USA EV Comparison: BMW i4 M50 vs Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh
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General Info
Since both vehicles have been discontinued, they are now only available on the used car market. You can get the BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) for as low as $36990, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) begins at $10900.
The BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) is a Liftback, whereas the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) is a Hatchback.
| Property | BMW i4 M50 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2021-2024 | 2017-2020 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | Germany |
| Body Style | Liftback | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $36990 | $10900 |
| GCC Score | 6.5 | 4.6 |
Range and Efficiency
While the BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020).
| Property | BMW i4 M50 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 270 mi | 125 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 322 mi | 144 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 254 mi | 119 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 83.9 kWh | 35.8 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 80.7 kWh | 32 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 31.8 kWh/100 mi | 26.9 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.15 mi/kWh | 3.72 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 6.4 | 5.2 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 207 kW, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) maxes out at 40 kW.
The BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11 kW, whereas the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) is limited to 7.2 kW.
| Property | BMW i4 M50 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 11 kW | 7.2 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 207 kW | 40 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | CCS Type 1 |
| Charging Score | 6.9 | 3.9 |
Performance
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) is front-wheel drive, while the BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) offers an all-wheel drive system.
The BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | BMW i4 M50 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | AWD | FWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM (front), PMSM (rear) | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 400 kW | 100 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 536 hp | 134 hp |
| Motor Torque | 586 lb-ft | 214 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3.7 s | 9.6 s |
| Top Speed | 140 mph | 85 mph |
| Performance Score | 6.7 | 2.8 |
Dimensions
The BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) is longer and wider, but the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) is taller.
The BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | BMW i4 M50 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.3 in | 168.1 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 81.6 in | 79.8 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 72.9 in | 70.8 in |
| Height | 57 in | 57.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.4 in | 103.5 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) provides more cargo capacity, featuring both a larger trunk and more space with the rear seats folded.
Neither car is equipped with a frunk (front trunk).
The BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) has a towing capacity of up to 3500 lb, whereas the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) is not officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | BMW i4 M50 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 5018 lb | 3459 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 16.6 ft3 | 22.8 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 45.6 ft3 | 52.7 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | 3500 lb | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 5 | 4 |
