Volkswagen e-Golf Priced at $35,445 for US Market Entry
Volkswagen has confirmed a starting price of $35,445 for the 2015 e-Golf in the United States, positioning its new electric hatchback above the Nissan Leaf as it arrives in dealerships from November.
Volkswagen has set the starting price of its first all-electric model for the US market, the 2015 e-Golf, at $35,445 before destination charges and federal or state incentives. The car will reach select American dealerships in November, offering buyers a new alternative in the growing electric hatchback segment.
The e-Golf enters the US market at a higher price point than the Nissan Leaf, which has been the segment’s volume leader. The Volkswagen’s base price does not include the $820 destination and handling fee, nor does it account for any available government rebates. For context, the Nissan Leaf’s starting price undercut the e-Golf at launch, making Volkswagen’s pitch more about features and brand than headline affordability.
Standard equipment and features
Volkswagen’s US e-Golf specification is positioned as a premium offering within the compact EV class. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a rearview camera, and a 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. These features are bundled as part of the single SEL Premium trim available at launch.
- LED headlights
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Dual-zone climate control
- Heated front seats
- Rearview camera
- 5.8-inch infotainment with navigation and Bluetooth
Performance, range and charging
The e-Golf uses a 115 hp (85 kW) electric motor producing 270 Nm of torque, powered by a 24.2 kWh lithium-ion battery. Volkswagen quotes a 0–60 mph time of under 10.4 seconds and an estimated range of 70 to 90 miles per charge, depending on driving conditions. Charging to 80 percent capacity can be achieved in about 30 minutes using the Combined Charging System (CCS) fast charger, while a full charge from a 220V outlet takes roughly four hours. Using a standard 110V household socket, a full recharge may take up to 20 hours.
Market context and rivals
With its price and equipment, the e-Golf targets buyers seeking a well-equipped electric hatchback with familiar Golf driving dynamics. The price premium over the Nissan Leaf may be offset for some buyers by the e-Golf’s standard features and Volkswagen’s reputation for interior quality. The e-Golf’s range and charging times are competitive with other compact EVs launched in 2014, though it enters a segment where price sensitivity and incentives play a major role in buying decisions.
Volkswagen’s entry comes as the brand expands its Golf range globally, with the Mk7 platform underpinning a variety of petrol, diesel and alternative-fuel models. For more on the Golf Mk7’s development and platform, see Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Revealed in Berlin Ahead of Paris Debut.
