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2016 Volkswagen e-Golf

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Make
Volkswagen
Model
e-Golf
Year
2016
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Volkswagen e-Golf OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2016 SE 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Hatchback
most popular
Price:   -  From $28,995
2016 SEL Premium 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Hatchback Price:   -  From $35,595

Overview

Late in 2014, the Volkswagen e-Golf hatchback entered the electric car fray, likely in response to the stricter emissions regulations that apply in some U.S. states. Going electric represents a big step for Volkswagen, as the company's first EV in the U.S.

The e-Golf demonstrates that the seventh-generation Golf serves as a strong foundation for an electric car, retaining all of its practicality and quality, without making sacrifices like some other EVs adapted from gas-engine hatchbacks.

What's New for 2016

A new, value-priced SE version joins the e-Golf lineup, featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen to control the updated MIB II infotainment system, which includes USB and VW Car-Net App-Connect. A 3.6 kW onboard charger is standard on the SE, while a new DC quick-charging package adds a more robust 7.2 kW unit for faster charging. An updated Driver Assistance Package, including forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and parking assist is available for the SEL Premium model. Park assist can identify a parallel or perpendicular parking space and autonomously (automatically) steer the car into it.

Volkswagen e-Golf

Choosing Your Volkswagen e-Golf

The e-Golf now comes only in two trim levels, SE and SEL Premium, starting at $28,995 (plus destination charge). The SEL Premium goes for $35,995. That latter figure is roughly equivalent to the highest trim level on the gas-engine and diesel (TDI) Golf models.

These MSRPs don't include government incentives for which buyers may qualify, including a $7,500 federal tax credit. The electric motor produces 115 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, and the SEL Premium driver can select from three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Eco+. Volkswagen claims a range of up to 83 miles on a full charge.

The e-Golf is currently available only from select VW dealers in 10 states, including California and New York, and in Washington, D.C.

Volkswagen e-Golf

SE

New for 2016, the entry-level version comes with a 3.6 kW onboard charger and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. Standard equipment includes daytime running lights, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth seating surfaces, heated front seats, USB port, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The new Driver Assistance Package is unavailable for the SE edition.

Volkswagen e-Golf

SEL Premium

Initially the sole model but now the step-up version, the SEL Premium has such features as an onboard 7.2 kW DC fast charger, selectable drive modes, park distance control, 16-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, and full-LED headlights. Inside, comfort features include leatherette-upholstered seats, heated front seats and windshield, partially power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless access, eight-speaker audio, an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and iPod integration.

Get your price on a Volkswagen e-Golf »

Read our review on the Volkswagen e-Golf »

CarsDirect Tip

The addition of a lower-priced model makes the e-Golf more tempting. Still, the big question to be asked about an e-Golf, or any electric car, is whether a battery-powered vehicle works for you. Unless you have a convenient 240-volt outlet to plug it in nightly, the answer has to be no. You also have to be comfortable with the expected range: in this case, not over 83 miles if starting with a fully-charged battery pack. On the plus side, with no loss of cargo space and a lot of features for the money, the e-Golf presents few compromises.

Volkswagen e-Golf
author image
Contributing Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

In the growing yet niche segment of electric vehicles, the Volkswagen e-Golf offers a modest range in a practical compact hatchback package with the proper mainstream looks and interior quality taken directly from its gas-powered sibling.

Pricing and Equipment

The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf is available in two trims, the base SE trim starting at $28,995 and the nicely-equipped SEL Premium starting at $35,595. The desirable SEL Premium trim loads the e-Golf with an added 7.2kW charger with DC fast-charging capability, which comes as an added cost option on the SE trim and enables an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. Other highlighted features as part of the e-Golf SE and SEL Premium trim include:

  • Heated front seats
  • Electronically heated windshield
  • Bluetooth phone and audio streaming connectivity
  • Keyless entry
  • Rearview backup camera
  • Power front seats
  • 16-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tires
  • Full LED headlights (SEL Premium)
  • 8-inch Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment system with navigation (SEL Premium)
  • Onboard 7.2kW charger - enables full charge in 4 hours via a 240-volt outlet. (SEL Premium)

The top-trimmed Volkswagen e-Golf SEL Premium equipment list doesn’t depart far from the base SE trim. Most of the pricing difference comes from the added onboard 7.2kW charger that permits a shorter 4 hour charge versus the standard 3.6kW onboard charger, which otherwise takes nearly 20 hours for a full charge using an 110-volt outlet. Additionally, the e-Golf SEL Premium trim adds full LED headlights and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation.

Performance Pros

Volkswagen e-Golf

All Volkswagen e-Golf trims incorporate an 83-mile range and combined 116 MPGe rating. Power is generated from its 24.2-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack to power an 85-kilowatt motor driving the front wheels with 115 horsepower and an instantaneous 199 pound-feet of torque. Zero-to-60 mph time is about 9.5 seconds, an average result for a compact sized electric vehicle.

  • Effortless acceleration and quick throttle response from a dead stop thanks to the electric motor's instant torque.
  • Nearly identical stability and handling attributes from its well-praised gas-powered Golf sibling.
  • Fast full charge time (4 hours) from onboard 7.2kW charger via a 240-volt wall charger/outlet, in addition to an 80 percent charge in 30 minutes via DC quick-charging on e-Golf SEL Premium trim.

Performance Cons

  • The base e-Golf SE's standard 3.6kW onboard charger takes about 20 hours for a full charge via an 110v outlet.
  • 83-mile total range estimate is over 20% shorter than the 2016 Nissan Leaf's range.

Interior Pros

  • The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf features many of the same soft touch materials and intuitive control layouts from its gas-powered Golf counterpart.
  • Front seating has ample support and proves to be comfortable on long fully-charged hauls.
  • Rear seats fold completely flat, opening up total cargo space to a class-leading 52.7 cubic feet.

Interior Cons

  • Rear seating cushion bottoms are mounted very low.
  • The e-Golf SEL Premium trim's navigation system is slow to respond to various inputs and on-screen gestures.
  • The base e-Golf SE trim's standard 5.8-inch touch screen is on the small side compared to other systems.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

Volkswagen e-Golf

Four levels of selectable deceleration from the regenerative braking system offer the driver several options. Fundamentally, these levels allow you to extend the range through different rates of regeneration during braking or lift-throttle deceleration. The most aggressive setting will permit a high level of deceleration upon throttle lift-off while recharging the battery at the highest rate possible to extend the range.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

The limited availability of the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf, which is only currently available in 11 states: California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.

The Bottom Line

Volkswagen e-Golf

The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf builds upon the already-proven and well-perceived formula of its gas-powered sibling and births a fully-electric vehicle with most of the same welcomed practicality, performance, and economical attributes. Apart from the limited range of 83 miles on a full charge, the e-Golf is a good alternative to burning gasoline -- the only stipulation being the ubiquitous range anxiety for some.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Horsepower/Torque
115 HP / 199 ft.lbs.
Transmission
1-spd auto
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
126 / 105 / 117 Mpge
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Horsepower/Torque
115 HP / 199 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
key
126 / 105 / 117 Mpge
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
Recommended Fuel Type
Electric
Average Cost To Fill Tank
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
52.7 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
93 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
168.1 "
Exterior Width
70.8 "
Exterior Height
57.1 "
Front Headroom
38.4 "
Rear Headroom
38.1 "
Front Legroom
41.2 "
Rear Legroom
35.6 "
Front Shoulder Room
55.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room
53.9 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,380 Lbs.
Wheel Base
104 "
Turning Radius
17.9 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Machined Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
None
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way (2-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way (2-way Power)
Front Armrests
6-way (2-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center With Pass-thru
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
8
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Climatronic
Cruise Control
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer Iii
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
144 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf for Sale

3 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Volkswagen
SE
Color: Night Blue Metallic
Price

$10,199

Mileage

31,773 mi

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California Motor Trade (49 mi)

Phone: (951) 550-0727
Volkswagen
SE
Color: White
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$11,550

Mileage

46,027 mi

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J Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Anaheim Hills (36 mi)

Phone: (626) 684-5426
Volkswagen
SE
Color: White
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$11,699

Mileage

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California Motors Direct Montclair (42 mi)

Phone: (909) 200-2277

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Volkswagen
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Color: Deep Black Pearl
Price

$18,992

Mileage

21,780 mi

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Audi Beverly Hills (10 mi)

Phone: (424) 281-5600
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