As an automotive enthusiast, I’ve always appreciated the Volkswagen GTI for its blend of practicality and performance. When presented with the opportunity to test drive the 2019 Volkswagen E-golf Se for a week, I approached it with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could an electric version of the Golf truly capture the essence of what makes a VW hatchback great, or even sway a loyal GTI driver? Having spent considerable time behind the wheel of my own Mark 6 GTI with DSG transmission, I was keen to see how the all-electric e-Golf would stack up.
My first impression of the e-Golf SEL Premium, which has a sticker price close to $40,000, was one of familiarity. Stepping inside, the cabin layout and the flat-bottomed, leather-wrapped steering wheel felt remarkably similar to my GTI. Apart from the subtle blue accents hinting at its electric powertrain and the less sporty wheel design, the 2019 e-Golf SE could easily be mistaken for any other Golf model. After driving the e-Golf for over 260 miles throughout the week, experiencing a range of everyday driving scenarios, here are my key takeaways – the surprises and the disappointments – concerning this electric Volkswagen.
The Upsides: Why the 2019 e-Golf SE Might Surprise You
Instant Torque and City Driving Prowess
One of the most immediately noticeable advantages of the 2019 e-Golf SE is its instant torque delivery. Unlike its gasoline counterparts, there’s no waiting for turbo lag. In “Normal” driving mode, the e-Golf provides a brisk and responsive acceleration that’s genuinely addictive. The 214 lb-ft of torque on tap is actually more than my GTI offers, making city driving and quick bursts of speed incredibly satisfying. This immediate power delivery makes the e-Golf feel nimble and eager in urban environments, perfect for zipping through traffic and navigating stop-and-go situations.
Impressive Range in Ideal Conditions
Equipped with a 240V charger at home (also used for my wife’s Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid), charging the e-Golf was seamless. Overnight charging brought the 38.5 kWh battery to a full 100%, with the car’s computer estimating a range of 131 miles – exceeding Volkswagen’s official 125-mile range.
During the initial days of testing in mild Denver weather, I focused on maximizing the range. Utilizing the regenerative braking system by setting the gear lever to ‘B’ (for ‘Braking’) and engaging Eco+ mode, which limits certain energy-consuming features like climate control and acceleration, I was able to push the estimated range even further. After approximately 100 miles of mindful driving, the projected range climbed to an impressive 175 miles. This demonstrated the 2019 e-Golf SE’s potential for exceeding its stated range under optimal conditions.
Classic Volkswagen Chassis Dynamics
Beneath the electric powertrain, the 2019 e-Golf SE retains the familiar and well-regarded Volkswagen chassis. It feels solid and composed, offering a ride that is both comfortable and surprisingly engaging. Even with the substantial 701-lbs battery pack positioned beneath the seats, which increases the e-Golf’s curb weight to 3,459 pounds (slightly heavier than my GTI), the car maintains a planted and stable feel. The chassis contributes to a driving experience that is unmistakably Volkswagen, providing a sense of quality and refinement.
The Downsides: When the 2019 e-Golf SE Shows its Limitations
Range Anxiety in Cold Weather and Challenging Conditions
While the 2019 e-Golf SE impressed in ideal conditions, winter weather presented a significant challenge. Even with a seemingly ample 100+ miles of indicated range after a full charge, a longer trip in colder temperatures revealed a different story. A 45-mile drive involving a climb in elevation and rush-hour traffic in 28-degree weather with freezing drizzle dramatically impacted the range.
Starting the journey with a calculated 145 miles of range, I observed a sharp decrease upon arrival at my destination after just an hour and 45 minutes. The range had plummeted to only 60 miles remaining. This drastic reduction was attributed to several factors: heavy stop-and-go traffic, the intermittent use of the heater and defroster (which noticeably drained the battery), and potentially even running the windshield wipers.
The return journey presented an even greater challenge. A longer detour due to road closures, coupled with worsening snowy conditions and limited remaining range, created a stressful situation. To conserve battery, extreme measures were taken, such as minimizing heater use and relying on heated seats and extra layers of clothing. While the downhill portion of the drive did recoup some range, the experience highlighted the significant range reduction in cold weather and the potential for range anxiety in less-than-ideal conditions with the 2019 e-Golf SE.
Not a Performance EV (Yet)
While the instant torque is enjoyable, it’s important to acknowledge that the 2019 e-Golf SE is not designed as a performance EV in the same vein as some newer electric vehicles. Once a GTI’s turbocharger spools up, it definitively outpaces the e-Golf in outright acceleration. The e-Golf prioritizes efficiency and everyday usability over thrilling performance.
Furthermore, the standard wheels and tires on the e-Golf are geared towards maximizing range and efficiency, not sporty handling. While perfectly adequate for daily driving, they lack the grip and responsiveness that enthusiasts crave. Upgrading to performance tires and wheels, as suggested by a Reddit user who swapped GTI wheels onto their e-Golf, could improve handling but would likely reduce the vehicle’s range.
Similarly, the standard seats in the e-Golf, while comfortable, lack the aggressive bolstering found in the GTI’s sport seats. This difference becomes noticeable during more spirited driving, where the GTI seats provide significantly better support.
e-Golf vs. GTI: Choosing the Right VW Hatchback for Your Needs
Everyday Practicality vs. Performance Fun
The 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf SE excels as a practical and efficient everyday vehicle, particularly for those with predictable commutes within a limited radius. Its instant torque, comfortable ride, and familiar Volkswagen quality make it a compelling option for city dwellers or anyone seeking a smooth and quiet electric car for daily use.
However, for drivers who regularly undertake longer journeys, live in colder climates, or prioritize driving enjoyment and performance, the e-Golf may present limitations. Range anxiety, particularly in winter, and the lack of sporty driving dynamics compared to a GTI are factors to consider.
The Verdict: Keeping My GTI, But Acknowledging the e-Golf’s Strengths
For my personal driving needs, which often involve longer trips and navigating varying weather conditions, the 2019 e-Golf SE, in its current form, doesn’t quite replace my GTI. The range limitations and the less engaging driving experience in demanding situations are significant considerations.
Nevertheless, the e-Golf is a commendable electric vehicle that showcases the potential of electric powertrains in familiar and well-loved platforms like the Volkswagen Golf. For many drivers, especially those with shorter commutes and a focus on eco-conscious driving, the 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf SE represents a very appealing and practical electric car option. As battery technology and charging infrastructure continue to improve, the e-Golf’s successors are poised to become even more compelling alternatives.
