2018 Volkswagen e-Golf
Starting at $31,390
Select a year
- Highs No tailpipe emissions, refined road manners, practical hatchback body style.
- Lows Key rivals offer more driving range, poky performance, DC fast charging isn't standard.
- Verdict The e-Golf is as practical and fun to drive as its gas-powered sibling with the benefit of zero-emissions driving.
Overview
It's charming, efficient, and utilitarian, which makes the 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf a winning entry in the burgeoning electric-vehicle marketplace. The reason it's so appealing is because it shares its design and front-wheel-drive compact platform with the conventional, gas-powered Golf hatchback. The e-Golf's battery is good for about 125 miles per charge, so its competitive set includes other EVs based on internal combustion-powered small hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus Electric, the Kia Soul EV, and the Fiat 500e; dedicated EVs like the Nissan Leaf or the Chevrolet Bolt offer more driving range. Even with its electric powertrain, the e-Golf retains the regular Golf's fun-to-drive demeanor that endears it to driving enthusiasts like us.
What's New for 2018?
For the 2018 model year, the e-Golf's top SEL Premium trim swaps out the standard Discover media infotainment display with a larger Discover Pro screen. The SEL Premium trim also gets VW's Digital Cockpit standard for 2018. The same trim's standard Park Distance Control adds maneuver braking, which can apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid collisions with stationary objects at low speeds, whether moving forward or in reverse.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We'd stick with the base SE model as the additional features that come with the SEL Premium don't justify the price increase. The SE comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, partially power-adjustable front seats, and two-zone automatic climate control.
Powertrain, Charging, and Performance
The e-Golf uses the same 35.8 kilowatt-hour battery as the year before, bumping its range to 125 miles, a vast improvement over the original 24.2-kWh battery and its 83-mile range. This pushes the e-Golf's full charge past competitors like the Kia Soul EV and Ford Focus Electric, as well as certain dedicated EVs like the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Ioniq EV. Our tester reached 60 mph in a reasonable 8.5 seconds, and it achieved a commendable 0.82g on our skidpad test. Its engaging handling and composed ride are qualities it shares with the gas-powered Golf. Top speed is electronically limited to 85 mph.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA's website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The e-Golf's interior has the same best-in-class fit and finish as the conventional Golf, save for the big new center touchscreen added to evoke Tesla's interior aesthetic. The SEL Premium trim features leather-topped vinyl seats, and its blue accent stitching takes the edge off an otherwise dark, subdued atmosphere. The e-Golf's boxy five-door body offers copious space for four adults (though it is a bit tight for five), and the EV's battery pack doesn't eat into cargo space, which is a generous 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats down.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The SEL Premium's new 9.25-inch Discover Pro touchscreen display replaces the 8.0-inch screen in last year's model. Features include navigation, gesture control, as well as EV-specific functions and displays, including driving data and charging timers. VW says it's the largest available and highest-resolution infotainment display offered on any of its U.S.-market models. The 8.0-inch screen remains standard in the base SE model. All e-Golf trims receive a host of connected-car services, including VW Car-Net Security & Service that includes a free six-month introductory subscription to Verizon Telematics. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and VW's MirrorLink smartphone-mirroring tech is also standard across the lineup.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the 2018 VW e-Golf's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
[Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
