Volkswagen e-Golf vs. BMW i3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen e-Golf and BMW i3 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Volkswagen e-Golf and the BMW i3.
In comparing the Volkswagen e-Golf's and the BMW i3's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen e-Golf has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and interior volume. The BMW i3 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen e-Golf's and the BMW i3's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen e-Golf is a better car than the BMW i3.
Pricing: A used 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf ranges from $14,000 to $22,997 while a used 2019 BMW i3 is priced between $15,897 to $24,072.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen e-Golf loses 47.2 percent of its value and the BMW i3 loses 66.1 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen e-Golf retains 18.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW i3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen e-Golf’s base engine makes 134 horsepower, and the BMW i3 base engine makes 168 horsepower. The e-Golf is rated to deliver an average of 126 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 125 miles. The i3 is rated to deliver an average of 124 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 153 miles.This gives the Volkswagen e-Golf the advantage in fuel efficiency and the BMW i3 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the e-Golf is 3.7 hours (240V), while the charge time for the i3 is 5 hours (240V).
Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen e-Golf has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW i3 has the advantage in the area of front head room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$31,895
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$32,205
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$29,990 - $36,620
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$44,450
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$40,475
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$36,500 - $44,450
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$18,209
Price Range:
$14,000 - $22,997
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$16,993
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$15,854 - $18,209
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
42
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
41,843
# Good or Great Deals:
9
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,103
Price Range:
$15,897 - $24,072
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$23,729
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$20,103 - $27,354
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
18
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
52,341
# Good or Great Deals:
6
Volkswagen e-Golf Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
BMW i3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
6.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen e-Golf
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Electric Compact Cars)
6.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
3.5 - 9.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW i3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
1.2 - 5.5
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
218.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
4.3 - 432.6
Volkswagen e-Golf Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
22 out of / 26Ranking
22 out of / 26BMW i3 Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 15Ranking
15 out of / 15Ranking
16 out of / 26Ranking
17 out of / 26Ranking
18 out of / 26Ranking
21 out of / 26Summary Review
The VW e-Golf was a four-door compact hatchback. The electric version was a derivative of VW's legendary Golf which has been a staple car for commuters worldwide for decades.
Summary Review
The BMW i3 is a compact electric car and was the first European EV to market in the US. BMW broke the mold when it created this fresh approach to motoring.
Pros and Cons
- It’s got all the practical design elements of a traditional Golf
- Fun to drive
- Limited used car availability
- Officially canceled (December 2020)
- Early models had less than 100 miles range
Pros and Cons
- Ultra-green construction with low carbon footprint
- Unique styling
- Vegan interior options
- Polarizing styling
- Limited space for its price point
- Poor reliability score
- Adaptive cruise control is not standard
- Rear-wheel drive only
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric, Plug-In Hybrid
Volkswagen e-Golf Trim Levels
SE, SEL Premium
BMW i3 Trim Levels
Base, s
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
134 hp
Torque:
214 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.039 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
168 hp
Torque:
184 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
126 / 111 / 119
Range (city/hwy):
125 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
35.8 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
3.7 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
MPGe:
124 / 102 / 113
Range (city/hwy):
153 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
33 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
5 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
22.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
116.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
49.2 inches
Cargo Space:
15.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3459 lbs
Width:
70.8 inches
Height:
57.2 inches
Length:
168.1 inches
Wheelbase:
103.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2965 lbs
Width:
80.3 inches
Height:
62.9 inches
Length:
158.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 5.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
155/70R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Atlantic Blue Metallic
Gray
Indium Gray Metallic / Urano Gray
Silver
Reflex Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Beige
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Fluid Black w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Blue
Imperial Blue Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Gray
Mineral Grey w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Silver
Not available
White
Capparis White w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Beige
Jucaro Beige Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Red
Melbourne Red Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Brown
Tera Dark Truffle
Gray
Deka Dark / Giga Brown w/ Carum Spice Grey Wool Cloth / Mega Carum Spice Grey w/ Brown Cloth Highlight
