USA EV Comparison: Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh vs BMW i4 M50
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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 Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) for as low as $10900, while the BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) begins at $36990.
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) is a Hatchback, whereas the BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) is a Liftback.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | BMW i4 M50 |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2017-2020 | 2021-2024 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | Germany |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Liftback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $10900 | $36990 |
| GCC Score | 4.6 | 6.5 |
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 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | BMW i4 M50 |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 125 mi | 270 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 144 mi | 322 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 119 mi | 254 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 35.8 kWh | 83.9 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 32 kWh | 80.7 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 26.9 kWh/100 mi | 31.8 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.72 mi/kWh | 3.15 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 5.2 | 6.4 |
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 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | BMW i4 M50 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 7.2 kW | 11 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 40 kW | 207 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | CCS Type 1 |
| Charging Score | 3.9 | 6.9 |
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 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | BMW i4 M50 |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | FWD | AWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM (front), PMSM (rear) |
| Motor Power (kW) | 100 kW | 400 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 134 hp | 536 hp |
| Motor Torque | 214 lb-ft | 586 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 9.6 s | 3.7 s |
| Top Speed | 85 mph | 140 mph |
| Performance Score | 2.8 | 6.7 |
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 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | BMW i4 M50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 168.1 in | 188.3 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 79.8 in | 81.6 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 70.8 in | 72.9 in |
| Height | 57.2 in | 57 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in | 112.4 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 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | BMW i4 M50 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 3459 lb | 5018 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 22.8 ft3 | 16.6 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 52.7 ft3 | 45.6 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | 3500 lb |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 4 | 5 |
