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2016
Volkswagen e-Golf

Starts at:
$28,995
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New 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr HB SE
    Starts at
    $28,995
    83 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB SEL Premium
    Starts at
    $35,595
    83 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf

Notable features

New value-oriented SE trim level
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability now offered
New active safety and convenience features available
Hatchback body style

The good & the bad

The good

Quick recharging with available onboard charger
Premium cabin materials
Hatchback practicality

The bad

Lack of tire grip
Limited range
Front seat comfort

Expert 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

Volkswagen joined the growing list of automakers offering all-electric cars with the debut of the e-Golf last year. Based on the Golf four-door hatchback, the e-Golf has an EPA-estimated range of 83 miles.
What’s Special

  • New value-oriented SE trim level
  • Unique grille with blue accents
  • Touch-screen that offers a deeper look at the electric powertrain’s operation
  • 115-horsepower electric motor
  • Lithium-ion battery pack that’s located in the floor under the seats
  • Available 7.2-kilowatt onboard charger can replenish the battery in less than four hours
  • Three regenerative-braking programs

Here’s info on the regular Golf:

The Volkswagen Golf is available as a two- or four-door hatchback, or as a wagon. Power comes from a gas or diesel four-cylinder engine, and the five-seat Golf competes with the Mazda3 hatchback, Hyundai Elantra GT and Mini Cooper. Volkswagen’s performance-oriented Golf GTI and Golf R are related, as is the e-Golf electric car.

(Skip to details on the: Golf GTI, Golf R)
New for 2016
A newly available multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring on the car’s dashboard screen. The S trim level gains a backup camera while the SE adds keyless access with push-button start.

A Driver Assistance Package for SE and SEL trim levels includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with autonomous braking, lane departure warning, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, and automated parallel and perpendicular parking.  
Significant Standard Features

  • 170-hp, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Split-folding rear seat with pass-through
  • Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • Air conditioning
  • Touch-screen stereo with iPod connectivity
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • 150-hp, turbo-diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 236 pounds-feet of torque
  • Heated front seats
  • Fender premium stereo
  • Navigation system
  • Keyless access with push-button start
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Power sunroof

Golf GTI
The Volkswagen GTI is a high-performance sibling of the Golf. It comes as a two- or four-door hatchback and has room for five people. Competitors include the Ford Focus ST, Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper S.
What’s Special

  • 210-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Thin honeycomb grille with red stripe
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Dual tailpipes 
  • Plaid cloth upholstery; leather available
  • Performance Package raises engine output to 220 hp and includes larger brakes and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential
  • Available adaptive suspension 
  • Backup camera now standard

Back to top
Golf R
The Golf R is a range-topping performance hatchback based on the Golf and Golf GTI. It competes with the Subaru WRX STi and Ford Focus ST and employs all-wheel drive — a key difference from the front-drive Golf and Golf GTI. Drivers can choose a new six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
What’s Special

  • 292-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Xenon headlights with horseshoe-style LED daytime running lights
  • Quad exhaust pipes
  • Adaptive suspension

Back to top

2016 Volkswagen e-Golf review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

Volkswagen joined the growing list of automakers offering all-electric cars with the debut of the e-Golf last year. Based on the Golf four-door hatchback, the e-Golf has an EPA-estimated range of 83 miles.
What’s Special

  • New value-oriented SE trim level
  • Unique grille with blue accents
  • Touch-screen that offers a deeper look at the electric powertrain’s operation
  • 115-horsepower electric motor
  • Lithium-ion battery pack that’s located in the floor under the seats
  • Available 7.2-kilowatt onboard charger can replenish the battery in less than four hours
  • Three regenerative-braking programs

Here’s info on the regular Golf:

The Volkswagen Golf is available as a two- or four-door hatchback, or as a wagon. Power comes from a gas or diesel four-cylinder engine, and the five-seat Golf competes with the Mazda3 hatchback, Hyundai Elantra GT and Mini Cooper. Volkswagen’s performance-oriented Golf GTI and Golf R are related, as is the e-Golf electric car.

(Skip to details on the: Golf GTI, Golf R)
New for 2016
A newly available multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring on the car’s dashboard screen. The S trim level gains a backup camera while the SE adds keyless access with push-button start.

A Driver Assistance Package for SE and SEL trim levels includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with autonomous braking, lane departure warning, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, and automated parallel and perpendicular parking.  
Significant Standard Features

  • 170-hp, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Split-folding rear seat with pass-through
  • Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • Air conditioning
  • Touch-screen stereo with iPod connectivity
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • 150-hp, turbo-diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 236 pounds-feet of torque
  • Heated front seats
  • Fender premium stereo
  • Navigation system
  • Keyless access with push-button start
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Power sunroof

Golf GTI
The Volkswagen GTI is a high-performance sibling of the Golf. It comes as a two- or four-door hatchback and has room for five people. Competitors include the Ford Focus ST, Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper S.
What’s Special

  • 210-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Thin honeycomb grille with red stripe
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Dual tailpipes 
  • Plaid cloth upholstery; leather available
  • Performance Package raises engine output to 220 hp and includes larger brakes and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential
  • Available adaptive suspension 
  • Backup camera now standard

Back to top
Golf R
The Golf R is a range-topping performance hatchback based on the Golf and Golf GTI. It competes with the Subaru WRX STi and Ford Focus ST and employs all-wheel drive — a key difference from the front-drive Golf and Golf GTI. Drivers can choose a new six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
What’s Special

  • 292-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Xenon headlights with horseshoe-style LED daytime running lights
  • Quad exhaust pipes
  • Adaptive suspension

Back to top

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
MY 2016-MY 2017 vehicles / 75,000 miles; MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles / 72,000 miles; MY 2020 and newer vehicles / 75,000 miles
Basic
Vehicles purchased on or after 1 / 5 / 21: MY 2017 & older, 2 yrs / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2018-19, 1 yr / 12,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2020 & newer, 2 years / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty
Dealer certification
100-plus point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.2 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.3
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.5
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • Great around town car.

    2016 e-Golf SEL bought use 2yr old for 16K with 28k mi. Now 10/2023 with 63k miles. Two tires an a bunch of wipers. Fun, handles well, cheap charging costs (4.2/kWh), 5.3 mi/kWh, practical layout. No updating the navigation, not the best visibility but great backup camera. Not thrilled about the defrost wires in the windshield but it is fast. One foot driving is great! Like a poor man's Model 3.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Glorified Golf Cart

    Stranded today. Could not get to work. Something was left on while I charged the battery. Not enough energy to drive 5 miles to work. Oh and in the winter don't dare turn on the heater. Your energy will deplete in a heart beat. Same goes for air conditioning. And if it's below 39 degrees, which is normal for Central Oregon winters, you will never get a full charge. DO NOT BUY. Oh and buy the way this car was 4 years old when I bought it, but it only had 23,000 miles and I have had these issues ever since I bought it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    13 people out of 23 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Looks, drives like a regular ice car

    Bought used, cant really tell by the looks of it, 35,400 miles. I commute daily in it, charge it nightly and it’s ready to go in the morning, nice and warm. Car is pretty much a regular Golf other than the eMotor and the battery. Handles real nice due to very low center of gravity. Surprisingly good acceleration. 3 modes of power, normal, eco and eco+. Regenerative braking dumps power back into battery, If you drive carefully and leave plenty of room between your car and the one in front of you, you can almost use no braking and really extend your range. Very intuitive electronics, just took me a couple of days to get used to it. If you get the chance test drive one, you won’t regret it. Come December I’ll be charging from my Solar Array, so I won’t be paying for electricity.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    18 people out of 18 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • New owner, but seems super solid

    What more do you have to say? It’s the Tesla Model3 5 years before it ever arrived and it’s actually $35k new! I scored a 2 year old top trim SEL for $18k and couldn’t be happier!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Perfect around town car - Zero Emissions

    Although the range is only around 90 miles on a single charge, this vehicle is perfect for around town. Takes 8 hrs to fully charge vehicle using a 110V outlet. Very comfortable and reliable. Build quality is outstanding.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • environmental responsibility

    Great car, great value, good performance, excellent environmentally but a real pain to get a charging station installed in a condo garage and expensive.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very nice elctric car even comparing to MB B-class

    Drives nice, comfortable, good visibility around, excellent navigation and menu. But I'm missing home link (garage door opener) and lane departure warnings.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Love the fact its reducing our carbon footprint

    Easy to drive as it effortlessly glides along without the annoying engine exhaust sound and seems to have plenty of pep! Bought a level 2 charger on line that charges the battery about 3 times faster then the charger that came with the car. My wife Loves the car!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Looks Sporty, Drives Fast, Clean and no Emissions

    e-Golf is like any other Golf. Interior is excellent. Good room inside. Performance is great. Suspension is a little soft than regular golf maybe because of battery weight. Other than that, it is an excellent car to own.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • eGolf

    Good all around car, however, the mileage is awful ~90 to a charge, still working on it, hopefully, this improves as we learn more of the intricacies.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great service

    Very happy with my new VW e-golf! Is very sport and nothing like an electric car. No gas anymore. Also de design is like a regular car no something futuristic and lookin weird.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf?

The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf is available in 2 trim levels:

  • SE (1 style)
  • SEL Premium (1 style)

What is the electric range of the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf?

The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf can travel 83 miles on a single charge depending on electric motor and battery options.

EPA-estimated range is the distance, or predicted distance, a new plug-in vehicle will travel on electric power before its battery charge is exhausted. Actual range will vary depending on driving conditions, trim level, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf?

The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf reliable?

The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf owners.

Is the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf. 81.8% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.2 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.5
  • Reliability: 4.4

Volkswagen e-Golf history

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