“Love the fact that it is an EV! It is small and easy to park and really takes off when you need it too. Not a lot of maintenance with EV either. I recommend EV to anyone who is looking to save gas $$!!!”
2017 Volkswagen e-Golf: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf is its larger battery, which raises EPA-estimated range from 83 to 125 miles. This is a major update that also brings a stronger motor, faster onboard charging, refreshed styling, and a new touchscreen.
About the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf
1st-gen U.S. e-Golf (2015-2019), mid-cycle refresh and major battery/powertrain upgrade year within the seventh-generation Golf family.
Volkswagen positions the e-Golf as a normal Golf first and an EV second: a practical five-door hatchback with familiar controls, useful cargo space, and tidy city size, just powered by electricity. Its main appeal is everyday commuting without the odd styling or compromised packaging that early EVs often had. Against rivals, its big advantage is that it feels like a polished compact hatchback rather than an experiment, with more refinement and a more traditional interior layout than many budget EVs of the time.
The 2017 e-Golf ranges from the straightforward SE to the upscale SEL Premium, with the new Limited Edition serving as the practical middle trim. Every version has a 134-hp electric motor, a 7.2-kW onboard charger, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited Edition adds DC fast charging and parking help, while the SEL Premium adds navigation, LED headlights, and V-Tex seating.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A 35.8-kWh battery replaces the previous 24.2-kWh pack, raising EPA-estimated range from 83 to 125 miles. A stronger 100-kW motor increases output from 115 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque to 134 hp and 214 lb-ft. A 7.2-kW onboard charger is standard across the lineup.
Styling
The front and rear are refreshed with changes to the grille, headlights, bumpers, and front fenders. The cabin also receives revised seat trim.
Safety
The SEL Premium gains an optional driver-assistance package with newer active-safety features.
Tech
Every trim receives a new 8-inch glass-covered touchscreen. The SEL Premium also gains an optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Trim lineup
A new Limited Edition joins the lineup between the SE and SEL Premium. It adds DC fast charging, a heat pump, V-Tex seating, and parking assistance.
2017 Volkswagen e-Golf specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Electric Motor | Electric Motor | Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 134 hp | 134 hp | 134 hp |
| Torque | 214 lb-ft | 214 lb-ft | 214 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 52.7 cu-ft | 52.7 cu-ft | 52.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 125 | 125 | 125 |
| MPGe Combined | 119 | 119 | 119 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||
| 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 | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
How far can the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf travel on a charge?
The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf has an EPA-estimated range of 125 miles, up from 83 miles for 2016. The improvement comes from a larger 35.8-kWh battery.
Is the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf more powerful than the 2016 model?
Yes. The 2017 e-Golf produces 134 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque, compared with 115 hp and 199 lb-ft for 2016.
Does every 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf have faster onboard charging?
Yes. Every 2017 e-Golf has a 7.2-kW onboard charger, an upgrade that became standard across the lineup.
What is the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf Limited Edition?
The Limited Edition is a new middle trim for 2017. It sits between the SE and SEL Premium and includes DC fast charging, a heat pump, V-Tex seating, and parking assistance.
Is the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf a major upgrade over the 2016 model?
Yes. The 2017 model has 42 miles more EPA-estimated range, a stronger motor, a standard 7.2-kW onboard charger, refreshed styling, and a new 8-inch touchscreen. It is one of the e-Golf’s most substantial model-year updates.
2017 Volkswagen e-Golf Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf.
4.4
2017 Volkswagen e-Golf
(32 reviews)
“Owning an electric vehicle is fun, it does not limit the driving we do around town and it is environmentally friendly. It handles well on curves. However, it is low to the ground and not the easiest for getting in and out of.”