USA EV Comparison: BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah vs Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 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 60 Ah (2013-2017) for as low as $4500, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) begins at $7435.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Hatchback.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2013-2017 | 2014-2016 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | Germany |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $4500 | $7435 |
| GCC Score | 4.9 | 4.4 |
Range and Efficiency
While the Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah (2013-2017).
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 81 mi | 83 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 83 mi | 84 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 21.6 kWh | 24.2 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 18.8 kWh | 20.5 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 22.7 kWh/100 mi | 24.4 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 4.41 mi/kWh | 4.1 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 5.7 | 5.4 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah (2013-2017) 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 i3 BEV 60 Ah (2013-2017) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 7.4 kW, whereas the Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) is limited to 7.2 kW.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 7.4 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 | 3.8 | 3.3 |
Performance
The BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah (2013-2017) is rear-wheel drive, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) offers a front-wheel drive system.
The BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah (2013-2017) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | RWD | FWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 125 kW | 85 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 168 hp | 114 hp |
| Motor Torque | 184 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7 s | 10 s |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 87 mph |
| Performance Score | 3.2 | 2.4 |
Dimensions
The Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) has a longer body, while the BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah (2013-2017) 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 | BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 157.4 in | 167.5 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 80.3 in | 79.8 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 69.9 in | 70.8 in |
| Height | 62.1 in | 57.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 103.6 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 | BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 2866 lb | 3391 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 | 4.2 | 3.8 |
