Volkswagen e-Golf vs BMW i3

Electric cars have yet to spark a wholesale switch away from the combustion engine, but sales are rising and the launch of an electric version of Europe’s biggest-selling car is another example of the growing surge towards the mainstream.

The new VW e-Golf is available to order now and follows hot on the heels of the e-up! city car. Plus, once you factor in the Government Plug-in Car Grant, the newcomer costs £25,845 – which places it squarely in the path of BMW’s new i3.

The £25,680 i3 has already impressed us with its head-turning image, cleverly packaged interior and advanced composite structure. So if you’re ready to make the switch to electric motoring, is the cutting-edge, futuristic BMW or the electrified Golf the better choice?

• Volkswagen e-Golf review

• BMW i3 review

Which electric car comes out on top? Read individual reviews by clicking the links above, and scroll down for a full comparison and verdict...

Head-to-head

Connectivity

The e-Golf and i3 feature clever connectivity apps for smartphones, allowing you to check your battery and charging status remotely and also pre-heat or cool the cabin when the car is plugged into the mains. 

Both cars are also available with mobile Internet options. VW’s Car-Net provides online traffic info, while if you toggle through the BMW’s display menu (below), the ConnectedDrive set-up lets you stream music and use social media.

Colours 

The i3 comes with the option of four £530 metallic colours with two contrasting shades for the bonnet and tailgate. Our car’s solar orange finish is the most adventurous. The e-Golf comes in a choice of six £535 metallic and two standard colours, plus our car’s £255 Pure White paint.  

Dimensions 

Park these cars nose-to-nose, and you can see how much taller the i3 is than the e-Golf. It’s also shorter and narrower, and that makes it well suited to city driving. 

Used - available now

2023 Citroen

C5 X

43,500 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £14,999

View C5 X

2017 Volkswagen

Golf R

40,781 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £19,095

View Golf R

2022 Volvo

XC40

22,294 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £22,500

View XC40

2022 DS

DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE

23,852 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £11,997

View DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE

The Golf’s traditional shape attracts much less attention on the road, but gives you a bigger boot and more passenger space.

Verdict

1st place: BMW i3

With innovative engineering and the use of advanced composite materials, the i3 is a groundbreaking electric car that’s fast, good to drive and practical. But beyond the technology, the funky cabin and futuristic looks give it the desirability factor EVs have traditionally lacked. If you can cope with the range limitations, then it’s a very tempting proposition. And it just edges victory over the worthy but less exciting VW.

2nd place: Volkswagen e-Golf

The e-Golf is another excellent electric car from Volkswagen. It’s a well engineered and good-to-drive EV, with a similar real-world range to the i3. The Golf won’t turn as many heads as the i3, but its traditional image is a plus for some. However, it trails the BMW on performance, plus the ride is firm and the handling slightly blunted. More importantly, it lacks the all-round desirability of its futuristic rival.

VW e-Golf vs BMW i3: key specs