For a devoted Volkswagen GTI owner, the idea of switching to an electric vehicle (EV) like the Volkswagen E-golf might seem like a radical departure. Skeptical yet intrigued, I spent a week behind the wheel of the e-Golf to see if this electric hatchback could possibly tempt me away from my beloved Mark 6 GTI with its engaging DSG transmission. Having clocked 65,000 miles in my GTI, reveling in its 200-horsepower turbo engine and versatile nature, I approached the e-Golf test drive with a healthy dose of doubt. Could an electric Golf truly capture the spirit of fun and practicality I cherished in my GTI?
First impressions of the e-Golf SEL Premium, priced at $39,790, were surprisingly familiar. Stepping inside, the cabin layout mirrored my GTI, with comfortable seating, a similar dash arrangement, and the same flat-bottomed, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Subtle blue accents hinted at its electric powertrain, and the distinctly non-sporty wheels were the most obvious visual differentiator from a standard Golf. After driving the e-Golf for 260 miles over a week, I uncovered some surprising positives and a few notable drawbacks of this electric Volkswagen.
Initial Impressions: The e-Golf is Surprisingly Appealing
Equipped with a 240V charger at home, thanks to our Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, charging the e-Golf was immediately convenient. Plugging in the Volkswagen e-Golf, I woke up to a fully charged 38.5 kWh battery. The car’s computer displayed an estimated range of 131 miles, slightly exceeding Volkswagen’s official 125-mile range for the e-Golf.
For the next three days, the e-Golf genuinely impressed me. I focused on maximizing range while driving around suburban Denver. Engaging the maximum regenerative braking mode, or ‘recouping’ as VW terms it, by setting the shift lever to ‘B’, and activating Eco+ Mode, which limits certain energy-consuming features like heating and air conditioning, and caps the top speed at 56 mph, I embarked on an efficiency-focused driving experiment. After approximately 100 miles of mindful driving in the Volkswagen e-Golf, the indicated range climbed to an impressive 175 miles.
Beyond range optimization, the e-Golf’s chassis retained the classic Volkswagen feel – solid and well-composed. This was remarkable considering the 701-lbs battery pack positioned beneath the seats, bringing the e-Golf’s curb weight to 3,459 pounds, a mere 260 pounds heavier than my gas-powered GTI with a full tank.
However, the ‘range game’ became an immediate focus, shifting the driving experience away from spirited driving. The weather during this initial test was ideal for EVs – temperatures never dipping below freezing overnight and reaching comfortable 60s during the day. This optimal weather masked a crucial aspect of EV ownership, which would soon be revealed as winter arrived.
Winter Range Woes: The e-Golf’s Cold Weather Challenge
Despite the dashboard displaying a comfortable 100+ miles of range on a subsequent day, I fully charged the Volkswagen e-Golf in preparation for a longer trip – a 45-mile drive to my child’s volleyball practice. This journey involved a significant elevation gain of over 2,000 feet, climbing to 7,700 feet, and navigating 20 miles of rush-hour freeway construction. Adding to the challenge, the temperature plummeted to 28 degrees, accompanied by freezing drizzle and rain.
Upon departing, the e-Golf’s computer estimated a 145-mile range. However, after a grueling hour and 45 minutes in stop-and-go traffic, exacerbated by multiple accidents, the remaining range plummeted to just 60 miles. This dramatic range loss was attributed to the heavy traffic, intermittent use of the heater and defroster (which instantly consumed significant range), and potentially the constant use of windshield wipers. Turning on the heater alone seemed to incinerate 20 miles of range in an instant.
Following practice, the interstate was closed, forcing a 50-mile detour through snowy two-lane roads. With only 60 miles of indicated range remaining and snow falling, range anxiety became a real concern. To conserve battery, we bundled up, relying on heated seats and cracking windows to avoid using the energy-intensive defroster. Despite the mostly downhill return journey adding back approximately 10 miles of range through regeneration, we arrived home with a mere 20 miles remaining. This experience highlighted the significant impact of cold weather and demanding driving conditions on the Volkswagen e-Golf’s real-world range.
e-Golf vs. GTI: Performance and Driving Dynamics
e-Golf Advantages Over the GTI
One immediate advantage of the Volkswagen e-Golf is the absence of turbo lag. In ‘Normal’ driving mode, the e-Golf delivers instant torque, surpassing the GTI’s initial responsiveness before the turbocharger engages. The 214-lb. ft of torque in the e-Golf is undeniably addictive and even exceeds that of my GTI. After the stressful winter range test, I recharged the e-Golf and decided to drive it in ‘Normal’ mode, using the heater as needed. This more realistic usage pattern resulted in a calculated range in the 130-mile range, aligning more closely with Volkswagen’s official figures for the e-Golf.
Enhancing the e-Golf Driving Experience
Several modifications could elevate the e-Golf’s driving enjoyment closer to GTI levels:
- Improved Wheels and Tires: Upgrading to performance tires and wheels, as demonstrated by a Reddit user who fitted GTI wheels to their e-Golf (resulting in an estimated 10% range reduction), would significantly enhance steering feel and handling.
- GTI Front Seats: Returning to my GTI after a week in the e-Golf emphasized the significant contribution of the GTI’s aggressively bolstered seats to its sporty feel, particularly during cornering. Swapping GTI seats into the e-Golf would improve driver engagement.
- Extended Battery Range: A battery pack providing a minimum 200-mile real-world range would alleviate range anxiety and broaden the e-Golf’s usability.
While the Volkswagen e-Golf demonstrated its capability to complete challenging EV tests, like the Loveland Trials, it required careful planning and optimization.
Verdict: e-Golf or GTI?
In conclusion, the Volkswagen e-Golf presents a compelling everyday electric vehicle option, particularly for those whose daily commutes remain within a roughly 35-mile radius. However, for drivers frequently facing challenging weather conditions, mountainous terrain, or longer journeys exceeding 90 miles, the e-Golf’s range limitations can induce anxiety. For someone like myself, whose driving often extends beyond this radius, the e-Golf, in its current iteration, doesn’t yet replace the practical versatility and confident range of my GTI.
While I appreciate the EV experience provided by Volkswagen, for now, my GTI remains firmly in my garage. The e-Golf showcases the potential of electric hatchbacks, but further advancements in range and cold-weather performance are needed to fully sway enthusiasts like myself away from their beloved gas-powered counterparts.
