Volkswagen ->ke94 released the original Golf ->ke164 back in 1974, and shortly after, it became one of the most appreciated models in the world. As proof to its worldwide love, there have been over 30 million units sold worldwide, so there should be no surprise that Volkswagen is trying to attract even more buyers.

VW unveiled the all-electric e-golf at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show->ke235, and it will hit the market in the spring of 2014. The model looks like a regular Golf, but it adds a particularly innovative overall technological system, improved aerodynamics and optimal rolling resistance. Also, as a first for any Volkswagen model, the new e-golf is equipped with full-LED headlights.

Along with a very efficient electric motor that ensures a driving range of up to 118 miles, the new e-golf features impressive technology, like regenerative braking and a "Discover Pro" system with a series of new functions.

Updated 8/25/14: VW has revealed the e-Golf's $34,445 price. See more details after the jump.

Click past the jump to read more about the Volkswagen e-Golf.

2015 Volkswagen e-Golf

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf
  • Engine/Motor: electric
  • Horsepower: 115
  • Torque: 199
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new e-golf looks nearly identical to any other Golf on the road, but it offers a few distinctive features that make it easily identifiable. The first feature is, of course, the new LED headlights -- a world first for a Volkswagen model. There is also a redesigned front bumper with daytime running lights and C-shaped LED lights -- a distinctive feature for all Volkswagen electric cars.

Since this is an electric car, the rear is void of any exhaust pipes, and the badges sit atop blue backgrounds. The taillights are also offered with LED technology.

Interior

The interior also receives some distinctive elements over the base Golf. These changes start with a redesigned instrument panel and touchscreen and lots of blue elements through the cabin, including the decorative seams of the leather steering wheel and gear knob, plus the floor-mat edgings.

VW dropped the traditional rev counter in favor of a power display that offers details on the motor or the high-voltage battery. The speedometer goes up to only 160 km/h (99 mph), and a special display shows if the car is "Ready" to go after starting the engine. The model comes equipped with an 8-inch "Discover Pro" touchscreen with numerous new functions, like a range monitor, energy-flow indicator, e-manager and more.

Standard features:

-Automatic climate control

-Parking heater/ventilation

-High-end Discover Pro radio-navigation system

-Heated windscreen

-Leather steering wheel

-Leather gear knob

-‘Iridium Matrix /Dark Magnesium’ trim

-Seats in the ‘Merlin e-grey /Clip titanium black’ pattern

Drivetrain

The new e-golf is powered by an EEM 85 electric motor that delivers a total of 115 horsepower and a peak torque of 199 pound-feet. The electric motor delivers enough power to sprint the e-golf from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in just 4.2 seconds and to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 10.4 seconds. On the highway, the model can hit a top speed of 140 km/h (86 mph), and depending on the route and driving style, the new e-Golf has a driving rage between 130 and 190 km (80 and 118 miles).

The electric motor takes is powered from a lithium-ion battery hidden under the front and rear seats, and in the area of the center tunnel. The battery weights 318 kg (701 pounds) and features a total of 264 individual cells integrated into 27 modules.

The e-Golf offers three different driving modes: "Normal", "Eco" and "Eco+." In Eco mode, the engine delivers only 93 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and the e-Golf can hit a top speed of only 115 km/h (71 mph). In Eco+, the engine delivers a total of 73 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque, and can hit speed of up to 90 km/h (55 mph).

The e-Golf is also equipped with regenerative braking featuring five different levels, ranging from ‘D’ (no regenerative braking), ‘D1’, D2’, ‘D3’ up to ‘B’, where regenerative braking has the strongest effect.

Prices

The e-Golf will come to America only in its fully equipped SEL Premium trim level at a base price of $35,445, plus $820 for delivery. *It will hit dealerships in November 2014, and there is no mention of lower trim levels being available.

Competition

Ford Focus Electric

Ford unveiled its electric version of the successful Focus at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show and put it on sale shortly after. The model is powered by an all-electric powertrain connected to a single-speed transmission that helps the car hit a top speed of 84 mph. The engine takes its power from a lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged at any 240-volt, wall-mounted charge station, and can be fully charged in three to four hours.

Audi A3 e-tron

Not really an electric-car, the A3 e-tron has the advantage of combining a a 1.4-liter TFSI combustion engine that delivers a total unit of 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque with an electric motor that increases the output to 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. Along with being more powerful than the e-Golf, the A3 e-tron also offers a considerably increased driving range of 584 miles. It is also a little bit faster, with a 0-to-60 km/h (37 mph) sprint (37 mph) that takes just 4.9 seconds, and up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 7.6 seconds. Top speed is set at 137 mph.

Conclusion

With more than 30 million units sold around the globe ever since its official debut in 1974, it was to be expected to see the Golf getting even more efficient. And of course that an electric version is about as efficient as it can get. We will find out soon enough if the e-Golf will continue the Golf's success or fall on its face