Previewed by the Golf blue-e-motion concept in 2010, the e-Golf was unveiled in 2013 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Even though it’s based on the Modularer Querbaukasten like any other Golf from the seventh generation, the electric hatchback never managed to raise the hype. For starters, Nissan was already the leader of the segment with the Leaf in 2013. The Japanese electric hatchback continues to be hugely popular all around the world, leaving Volkswagen with a stiff upper lip. Given these circumstances, the German automaker poured a lot of money into the MEB and ID., the first nameplate to be based on the EV-only platform. As we’re waiting for the ID. November 2019, care to guess what Volkswagen did to the e-Golf in America? 1,550 more in the case of the SEL Premium. 1,400 compared to the previous year. On the upside, this difference adds DC Fast Charging as standard. 995 to the suggested retail price. 650 and adding automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, as well as adaptive cruise control with stop and go. Move on up to the SEL Premium, and the package comes at no cost to the customer along with parking assistance and high beams. Electric range stands put at 124 miles, making the e-Golf a lousy contender to the Nissan Leaf’s throne. 30,885, the Japanese interloper is EPA-rated 150 miles from a 40-kWh battery. As for the e-Golf, it can’t do better than 35.8 kWh from a T-shaped battery pack. Care to guess how much a lease on the 2019 e-Golf will set you back in Los Angeles? 421 per month) is more appealing considering the 238-mile range from the 60-kWh battery, rendering the e-Golf obsolete.
E-drive systems are a challenge. Electric drive systems present a challenge in relation to acoustics. The reason for this is that as a result of the absence of any internal combustion engine very different sources of noise become noticeable. In addition, the scarcely perceptible and yet very specific background noise of the drive system is joined by the sounds and vibrations of the electrically powered auxiliary components. Last but not least, without any fine tuning, wind and rolling sounds are much more noticeable in electric vehicles, as they are in luxury cars. As quiet as a luxury car. Against this background Volkswagen implemented an acoustic concept for the e-Golf that is specifically tailored to the characteristics of an electric vehicle, making the zero-emission car into an almost silent cruiser. A few examples: the powerplant suspension system was switched to a pendulum mount with modified response characteristics, which despite the e-motor's high build-up of torque when accelerating greatly enhances the acoustics.
Through the design of the motor housing unit Volkswagen was also able to achieve an extremely low level of noise emission. First Volkswagen with all-LED headlights. Visually the unique, always four-door e-Golf can be recognised even from a distance by its especially energy-efficient all-LED headlights, being used here as a world first. Compared to xenon headlights the LED system produces more light despite consuming less power. From now on, an identifying feature of Volkswagen electric cars will be the C-shaped designer signature of the LED daytime running lights in the redesigned front bumper. At the rear, the latest Golf can be made out as a zero-emission car by such features as the absence of any exhaust pipes. In addition appropriate model name markings and the VW logo with a blue background also show that the e-Golf is a zero-emission vehicle. Also standard on the car's exterior, as mentioned above, are LED rear lights and the aerodynamically perfectly balanced 16-inch alloy wheels with 205 tyres optimised for low rolling resistance.
Exclusive standard equipment. In addition to the specific fabric design (seats in the 'Merlin e-grey / Clip titanium black' pattern; optionally leather) and the extremely good level of standard equipment (incl. Golf include the new instrument layout and the touchscreen in the centre console, which is also equipped with new functions. In line with the exterior, the interior is also enhanced by blue elements, including the decorative seams of the leather steering wheel and gear knob, plus the floor-mat edgings. Power display replaces rev counter. Touchscreen. Every Golf is equipped with a touchscreen. In the case of the e-Golf it is the range's premium display, the top 'Discover Pro' radio/navigation system's 8-inch touchscreen. In the e-Golf the system now shows numerous new functions. Example 1 - Range monitor: this provides a graphic illustration of the vehicle's current range. The range potential of any auxiliary consumers is also displayed, as by switching off the consumer units shown to be on, the driver can gain extra range. Example 2 - Energy flow indicator: by means of animated graphics this depicts the energy flow when accelerating (blue arrows) and when applying the brake that involves regenerative braking (green arrows).
Meanwhile, regenerative braking statistics provide information on the amount of energy recovered since the start of the journey. Example 3 - e-manager: this enables drivers to pre-programme up to three departure and charging times. At the defined time the vehicle ensures the set air conditioning and battery charge level. The heating or cooling of the interior can also be activated via parking heater/ventilation (fitted as standard) during the charging process. The air conditioning process thus does not have any effect on the charging of the battery which extends the range. Example 4 - 360° range: the current radius of the e-Golf is shown by the so-called 360° range on the map of the surrounding area. The inner area represents the potential zone for a return trip. The outer area, on the other hand, represents the range for a one-way journey. Charging stations can be displayed and integrated into the route as intermediary destinations. Volkswagen Car-Net e-Remote. Using the 'Car-Net e-Remote' app it is also possible to make many settings and information requests via a smartphone or the Car-Net website.
