2017 Volkswagen e-Golf Review

Name: 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf Review
Brand: Volkswagen
Price: 9621 USD

Price Estimate: $9,621 - $12,440

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Volkswagen e-Golf model years

Volkswagen e-Golf for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by James Riswick

Pros

Looks and drives more like a typical car than other EVs
Premium interior materials
Plenty of trunk space
Comfortable and quiet ride

Cons

Less electric range than other EVs
Less cargo and storage capacity, too
Not as many features for your money
Limited availability

What’s new

A new lithium-ion battery for 2017 yields a higher energy capacity and, therefore, a significant bump in driving range, from 83 miles to 125 miles. An upgraded electric motor also increases horsepower and torque. A 7.2-kW onboard charger is now standard, enabling six-hour charging times when using a 240-volt charging station. Finally, there are some extra standard features and a new Limited Edition trim level, and the 2017 e-Golf gets the same updated styling as the regular 2018 Golf.

Vehicle overview

Although some shoppers like that electric cars are different from the norm, many others don't want to deal with anything out of the ordinary. Something more normal would be better. Well, the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf is about as normal as you can get.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

15 listings

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2017 Volkswagen e-Golf
SE 4dr Hatchback
$13,998
- 45,460 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, personal use
- 125 mi range
- Central Auto (811 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWKR7AU7HW950843
Stock: M8923
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-28-2024
2017 Volkswagen e-Golf
SE 4dr Hatchback
$10,999
fair price
- 68,285 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 125 mi range
- Kian Motors (902 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Plano, TX
**** WE ACCEPT ALL TRADES **** WWW.KIANMOTORS.COMThis Volkswagen e-Golf has a dependable Electric engine powering this Automatic transmission. Wheel...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWKR7AU8HW954304
Stock: P954304
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-18-2025

See all for sale

Other than the different wheels and the lack of a tailpipe, you might as well be looking at any other VW Golf from the outside. On the inside, the e-Golf has the same high-quality, user-friendly cabin with comfortable seats and a roomy back seat. The cargo area is even the same. And, yes, even the shifter is the same. There's no confusing or potentially dangerous newfangled thingy included only for the sake of being different.

Of course, once underway, the e-Golf is quite different from any other Golf. For starters, it's very quiet since its electric motor doesn't make nearly as much noise as the Golf's turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Acceleration is also smoother (no gears to work through), and the four-mode regenerative braking system pretty much allows you to drive with hardly ever using the brake pedal.

Now, the e-Golf isn't quite as fast as the regular Golf or even some other EVs, such as the BMW i3, Chevrolet Bolt or Hyundai Ioniq Electric. Its driving range of 125 miles is also middle of the pack. Overall, though, the 2017 VW e-Golf is one of the more appealing electric vehicles available. Anyone looking to ditch gasoline would be wise to check it out.

Notably, we picked the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf as one of Edmunds' Best Used Cars.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.9 / 10

Like every member of the Golf family, the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf impresses with its blend of comfort, refinement, build quality and practicality. Adding an electric motor to the equation doesn't dull those qualities. But the e-Golf isn't quite as good an electric car as some rivals.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf SEL Premium (battery electric | 1-speed direct drive | FWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.9 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.5
Utility	8.0
Technology	7.5

Driving

8.0

Compared to the first-year e-Golf, the 2017 model has a larger electric motor that can accelerate more briskly. Handling, steering and braking remain solid compared to others in the EV segment. But we wish the steering wasn't so light and the lift-throttle regenerative braking was turned up higher.

Acceleration

7.5

The first e-Golf wasn't terribly quick, but this one has more going on under the hood. While it's still not as quick as some of the newest competition, it feels sufficiently peppy unless you're a lead foot who throws caution (and range) to the wind. At our track it reached 60 mph in 8.4 seconds.

Braking

7.5

The brake pedal is firm and sure in routine use, with good feel and feedback. At our track, the e-Golf's fuel-saving tires contributed to a ho-hum 60 mph panic stop of 128 feet. There are four levels of regenerative braking, but the most aggressive setting falls short of enabling true one-pedal driving.

Steering

7.5

Turn the wheel and the e-Golf delivers a smooth and predictable response, exhibiting an eagerness in turns without feeling darty on straights. But the effort is a bit too light. It starts that way to ease parking, and even though it builds as the pace picks up, it never quite feels engaging.

Handling

8.5

Handling is eager and well-balanced through corners, reminiscent of a GTI. It was also able to orbit the skid pad at our test track at a respectable 0.88g, which is good considering the economy-minded all-season tires. The battery hangs under the floor, so the e-Golf leans a bit less in turns than a standard one.

Drivability

8.0

It feels utterly smooth and effortless because the torquey direct-drive electric powertrain never shifts. Lift-throttle brake regeneration has four levels that can be selected with the shift lever, too. We only wish the maximum B level was a bit more forceful to better enable one-pedal driving.

Comfort

8.0

The e-Golf offers comfortable seats and a smooth ride that nicely straddles the line between too hard and too soft. The electric powertrain is undeniably smooth and silent, of course. This is something that all EVs do well, but it's worth pointing out to those cross-shopping a regular Golf.

Seat comfort

8.0

The front seats have a very accommodating shape and offer great all-day support with just the right amount of padding. But some found the seat bottoms flat. The effective side bolsters aren't confining. The rear seat offers similar levels of comfort and support but doesn't have heaters.

Ride comfort

8.0

The highway ride is nicely controlled and settled. There's no float, but there isn't any nervous head-toss either. Bumps and holes are smoothed over with a minimum of harsh side effects. The result is a steady ride that nicely straddles the line between sloppy and tense.

Noise & vibration

9.0

There's even less overall noise than a standard Golf due to the utter silence of the electric drivetrain. Wind noise is nil, and the tires don't call attention to themselves. A subtle whir has been artificially added to alert pedestrians, but it's almost inaudible inside the car and disappears above 15 mph.

Climate control

8.0

Dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats are standard. The main heating system is electric, and it warms quickly because there's no engine that needs warming up. It can be preheated while charging, too. The capable A/C system has an Eco mode to use the system sparingly if you want to preserve range.

Interior

8.5

The e-Golf's interior is ideally suited for people. There's plenty of room, it's easy to get in and out of, and the controls are obvious and easy to reach. Credit goes to the Golf's signature boxy shape, which seems like it was drawn after the occupants were taken care of, not before.

Ease of use

8.0

The e-Golf is refreshingly simple and straightforward. The controls are within easy reach, and their function and usage are plainly obvious. There's little that will lead you to consult the owner's manual. It might take some time to master the steering wheel buttons, but they come easy once you do.

Getting in/getting out

9.0

The squared-off door openings make entry and exit a breeze, even for tall folks. The same is true for those in the back seat. The seats aren't so low that you have to stoop either. The doors aren't overly long, so they work well in tight spaces.

Driving position

9.0

The relationship between the e-Golf's seat, steering wheel and pedals (also its dash and gauges) is just about perfect. Folks of all sizes will agree on this point because the generous adjustment range of the seat (fore-aft, up-down) and the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel allow nearly anyone to fit.

Roominess

8.5

Boxy on the outside equals roomy on the inside. There's abundant legroom and headroom, and the cockpit feels broad and airy. The back seat is similarly roomy with good leg-, head- and even toeroom. The best part is the e-Golf's underfloor battery changes none of this relative to a regular Golf.

Visibility

8.0

It's very easy to see out, and the blind spot is small thanks to abundant glass area and slender roof and windshield pillars. The standard rearview camera and proximity sensors are a nice bonus. The SEL's standard heated windscreen has myriad fine embedded wires that can refract oncoming headlights, though.

Quality

8.0

The e-Golf looks and feels well put-together, inside and out. The seats and door trim are especially handsome. The dash design is pretty simple and uncomplicated, but that's the look they go for. It all fits together nicely.

Utility

8.0

You'd likely predict that a boxy hatchback would offer good utility, and in the case of the Golf you'd be exactly right. There's plenty of room, and it's easily accessed through the hatch and the squared-off doors. Best part is you don't give up any of it when you buy the electric version.

Small-item storage

8.0

It's a compact car, but the e-Golf still offers ample interior storage. You'll find long front door pockets with water bottle nooks, a good-size glovebox and center console, central cupholders, and a hidden bin in front of the shifter. The rear door pockets will also hold a water bottle.

Cargo space

8.0

The e-Golf's battery doesn't consume any cargo space, which is unusual among EVs adapted from a gas-powered version. Like any other Golf, its rear seats fold flat, the deck is low, and the hatch provides easy access. Cargo capacity is abundant with all seats up (22.8 cubic feet) or down (53.7 cubic feet).

Child safety seat accommodation

8.5

Child seat accommodation is hard to beat. LATCH/Isofix lower anchors are very easy to find without digging around between the cushions, and the top tether hooks are equally obvious. The generous rear legroom accommodates most bulky rear-facing seats, and the squared rear roofline eases parent access when assisting children.

Technology

7.5

The e-Golf's simple and effective touchscreen audio and navigation system is easy to live with and offers plenty of ways to integrate your smartphone. But we really wish it had more than one USB port. There's a nice suite of active safety gear, but it's all optional and mighty expensive.

Audio & navigation

8.0

The e-Golf's 8-inch touchscreen delivers high-definition graphics and the SEL's Fender AM/FM/XM/CD audio system delivers crisp sound through nine speakers and a subwoofer. Easy-to-operate user interface consists of volume and tuning knobs, dedicated off-screen buttons and virtual on-screen touchpoints.

Smartphone integration

8.0

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard. You can also input sound from your smartphone (or a memory stick) via the USB port directly, or you can stream your tunes via Bluetooth audio. If you'd rather go old-school, there's an auxiliary jack and even an SD card slot. But there's only one USB port.

Driver aids

6.5

A backup camera and rear parking sensors come standard. The SEL can be equipped with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert and parking steering assistance. But all this costs $1,395, and you can't add it to an SE.

Voice control

7.0

The system is good at identifying names in your contact list and switching stations within a radio band, but it falls down if you try anything more complicated because it prefers set phrases over natural speech. Holding the button longer gets you Siri if you want to control your smartphone.

Compare 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf models

The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf is the electric version of the regular Golf hatchback. It comes with a 35.8-kWh battery pack and a 134-horsepower electric motor that results in an EPA-estimated driving range of 125 miles. The three trim levels are: SE, Limited Edition and SEL Premium.

Standard equipment on the SE includes a 7.2-kW onboard charger, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED running lights, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power-reclining front seats (manual height and fore/aft adjustment), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Volkswagen Car-Net Security & Service remote services, an 8-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a USB port, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker sound system that includes a CD player and satellite radio. DC fast-charging capability is a stand-alone option.

The Limited adds the DC fast-charging capability, plus a more energy-efficient heating system, premium vinyl upholstery, parking sensors, an automated parking system, and Maneuver Braking, which can automatically brake the car when you're in danger of striking something while parking.

The SEL Premium adds LED headlights, an auto-dimming mirror and a navigation. It's the only trim level available with the Driver Assistance package that includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, an upgraded touchscreen and the 12.3-inch all-digital Volkswagen Digital Cockpit gauge cluster.

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf EV Insights

Trim:

e-Golf SE

Estimated Range Based on Age

106 miles

EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 106 miles.

Estimated range mapfrom

Charging

SAE Combo

Plug Type

5.3 hrs

240V Home Charging

EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.

When can I use NACS/Tesla charging stations?

EV Battery Warranty

8 yrs or 100,000 miles

According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.

Exceeded original 8 year warranty.

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

$4,500

Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

Restrictions:
Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit equal to 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000 for the purchase of a used plug-in electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer. Not every version of the vehicle models will necessarily qualify. Please check with the dealer/seller to determine the eligibility of your specific vehicle.

For the vehicle to qualify:
- Price cannot exceed $25,000.
- Need to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Must be at least two model years older than the current calendar year in which the vehicle was purchased.
- Must be sold through a dealership, private sales not permitted.
- Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer.
For individuals to qualify:
- Must meet income eligibility, depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.
- Must not be the first owner of the qualifying vehicle.
- Has not been allowed a credit under this section for any sale during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale of such vehicle.
- Purchased for personal use, not a business, corporation or for resale.
To learn more, visit https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/used-clean-vehicle-credit
Restrictions:
Otter Tail Power Co offers EV owners a rebate of up to $500 towards the installation and cost of a Level 2 charging station.

To qualify for this rebate, the customer and/or charging station must meet the following requirements:
- Receive electricity from Otter Tail Power Co.
- Have purchased or leased an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
To learn more, visit https://www.otpco.com/ways-to-save/programs/electric-vehicle-rate/

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Cost to Drive

$64/mo

e-Golf

$164/mo

Car Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

Am I Ready for an EV?

EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work
If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station
Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more

Learn more about EV charging

See All EV Insights

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Volkswagen e-Golf Owner Reviews

3.8

27 reviews

5(59%)

4(7%)

3(8%)

2(4%)

1(22%)

See all 27 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Fun electric commuter car

John Heyer, 01/19/2017

2016 Volkswagen e-Golf SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

I wanted to get a second car for electric commuting to supplement my old Subaru. After looking extensively at the Volt, Soul, Focus, i3, and 500e, I felt the e-Golf was the best option to handle my twisty Highway 17 commute and it was the right decision. The design is solid, the ride is quiet and comfortable, and handling is good, although front tires will spin if the accelerator is …

Love-Hate Relationship

Jay, 04/27/2020

2016 Volkswagen e-Golf SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

I bought (leased) it new, drove it for 3 years and put about 36,000 miles on it. Pros: The car looks, feels, drives and functions amazingly. It has the pluses of the Golf, which include excellent handling, comfortable seating front and back, a great view of the road, and a surprising amount of room for people and cargo. You take for granted how well balanced this car is until you step …

Definitely 5 stars overall

Richard Zimmer, 05/20/2018

2016 Volkswagen e-Golf SEL Premium 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

A comment about each of the two single-star reviews from other owners: 1. If the software to time the charging is spotty, then simply make it a pattern to check on the car once during the night to ensure it is charging. Make it a routine, just like taking the dog or cat outside. While having to drive the car without heat in 45F is chilly, it is definitely not "freezing". Have you …

Love This Car

Loves This Car, 02/19/2016

2016 Volkswagen e-Golf SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

Using the heater will take away from the battery. I will get a good 60 miles with the heater running. When I want to see that i'm doing better on mileage, i turn off the heater. I use regeneration stage 1 and gain some mileage. When i am in traffic and is not accelerating, i use no battery power. The only other things using the high voltage battery are the AC and heater. If i think that …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf, so we've included reviews for other years of the e-Golf since its last redesign.

See all 27 reviews of the Volkswagen e-Golf

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2017 e-Golf Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$30,495
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,500 Based on income
Engine Type	Electric
EPA Electric Range	125 miles
Cost to Drive	$64/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	5.3 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	22.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	8 years / 100,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the e-Golf models:

Intelligent Crash Response System: Automatically engages the brakes after an accident, turns off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors and activates the hazard lights.
Lane Keeping Assist: Detects and warns you when you're drifting out of your lane; it can take steering action if necessary.
Forward Collision Warning: Warns you about an imminent collision with an object ahead. Can automatically apply the brakes if necessary.

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale nearby

2017 Volkswagen e-GolfSE 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2017 Volkswagen e-GolfSE 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which e-Golf does Edmunds recommend?

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf models

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf EV Insights

Estimated Range Based on Age

Charging

EV Battery Warranty

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

Cost to Drive

Am I Ready for an EV?

Volkswagen e-Golf Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Fun electric commuter car

Love-Hate Relationship

Definitely 5 stars overall

Love This Car

2017 e-Golf Highlights

Safety

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2017 Volkswagen e-Golf
SE 4dr Hatchback

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf
SE 4dr Hatchback