When the Volkswagen e-Golf first came to the United States we had expected to see a few trim levels of the car, similar to what was offered in Europe.
As it turned out, only the premium, fully loaded e-Golf SEL (details) was available on the debut. The price? $35,445
Today however, that changes as VW has announced a somewhat cheaper less expensive model – the “e-Golf Limited Edition model”, priced at $33,450.
Editor’s Note: Using our automaker decoder ring, “Limited Edition” usually means ‘limited to how many we can sell’, so we don’t think anyone should be worried this offering will be available only for a short time.
VW features a national lease deal on both cars: $299 for the SEL Premium ($2,000 due at signing), and $229 on the Limited Edition.
In most ways, the car is functionally the same: 24.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, 115 hp, 199 lb-ft of torque.
VW even states the same efficiency and range specs on the car:
MPGe: 126 city/105 highway - 116 combined,
83 mile EPA range
Although we have to note that amongst the deleted features from the higher SEL Premium model is the heat-pump system – meaning that range will be effected in the base EV outside of moderate temperatures, as the standard unit is much less energy-efficient and will draw more power.
So, is the de-contenting worth saving $2,000? We think for a lot of customers it will be. Our only advice to those who live in the northern United States - get the SEL, the more efficient heat-pump system is worth it.