’s strong point is its Fuel economy, whereas the range per charge is the same as the e-Golf.
2019 Volkswagen e-Golf electric Final Verdict
The 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf is an electric car with a familiar face. The car provides a comfortable ride along with all the modern safety features one could hope for, and it does it with style. Even the range isn't as extravagant, it is satisfying for a car of this price point.
The New Volkswagen e-Golf is truly a testament to the engineering and experience of Volkswagen wrapped in a neat, boxy package.