USA EV Comparison: Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh vs BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah
Struggling to Decide? Let AI Help!
Your AI Summary Is Ready!
General Info
Since both vehicles have been discontinued, they are now only available on the used car market. You can get the Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) for as low as $7435, while the BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) begins at $16200.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Hatchback.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh | BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2014-2016 | 2018-2022 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | Germany |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $7435 | $16200 |
| GCC Score | 4.4 | 5.3 |
Range and Efficiency
While the BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016).
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh | BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 83 mi | 153 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | - Range (WLTP) | 176 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 84 mi | 152 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 24.2 kWh | 42.2 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 20.5 kWh | 37.9 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 24.4 kWh/100 mi | 24.9 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 4.1 mi/kWh | 4.01 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 5.4 | 5.9 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 50 kW, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) maxes out at 40 kW.
The BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11 kW, whereas the Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) is limited to 7.2 kW.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh | BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 7.2 kW | 11 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 40 kW | 50 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | CCS Type 1 |
| Charging Score | 3.3 | 5.2 |
Performance
The BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) is rear-wheel drive, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) offers a front-wheel drive system.
The BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh | BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | FWD | RWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 85 kW | 135 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 114 hp | 181 hp |
| Motor Torque | 199 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 10 s | 6.8 s |
| Top Speed | 87 mph | 99 mph |
| Performance Score | 2.4 | 3.5 |
Dimensions
The Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) has a longer body, while the BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) stands taller, offering a more elevated ride. Their widths are almost identical, so both offer a similar amount of shoulder room.
The Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh | BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 167.5 in | 157.7 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 79.8 in | 80.3 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 70.8 in | 70.5 in |
| Height | 57.2 in | 62.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 101.2 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) 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).
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh | BMW i3s BEV 120 Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Curb Weight | 3391 lb | 3040 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 22.8 ft3 | 9.2 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 52.7 ft3 | 38.8 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 3.8 | 4.3 |
