“Extremely happy with this car. Doesn't look like an electric, but saves a ton of money on gas. Also super fun to drive. Range kind of sucks during the winter though.”
2016 Volkswagen e-Golf: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf is a reorganized lineup: a new SE base trim replaces the 2015 Limited Edition. Both trims also gain newer touchscreen systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the battery, power, and EPA-rated 83-mile range carry over.
About the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf
7th-generation Golf-based e-Golf (Mk7), second U.S. model year, before the larger-battery 2017 update.
Volkswagen positioned the e-Golf as an electric car that still feels like a normal Golf hatchback first. The pitch was practical hatchback space, familiar controls, quiet everyday drivability, and instant electric torque without the quirky styling or compromised cargo room common in many early EVs. For most buyers, its appeal was simple: a compact commuter EV with usable rear-seat and cargo space, tidy road manners, and a more conventional, upscale feel than many rivals.
The SE is the value-oriented e-Golf, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless start, and a rearview camera. The SEL Premium is the more fully equipped version, adding an 8-inch navigation touchscreen, faster charging hardware, LED headlights, a heat-pump-assisted climate system, synthetic leather upholstery, and parking sensors.
What changed, by category
Tech
Both trims receive Volkswagen’s newer touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. The SE has a 6.5-inch screen, while the SEL Premium has an 8-inch navigation screen.
2016 Volkswagen e-Golf specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Electric Motor | Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 115 hp | 115 hp |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 52.7 cu-ft | 52.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.6 in | 35.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 83 | 83 |
| MPGe Combined | 116 | 116 |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Cruise Control | ||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf?
The biggest change is the addition of the SE base trim, which replaces the 2015 Limited Edition. The 2016 lineup consists of SE and SEL Premium trims.
Does the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Every 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink through the newer touchscreen system.
Did the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf gain more driving range than the 2015 model?
No. The 2016 e-Golf retains the 24.2-kWh battery, 115-hp motor, and EPA-rated 83-mile range, so this was not a battery or performance upgrade year.
How do the 2016 e-Golf SE and SEL Premium differ?
The SE is the simpler entry trim with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and core comfort features. The SEL Premium adds an 8-inch navigation screen, faster charging hardware, LED headlights, a heat-pump-assisted climate system, synthetic leather seating, and parking sensors.
2016 Volkswagen e-Golf Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf.
4.2
2016 Volkswagen e-Golf
(93 reviews)
“I love everything about my 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf except for the range limitations. 83 miles can be a bit of a headache sometimes for when I have longer days and need to run errands all over town. But the overall ride and quality of the vehicle are great. I would just opt for a newer EV that has a higher range.”
“Excellent car for the money that works for anyone that does not need it for long trips.”