BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah vs Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh

Side-by-side comparison of all specifications in metric units (km, kg). To see imperial units (mi, lb), switch website version to USA.
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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 €17590, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) begins at €11800.

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 Europe (Used) €17590 €11800
GCC Score 5.4 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) 246 km 201 km
Range (WLTP) 308 km 232 km
Range (GCC) 255 km 192 km
Battery Capacity (Nominal) 42.2 kWh 35.8 kWh
Battery Capacity (Usable) 37.9 kWh 32 kWh
Efficiency per 100 km 14.9 kWh/100 km 16.7 kWh/100 km
Efficiency per kWh 6.73 km/kWh 6 km/kWh
Range and Efficiency Score 6.2 5.3

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 2 CCS Type 2
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 100 km/h.

Property BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh
Drive Type RWD FWD
Motor Type 1 motor: PMSM 1 motor: PMSM
Motor Power (kW) 135 kW 100 kW
Motor Power (hp) 181 hp 134 hp
Motor Torque 250 Nm 290 Nm
0-100 km/h 7.3 s 9.6 s
Top Speed 150 km/h 150 km/h
Performance Score 3.2 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 4011 mm 4270 mm
Width (with Mirrors) 2039 mm 2027 mm
Width (w/o Mirrors) 1775 mm 1799 mm
Height 1598 mm 1482 mm
Wheelbase 2570 mm 2629 mm

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 in the EU.

Property BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh
Number of Seats 4 5
Curb Weight 1345 kg 1569 kg
Cargo Volume (Trunk) 260 l 341 l
Cargo Volume (Max) 1100 l 1231 l
Cargo Volume (Frunk) - Cargo Volume (Frunk) - Cargo Volume (Frunk)
Towing Capacity - Towing Capacity - Towing Capacity
Cargo and Towing Score 4.3 4
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