
The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf has two direct competitors: Both the high-volume Nissan Leaf, and the very low-volume Ford Focus Electric are all-electric compact hatchbacks.
The Leaf offers a higher 107-mile range this year, which gives it a definite leg up on the VW, while the Focus lags at an increasingly uncompetitive 73 miles.
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is also a battery-electric compact hatchback, but it comes in at least $10,000 more expensive than the VW, as does the BMW i3.
The Mercedes is a unique model to the U.S., but it's much more conventional in appearance, while the tech-forward i3 is the most efficient car of any kind sold in the U.S.
this year—but tops out at 83 miles of range, just like the VW.
Finally, the Chevy Spark EV is an electric minicar, though a surprisingly roomy one that can actually seat four adults, and it's startlingly powerful while offering a similar 82-mile range.
But the 200-mile Chevrolet Bolt EV has been promised for 2017, and so has a second-generation Nissan Leaf with a similar range—and they'll be game-changers.
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Quick Specs | |||
The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf is a competent electric car, but its specs are less competitive than before. |
The 2016 BMW i3 is a futuristic and different kind of car, not just a new take on what a BMW represents. |
The 2016 Ford Focus Electric is fun to drive, though its range is lower than the Nissan Leaf and others; its "regular car" looks may appeal to some, but it's sold only in small numbers in a handful of markets. |
The 2016 Nissan Leaf remains a somewhat appliance-like drive, but its new range rating of 107 miles raises it to the top of its class—and it's still smooth, quiet, and calming to drive. |
MSRP From | |||
$28,995 | $42,400 | $29,170 | $29,010 |
Gas Mileage | |||
Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy | Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy | Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy | Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric |
EPA Class | |||
Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars | Midsize Cars |
Style Name | |||
4-Door HB SE | 4-Door HB | 5-Door HB | 4-Door HB S *Ltd Avail* |
Drivetrain | |||
Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||
5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||
Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback |
Transmission | |||
Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vs. 2016 BMW i3 | 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vs. 2016 Ford Focus Electric | 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vs. 2016 Nissan Leaf |