Overall Rating
Updated on: July 5, 2021
Content Writer
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.
DC Fast Charging
Excellent Drive Quality
Premium Interior Materials
Limited Availability
Short range
DC fast charging now standard
New Safety features like Blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Engine and Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior
Exterior
Safety
Competition
7.5
OVERALL RATING
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.
7.5/10
Features
7.0/10
Engine and Performance
8.0/10
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
Interior
8.0/10
Exterior
6.0/10
Safety
7.0/10
Competition
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 |
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.
“It feels utterly smooth and effortless because the torquey direct-drive electric powertrain never shifts.” - Edmunds.com
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
“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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
