2016 Volkswagen e-Golf Review





Get More For Your Trade-In
Edmunds' Expert Review
- Outstanding cabin materials and construction
- superior ride and quietness
- low center of gravity delivers impressive grip and handling
- just as much cargo capacity as other Golfs
- new lower-price base model.
- Less power and thus slower acceleration than some other electric vehicles
- limited availability.
What’s new
The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf gets a new, lower-priced base trim with slightly less standard content. Both the base SE and upper-trim SEL models get a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and VW MirrorLink smartphone connectivity and a 6.5-inch touchscreen for the SE and an 8-inch touchscreen for the SEL. The SE loses the built-in navigation system, parking sensors and auto-dimming rearview mirror that were standard on all e-Golfs in 2015, and speedy battery charging is now an extra-cost option on the base trim. The SEL gets a new optional driver assistance package that includes front collision mitigation and parallel parking systems.
Edmunds says
One of our favorite electric vehicles, the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf stands out from the growing crowd of EVs with its superior driving dynamics, impressive range and optimized battery charging equipment. And thanks to careful packaging, it has all the practicality of any other four-door Golf hatchback.
Vehicle overview
Volkswagen was a bit late to the EV segment, waiting until 2015 to introduce its first electric vehicle — four years after Nissan launched the category with the all-electric Leaf. But those weren't four wasted years. VW engineers and designers studied the EVs that were entering the market and learned from their plusses and minuses. The result is the e-Golf, an electric car that doesn't surrender handling, comfort or roominess to make room for its large battery pack. It's a car that actually builds on rather than subtracts from the qualities of the conventionally powered Golf hatchback on which it is based.

The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf is an electrified version of the standard Golf hatchback. It is rated at 83 miles of range.
On the outside, the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf looks just like the rest of the Golf lineup. The only real differentiating features are a shuttered grille and some unique wheel and LED lighting treatments to distinguish the electric model. Inside, with its lithium-ion battery pack placed under the front and rear seats, the e-Golf has exactly the same cargo capacity as the standard four-door Golf.
The low-slung battery array also helps the e-Golf maintain the same excellent handling traits as the regular models and, in our view, its highway ride is superior and quieter to boot. Acceleration is competitive for EVs, and range depends on driving style, but you can expect between 80 and 100 miles on a single charge.
In both of its trim levels, the 2016 e-Golf's features and standard equipment are better than most competitors offer. But because of limited charging infrastructure availability in many regions, the e-Golf, like many other electric vehicles, is available only at participating dealers in California and the dozen West Coast and East Coast states — plus Washington, D.C. — that adhere to the tougher emissions standards and zero-emissions vehicle rules first implemented in California.
In the states where they are available, there are a growing number of EVs, including the stalwart and affordable Nissan Leaf, cute-as-a-button 2016 Fiat 500e, versatile 2016 Kia Soul EV and engaging 2016 Ford Focus Electric. There also are some luxury-brand options in the Golf's class with the distinctively styled BMW i3 and the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive. But if you're interested in a small EV that doesn't scream "look at me" and offers dynamic driving qualities and great versatility — and if you live in the right area — then you owe it to yourself to test-drive the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf.
Performance & mpg
The e-Golf is powered by a synchronous permanent-magnet AC motor that develops a maximum of 115 horsepower and an impressive 199 pound-feet of torque in the default "Normal" driving mode. Power is reduced to 94 hp and 162 lb-ft in Eco mode and 74 hp and 129 lb-ft in Eco+ mode. The e-Golf sends its power to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. Electric power is supplied by an under-floor lithium-ion battery pack with an overall capacity of 24.2 kWh.
The SE model comes with a fairly slow 3.6-kW charger that requires about seven hours to restore a depleted battery when connected to a 240-volt, Level 2 charging source. The SEL comes with a speedier 7.2-kW charger — it was standard across the line in 2015, the e-Golf's inaugural year — that does the job in just under four hours. Charging can also be done on a standard 120-volt household line, but it then takes about 20 hours to replenish a fully discharged battery pack. The SEL also comes with a "Level 3" DC fast-charge port that permits rapid recharging — 80 percent in 30 minutes — on select commercial SAE-standard fast-charging installations that are being installed around the country. The 7.2-kW charger and a DC fast charge port are bundled as the only factory option available for the base SE trim.
The EPA estimates the 2016 e-Golf's fuel (electricity) consumption at 29 kWh per 100 miles traveled, with a total range of 83 miles per charge. Our own testing experience suggests a realistic range in the default Normal mode of 106 miles on our suburban evaluation loop, with 6 miles remaining. This was, in part, due to the e-Golf's unique ability to customize regenerative braking among four different levels to maximize energy recovery. Range can be further extended if either the Eco or Eco+ drive modes are used, especially when used in conjunction with a light foot on the accelerator pedal.
At our test track in Normal mode, a 2015 e-Golf accelerated to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds. This is a little slower than the Chevrolet Spark EV, but quicker than the Ford Focus EV.
Safety
Standard safety features for the 2016 VW e-Golf include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, rearview camera, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. A post-crash braking system is also standard and automatically applies the brakes after an impact to reduce the likelihood of a secondary crash. Front and rear parking sensors are standard on the SEL trim
Also included is VW's Car-Net emergency telematics service, which offers automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, remote vehicle access, stolen vehicle location and geo-fencing (which allows parents to set boundaries for teenage drivers). A Car-Net app for Apple and Android smartphones lets owners control many of these functions on the go.
For the SEL trim only, there's an optional Driver Assistance package that includes a front collision warning and crash mitigation system with automated emergency braking.
In Edmunds braking tests, the e-Golf stopped from 60 mph in 117 feet, an impressive result for this class, only bettered by the much smaller and lighter BMW i3 EV.
Although the e-Golf has yet to be crash tested by federal regulators or by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the non-electric 2016 Golf four-door hatchback on which it is based earned the Institute's highest possible score of "Good" in tests for moderate-overlap frontal-offset impact, small-overlap frontal-offset impact, side impact and roof strength. Its head restraints and seats also received a "Good" rating for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Driving
The e-Golf's ability to provide smooth and effortless drivability comes naturally due to the zero-shift direct-drive powertrain. The car's electric motor delivers maximum torque from a standstill, which makes for good response in city driving conditions. It's not going to win any drag races, and as speed builds, acceleration ebbs slightly. Still, you'll have no problem merging into highway traffic.
Unlike some other EVs, the e-Golf offers four distinct levels of lift-throttle regenerative braking that the driver may select with the shift lever up to the maximum "B" level. This is handy in traffic as well as for improving efficiency and extending range.

Unique LED running lights, different wheels and the lack of a tailpipe are a few of the visual p>Another benefit of the batteries' under-floor location is that the electric hatchback's center of mass is low to the ground and as a result, provides a very stable highway ride and surprisingly good handling as well. In fact, the e-Golf matched the standard Golf's agility in our handling tests, and its power steering retains a smooth and direct response. This EV is easy to steer when you're parking, and the wheel is reassuringly firm and stable at highway speeds. And because there's no engine, the e-Golf is amazingly quiet in any situation. Volkswagen's engineers added a whirring sound for pedestrian awareness and safety.
Overall, the Volkswagen e-Golf feels like a well-equipped Golf that just happens to be electric-powered, and from the perspective of comfort, its highway ride is actually better. For all these reasons, we awarded the e-Golf our highest "A" rating.
Interior
Volkswagen wisely avoided the temptation to alter the regular Golf's otherwise practical and functional interior for the 2016 VW e-Golf. Were it not for blue accent colors and a specialized power display replacing the tachometer, you would never guess this is the electric-powered version of the Golf.
That's a good thing because this cabin is furnished with well-grained materials that are soft to the touch, and the overall design is slightly austere but generally comfortable and even sporty. Buttons and switches are close to the driver and offer intuitive control over basic functions. The center information display is simple to use and the base model's 6.5-inch touchscreen (also used to display the rearview camera image) works well and is easily read at a glance. The SEL's 8-inch screen is much better, though, especially for displaying the SEL's built-in navigation system. While the base SE doesn't have a proprietary in-dash navigation system, its smartphone integration allows drivers with smartphones to use the touchscreen to display navigation maps and directions from their phone apps.
Its front seats provide ample support and comfort, even during long-distance driving stints, and not at the sacrifice of rear-seat passengers. The e-Golf's leg- and shoulder room make the small hatch feel spacious. Our lone criticism about the backseat is that while the low-mounted rear-seat cushions afford ample headroom, they reduce thigh support for longer-legged passengers.
By packaging the batteries under the floor of the e-Golf, VW engineers ensured that its luggage and cargo capacity are identical to any other Golf hatchback. Up to 22.8 cubic feet of cargo can be accommodated behind the rear seats, while folding the seats completely flat provides a class-leading 52.7 cubic feet of space.
2016 Volkswagen e-Golf models
The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf is a four-door hatchback electric vehicle (EV) offered in two trim levels: SE (replacing the 2015 Limited Edition) and SEL. Standard equipment for the SE includes power heated side mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, automatic headlights, LED running lights and 16-inch alloy wheels with low-rolling-resistance all-season tires.
Interior features include dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, an electrically heated windshield, rearview camera, automatic wipers, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and manual-slide/power-reclining front seats with heating and manual lumbar adjustment. The rear seats are 60/40-split folding with a pass-through armrest. Standard technology features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, USB and auxiliary ports, an SD card reader, an eight-speaker audio system with satellite and HD radio, a CD player and VW's MIB II system with smartphone integration, VW's Car-Net telematics and a 6.5-inch touchscreen that provides for all manner of controls.
The SEL Premium adds LED headlights, cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, ambient lighting, an 8-inch touchscreen, an SD-card-based navigation system, additional Car-Net features, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors and an energy-efficient — and range-increasing — heat pump for the climate control system.

Going for the e-Golf in SEL Premium trim adds niceties such as cruise control and a multifunction steering wheel.
Options packages are simple. The SE can be augmented with a DC Fast Charging package (standard on the SEL) that adds a 7.2-kW onboard charger and a DC fast-charge port that enables rapid charging at a growing number of commercial quick charge stations being installed around the country. The SEL's only optional equipment comes bundled in a Driver Assistance package that includes a front collision warning and mitigation system with autonomous emergency braking, and VW's parking assist system for semi-automated parallel parking (the driver still must control the brake and accelerator).
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf.
Most helpful consumer reviews
People who viewed this also viewed
5 average Rating out of 4 reviews. |
Starting at $27,400 |
See Inventory |
5 average Rating out of 2 reviews. |
Starting at $31,000 |
See Inventory |
5 average Rating out of 1 reviews. |
Starting at $34,000 |
See Inventory |
Used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf Overview
The Used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf is offered in the following submodels: e-Golf Hatchback. Available styles include SEL Premium 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), and SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD). The Used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 1-speed direct drive. The Used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf?
Price comparisons for Used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf trim styles:
- The Used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf SE is priced between $16,990 and$21,590 with odometer readings between 23384 and71765 miles.
- The Used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf SEL Premium is priced between $19,590 and$19,590 with odometer readings between 46510 and46510 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golfs are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf for sale near. There are currently 24 used and CPO 2016 e-Golfs listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $16,990 and mileage as low as 23384 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf.
Can't find a used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golfs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Volkswagen e-Golf for sale.
Find a used Volkswagen for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Volkswagen e-Golf for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Volkswagen for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Volkswagen lease specials
Check out Volkswagen e-Golf lease specials
Related Used 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Bentley Continental 2005
- Used Volkswagen Touareg 2007
- Used Chevrolet Suburban 2012
- Used Volkswagen Golf 2001 For Sale
- Used BMW Alpina B7
- Used Subaru Impreza 2015
- Used Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2003
- Used Ford Transit Passenger Van 2016
- Used Land Rover Range Rover 1990
- Used Jaguar S-Type 2001
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 Audi Q7 News
- Chevrolet Blazer 2021
- 2023 Nissan Maxima News
- 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2022 Audi TT RS
- 2022 Jaguar F-TYPE
- 2021 Mazda 3
- 2022 Ford F-350 Super Duty
- 2022 BMW M8 Gran Coupe
- 2022 LC 500H
Other models to consider
- 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
- Volkswagen Passat 2022
- 2021 Jetta GLI
- 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
- 2022 Volkswagen Arteon
- 2021 Passat
- 2021 ID.4
- Volkswagen Arteon 2021
Research similar vehicles
- Hyundai Venue 2021
- 2022 MINI Hardtop 2 Door
- 2022 MINI Hardtop 4 Door
- 2021 Hyundai Veloster
- Audi S5 2021
- 2021 RS 5
- 2021 MINI Clubman
- MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2023
- MINI Clubman 2023
- 2023 Hardtop 4 Door
Recommended
- Ford Ranger 2010 Truck Features Specs
- Honda S2000 2008 Features Specs
- Hummer H3T 2010 Features Specs
- Ford Taurus 1991 Sedan Consumer Review
- Audi R8 2012 Convertible Features Specs
Other models
- New Subaru BRZ for Sale in Pinellas Park, FL
- New Lexus RX-350L for Sale in Rock Hill, SC
- New Toyota Camry-Hybrid for Sale in Fort Smith, AR
- New BMW 2-Series-Gran-Coupe for Sale in Jonesboro, AR
- New Lexus Es-300H for Sale in Burlington, NC
- New Audi S5 for Sale in North Charleston, SC
- New Cadillac Ct4-V-Blackwing for Sale in La Mesa, CA
- New Audi SQ5 for Sale in Newark, CA
- New Audi RS-7 for Sale in Lincoln, CA
- New Jeep Grand-Cherokee-L for Sale in Thousand Oaks, CA
- New BMW X5 for Sale in Woonsocket, RI
- New Infiniti QX55 for Sale in Norwalk, CT
- New Honda Odyssey for Sale in Bonita Springs, FL
- New Jaguar F-Pace for Sale in Scranton, PA
- New Toyota Rav4-Prime for Sale in Victorville, CA
- New Ford Edge for Sale in West Covina, CA
- Used Honda Crosstour in Encinitas, CA
- New Ram 2500 for Sale in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
- New Toyota Corolla-Hybrid for Sale in Broomfield, CO
- New Honda Accord-Hybrid for Sale in Deerfield Beach, FL
- New Volkswagen Jetta-Gli for Sale in Camden, NJ
- New GMC Savana-Cargo for Sale in Waukesha, WI
- Used Lincoln MKT in Apache Junction, AZ
- New BMW X3-M for Sale in Rowlett, TX
- New Mercedes-Benz C-Class for Sale in Schertz, TX
- New Audi RS-7 for Sale in Rialto, CA
- New Lexus RX-450H for Sale in Dearborn, MI
- New Chevrolet Corvette for Sale in Monroe, LA
- New Subaru WRX for Sale in Mission, TX
- New Audi S3 for Sale in Sammamish, WA