Test Drive Results 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf

While there are other 100 plus mile type electric cars on the market. It’s important to note that the Volkswagen (VW) e-Golf is better than 90 percent of the market. There is a reason this car got awarded the 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year and Green Car Reports “Best Car to Buy 2015” awards.

So here is why:
Faster
More agile
easy to recharge
Regenerative braking rocks

Cause the e-Golf brings an electric vehicle to the Golf ending the idea of EVs are weak or not Das Auto! A compact electric car with a great interior and focused only on efficiency.

Yet, Volkswagen of America Inc. announced the pricing of the 2017 e-Golf. Volkswagen’s fully-electric e-Golf is upgraded for model year 2017, with a longer EPA-estimated range, better fuel economy and more power than its predecessor. The starting Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the e-Golf SE is just $30,495 plus destination ($820).

For 2017, Volkswagen is using an updated lithium-ion battery with an increased energy capacity of 35.8 kWh, up from 24.2 kWh. The revised battery helps increase the vehicle’s range from an EPA-estimated total range of 83 miles to 125 miles on a single charge.

Furthermore, the 7.2 kW on-board charger is now standard on all trims. Thereby enabling the battery to be charged in less than six hours. Please note it’s at a Level 2 charger at a 240V charging station. When equipped with DC Fast Charging (optional on SE, standard on SEL Premium), the battery can be charged up to 80 percent within an hour at a DC fast charging station.

Improved battery chemistry also helps improve the overall fuel economy of the 2017 e-Golf. For city driving, the EPA estimated fuel economy is 126 MPGe; highway driving rated at 111 MPGe; and combined city/ highway at 119 MPGe, improved over the 2016 EPA estimates of 126, 105 and 116, respectively.

The electric motor on the 2017 e-Golf is upgraded as well. Where the 2016 e-Golf used an 85 kW electric motor developing 115 horsepower, the new 100 kW electric motor develops 134 horsepower. At the same time, the maximum torque of the electric motor is boosted from 199 pound-feet to 214 lb-ft. The 2017 e-Golf runs zero to 60 mph faster than its predecessor—now in just 9.6 seconds—and its top speed increases to 85  mph.

In addition to these engineering improvements, the 2017 e-Golf is wallet friendly. Based on 13 cents per kilowatt-hour, the EPA has estimated an annual fuel cost of just $550. A federal tax credit of up to $7,500 is available for purchasers; dependent on state, extra credits may be available.

New styling inside and out modernizes the overall appearance of the 2017 e-Golf. New color options, restyled bumpers, front fenders, headlights and grille. Most interestingly is the décor head the stylistic changes; all along with revised seat trim inside.

The value-oriented e-Golf SE ($30,495) trim now offers more standard equipment.  That’s including an 8-inch glass-covered touchscreen display, LED tail lights, cruise control. More interestingly it also includes a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and the 7.2 kW on-board charger. A DC Fast Charging package is available for $995.

In conclusion, the e-Golf SEL Premium ($36,995) offers an optional Driver Assistance package ($1,395), including the 12.3-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster. Finally, it also includes an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist). As well as Lane Assist,  Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Park Assist and Light Assist. (Late availability for the Driver Assistance Package).