USA EV Comparison: BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah 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 i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) for as low as $14174, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) begins at $10900.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Hatchback.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2018-2022 | 2017-2020 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | Germany |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $14174 | $10900 |
| GCC Score | 5.3 | 4.6 |
Range and Efficiency
The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) boasts a greater real-world range, a larger battery, and superior energy efficiency compared to the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020).
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 153 mi | 125 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 191 mi | 144 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 158 mi | 119 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 42.2 kWh | 35.8 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 37.9 kWh | 32 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 24 kWh/100 mi | 26.9 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 4.17 mi/kWh | 3.72 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 6.1 | 5.2 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 50 kW, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) maxes out at 40 kW.
The BMW i3 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 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) is limited to 7.2 kW.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 11 kW | 7.2 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 50 kW | 40 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | CCS Type 1 |
| Charging Score | 5.2 | 3.9 |
Performance
The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) is rear-wheel drive, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) offers a front-wheel drive system.
The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | RWD | FWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 135 kW | 100 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 181 hp | 134 hp |
| Motor Torque | 184 lb-ft | 214 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.2 s | 9.6 s |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 85 mph |
| Performance Score | 3.3 | 2.8 |
Dimensions
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) has a longer body, while the BMW i3 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 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 157.9 in | 168.1 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 80.3 in | 79.8 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 69.9 in | 70.8 in |
| Height | 62.9 in | 57.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 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).
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 2972 lb | 3459 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 9.2 ft3 | 22.8 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 38.8 ft3 | 52.7 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 4.3 | 4 |
