Automotive

Volkswagen goes to town on 2017 e-Golf specs

Volkswagen goes to town on 2017 e-Golf specs
The 2017 e-Golf has premiered at Automobility LA
The 2017 e-Golf has premiered at Automobility LA
View 17 Images
The 2017 VW e-Golf has a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h)
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The 2017 VW e-Golf has a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h)
The 2017 VW e-Golf accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 9.6 seconds
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The 2017 VW e-Golf accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 9.6 seconds
The 2017 VW e-Golf produces 134 hp (100 kW) and 214 lb-ft (290 Nm) of torque
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The 2017 VW e-Golf produces 134 hp (100 kW) and 214 lb-ft (290 Nm) of torque
The 2017 VW e-Golf has a new lithium-ion battery, with a capacity of 35.8 kWh
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The 2017 VW e-Golf has a new lithium-ion battery, with a capacity of 35.8 kWh
The 2017 VW e-Golf can be fully charged in six hours using a 7.2 kW on-board charger or up to 80 percent in one hour using a DC Fast Charger
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The 2017 VW e-Golf can be fully charged in six hours using a 7.2 kW on-board charger or up to 80 percent in one hour using a DC Fast Charger
The 2017 VW e-Golf has a range of 124 mi (200 km)
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The 2017 VW e-Golf has a range of 124 mi (200 km)
A 9.2-in display on the center console provides access to the vehicle's infotainment system
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A 9.2-in display on the center console provides access to the vehicle's infotainment system
Virtual instruments are displayed to the driver on a 12.3-in color screen
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Virtual instruments are displayed to the driver on a 12.3-in color screen
The 2017 e-Golf has a new rear bumper
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The 2017 e-Golf has a new rear bumper
The 2017 e-Golf produces 15 lb-ft (20 Nm) more torque than the old model
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The 2017 e-Golf produces 15 lb-ft (20 Nm) more torque than the old model
The 2017 e-Golf has quick access buttons on the steering wheel
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The 2017 e-Golf has quick access buttons on the steering wheel
The SEL Premium version of the 2017 e-Golf can be bought with an optional Driver Assistance Package
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The SEL Premium version of the 2017 e-Golf can be bought with an optional Driver Assistance Package
The 2017 e-Golf has a 12.3-in digital instrument display
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The 2017 e-Golf has a 12.3-in digital instrument display
The 2017 e-Golf 9.2-in display on the center console for the infotainment system
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The 2017 e-Golf 9.2-in display on the center console for the infotainment system
The 2017 e-Golf has LED tail-lights
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The 2017 e-Golf has LED tail-lights
The 2017 e-Golf inherits the looks of the new gas-running Golf
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The 2017 e-Golf inherits the looks of the new gas-running Golf
The 2017 e-Golf has premiered at Automobility LA
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The 2017 e-Golf has premiered at Automobility LA
View gallery - 17 images

Volkswagen has taken the wraps off a new version of its e-Golf electric compact and, as you'd expect, everything is bigger and better. Battery capacity, range, power, torque, speed and acceleration have all been improved and there are a host of new features to boot.

For starters, there's a new lithium-ion battery, the capacity of which has been boosted from 24.2 kWh to 35.8 kWh. This contributes to a significant and all-important 50 percent increase in range compared to the old model, with VW claiming 124 mi (200 km) on a single charge. That rules out doing any long distance journeys, but, of course, the e-Golf is really only designed for local commuting and getting around town.

The battery can be fully charged in six hours using a 7.2 kW on-board charger that is standard on both the SE and SEL Premium versions. Alternatively, a DC Fast Charger will charge the battery to 80 percent in an hour, but, while that's standard on the SEL Premium, it's an optional extra for the SE.

Power- and torque-wise, 19 hp (14 kW) and 15 lb-ft (20 Nm) have been added since the first version of the e-Golf. The 134 hp (100 kW) and 214 lb-ft (290 Nm) kicked out by the new model translate to a car that is 60 mph faster than its predecessor, with a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h), and over a second quicker from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h), at 9.6 seconds.

The 2017 VW e-Golf has a range of 124 mi (200 km)
The 2017 VW e-Golf has a range of 124 mi (200 km)

Beyond the headline figures, drivers will now benefit from a variety of new assistance technologies. As standard on both models, Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking will give drivers audio and visual warnings in the event that the driver does not react to a pedestrian in front of the vehicle, and will apply the brakes if necessary. Those who punt for the SEL Premium, meanwhile, can also choose to have an optional Driver Assistance Package, which adds the likes of Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor Plus, Lane Assist, Park Assist and Light Assist systems.

The 2017 e-Golf inherits the looks of the new gas-running Golf. A new front bumper, with accompanying new fenders, features LED Daytime Running Lights, while LED tail-lights adorn the revamped rear bumper. Inside, there is new décor and seat trim.

Virtual instruments are displayed to the driver on a 12.3-in color screen. Different profiles can be selected to show different types of information, such as on driving, navigation and assistance functions, while a 9.2-in display on the center console provides access to the vehicle's infotainment system. This can also controlled using gestures, such as hand swipes to navigate menus, change radio stations and skip songs.

A 9.2-in display on the center console provides access to the vehicle's infotainment system
A 9.2-in display on the center console provides access to the vehicle's infotainment system

Features like the e-Golf's battery charge status and air conditioning can be remotely accessed via the Volkswagen Car-Net mobile app for Android and iOS, while Car-Net App-Connect provides Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink smartphone integration, as well as other connectivity services.

The 2017 e-Golf premieres today at Automobility LA.

Source: Volkswagen

View gallery - 17 images
6 comments
6 comments
guzmanchinky
Why is Tesla still so much better than all the big companies? The new model 3 will be much faster, have autopilot, and cost about the same.
bfearn
How does 124 miles of range, "rules out doing any long distance journeys"??
Gizmowiz
bfearn: Are you joking? That's a shorter distance than between fast charging stations either by Tesla or others. Your going to like pushing your VW for a hundred miles or more!! Good luck.
Rustin Lee Haase
Yawn!! Nissan has been making cars like this for 5 years now and I've been driving them. VW is way behind the curve, but I suppose you have to start somewhere. I still think an electric beetle would be a popular girlie car, helping the ladies who don't want to get gasoline or oil on their hands/clothes. Alas, the E-Beetle is only vaporware....today.
Tommo
Underwhelming to say the least. Nissan can blow this out of the water with a 3 year old car, don't even think about comparing it to a Tesla (now offering cars at a similar price point). We have Tesla p85 taxis here in North East England, after being in one of those its easy to see why they are so much better than anything else out there.
Aaron Cocker
"...translate to a car that is 60 mph faster than its predecessor" I'm not convinced, probably 6mph.