2020 Volkswagen E-Golf Electric

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

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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

Power and Performance

The 2020 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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 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.

Infotainment

The 2020 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. 

“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 2020 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

Unfortunately, the 2020 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

2020 Chevrolet Bolt LT EV

The 2020 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.

2020 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.

2020 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.

The 2020 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.