Volkswagen e-Golf
Volkswagen’s first foray into electric vehicles (EVs) was the e-Golf, which debuted in 2015. As the name suggests, it takes the automaker’s class-leading compact hatchback, the Golf, and swaps its internal-combustion engine for an electric motor and a battery pack. Thanks to clever packaging by VW engineers, the e-Golf loses no passenger or cargo space (compared to its gasoline-powered sibling) in the process. Owners of the e-Golf give it high marks for its quiet and refined power delivery, confident handling, and low running costs. On the downside, it only offers, at best, an EPA-estimated 125 miles of range, which is less than some rivals, such as the Chevrolet Bolt and the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Volkswagen’s first foray into electric vehicles (EVs) was the e-Golf, which debuted in 2015. As the name suggests, it takes the automaker’s class-leading compact hatchback, the Golf, and swaps its internal-combustion engine for an electric motor and a battery pack. Thanks to clever packaging by VW engineers, the e-Golf loses no passenger or cargo space (compared to its gasoline-powered sibling) in the process. Owners of the e-Golf give it high marks for its quiet and refined power delivery, confident handling, and low running costs. On the downside, it only offers, at best, an EPA-estimated 125 miles of range, which is less than some rivals, such as the Chevrolet Bolt and the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Volkswagen e-Golf Model Lineup
Produced from 2015 through 2019, the e-Golf is an all-electric version of Volkswagen’s popular compact hatchback, the Golf. The five-seater was the only electric vehicle (EV) in the German automaker’s lineup at the time. However, it has since been supplanted by the ID.4, an all-electric compact crossover SUV, which debuted in 2021.
The e-Golf is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack paired with a single electric motor, which drives the front wheels (only). In 2017, VW upgraded the battery pack from 24.2 to 35.8 kilowatt-hours, increasing its EPA-estimated range from 83 to 125 miles. The electric motor was upgraded that same year from 115 to 134 horsepower. Recharging the battery pack takes about six hours using a 240-volt at-home charger. When connected to a DC fast charger, properly equipped examples can gain an 80% charge in about an hour.
Volkswagen sold the e-Golf in three trims: the entry-level SE (which first appeared in 2016), the mid-range Limited Edition (which was dropped in 2018), and the range-topping SEL Premium. Standard equipment on the SE includes keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and an infotainment touchscreen that grew from 6.5 to 8.0 inches in 2017. The Limited Edition trim adds DC fast charging capabilities (which the SE also got in 2019) and a more efficient heat-pump-based heater, while the top-tier SEL Premium also gets LED headlights, parking sensors, faux leather upholstery, navigation, and an upgraded infotainment touchscreen, which grew from 8.0 to 9.3 inches in 2018. Most advanced driving aids (including adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist) are optional on the e-Golf and also limited to the top trim – except for the 2019 model year, when they also became available on the entry-level SE.
Popular Trims
Volkswagen e-Golf Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2015
4.4
24 verified owner reviews
Top 2015 Reviews
Hao P. from CA
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 Volkswagen e-Golf Limited
Manufacturers should make backup batteries for Electric Car for emergency or incase, EV car owners can find a charger station nearby.
Madison B. from CA
Verified Owner · Jul, 2015
2015 Volkswagen e-Golf
Charging from app-only is a major flaw. Infotainment system programming of charging and more gui for vehicle status while driving similar to German models would be much better. Carnet app is overly complicated and does not work. Also driving distance based on trip average is misleading, should have option to choose vehicle life average, or gps based average factoring in topography of route so not to be left dead on a hill out of a charge. Top speed program ability as well as customizable driving profile other than eco plus and normal would also bring the car to a 10 out of 10. Most of the needs for the car to be at the top are based on programming that can still be done with a patch from the mfg... can discuss more if needed.
Katherine R. from CA
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2015 Volkswagen e-Golf
I love driving the eGolf! The range is too little at 80 miles and it is inaccurate (as in, the listed range is not the actual residual range). Also, the air conditioner is terrible.