Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh

Overview

The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh electrifies the iconic Golf hatchback formula, offering a familiar, premium-feeling package for early EV adopters. It's a proper Golf, just quieter and with zero tailpipe emissions! Think of it as the sensible, well-built German hatch that decided to go green. Key highlights include its refined driving manners, practical interior, and that classic Golf practicality. As a discontinued model, you can snag one on the used market for around $7,435, making it a potentially savvy entry into EV ownership for city dwellers.

What's New for 2016?

For 2016, the e-Golf lineup got a bit of a shake-up, crucially making DC fast charging a standard feature thanks to the introduction of the SE trim, which this 24.2 kWh version mirrors. This meant quicker top-ups on the go! Volkswagen also rolled out its updated MIB II infotainment system across the Golf family, bringing a slicker interface, a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, and the much-loved VW Car-Net App-Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. These were solid upgrades, making the e-Golf an even more user-friendly electric daily driver.

Design & Exterior

The 2016 e-Golf cleverly rocks the timeless Golf Mark 7 design, so it doesn't scream "I'm electric!" at every passerby. Subtle EV cues like a blue-accented grille, unique badging, and aerodynamic 16-inch alloy wheels set it apart. It’s a sharp-looking hatchback, measuring a city-friendly 167.5 inches long, 70.8 inches wide (no mirrors), and 57.2 inches tall. It’s all very discreetly cool, maintaining that classy VW understatement while hinting at its eco-friendly heart. No outlandish EV styling here, just pure Golf goodness with an electric twist.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the e-Golf boasts that renowned Volkswagen build quality and a smart, ergonomic layout typical of the Golf. Materials feel surprisingly upscale for a compact hatch, and there's comfortable seating for five. For your stuff, you get a very usable 22.8 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to a whopping 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat – perfect for IKEA runs! Alas, no frunk here. Tech-wise, the 2016 model features the MIB II infotainment system with a responsive 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Performance & Driving Experience

Under the hood (well, sort of!), the e-Golf's Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivers 85 kW (around 114 hp) and a punchy 199 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. This translates to a 0-60 mph sprint in about 10 seconds – not lightning fast, but plenty nippy for city driving. It feels wonderfully smooth and refined, with that instant electric torque making it great fun off the line. You get typical Golf handling – composed and reassuring – plus multiple regenerative braking modes to help you eke out extra miles.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2016 e-Golf is fitted with a 20.5 kWh usable battery pack (24.2 kWh nominal). Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of about 84 miles, with an efficiency of around 4.1 mi/kWh – pretty decent for its era! For charging, the standard 7.2 kW on-board AC charger can juice it up from empty in under 4 hours. Need a quicker boost? It supports DC fast charging at up to 40 kW via its CCS Type 1 port, getting you to 80% in roughly 30 minutes. Perfect for those urban adventures!

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is solid in the e-Golf, which scored a top 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and an impressive 5 stars from Euro NCAP. Standard kit for the 2016 model includes a rearview camera and VW’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which helps prevent secondary shunts. While advanced driver-assistance systems like Forward Collision Warning or Adaptive Cruise Control were mostly found on the higher SEL Premium trim or as options, the e-Golf provides a secure foundation for your daily drives, focusing on core safety and excellent crashworthiness.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2016 VW e-Golf typically came with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Crucially for an EV, the high-voltage battery was covered for a more reassuring 8 years or 100,000 miles against defects and significant degradation. Being an EV, maintenance is generally simpler and cheaper than a gas-powered Golf, with fewer moving parts meaning less to go wrong. Just remember to check the specifics of any used model’s remaining coverage, as these periods are from the original in-service date.