The facelifted Volkswagen Golf is formally right here, and whereas the all-electric model hasn’t magically reappeared within the German firm’s lineup, the plug-in hybrid variations of the hatchback received important enhancements.

As earlier than, the 2 plug-in Golfs are referred to as eHybrid and GTE, the latter being a type of electrified model of the enduring GTI. 

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The brand new plug-in hybrid Golf looks like an incredible alternative for commuters

The facelifted Volkswagen Golf in plug-in hybrid selection presents as much as 62 miles of all-electric vary (within the WLTP check, we assume). It may also be recharged at as much as 50 kW and has a most vary of about 620 miles with a full tank of gasoline.

Each are powered by a 1.5-liter TSI eco2 gasoline engine that works in tandem with an electrical motor that will get juice from a 19.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack. In line with Volkswagen, each variations can drive for as much as 62 miles on electrical energy alone (on the WLTP cycle, we assume) and as much as 620 miles in hybrid mode.

Recharging the high-voltage battery may be performed from an AC supply at as much as 11 kilowatts, or from a DC quick charger at speeds as much as 50 kW.

Energy-wise, the eHybrid makes a mixed 201 horsepower, whereas the GTE ups the determine to a extra sizzling hatch-like 268 hp, which is definitely 6 hp greater than what the GTI is able to with its 2.0-liter engine. The eHybrid and GTE switch energy to the wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox (the GTI has a seven-speed DSG).

That mentioned, we’ll solely get the Golf GTI right here in the USA, making us a bit envious of Europeans who can get their fingers on the plug-in hybrids. That’s as a result of they went by way of some severe upgrades that make them a compelling alternative for drivers who spend time each in cities, the place the all-electric vary is useful, and on lengthy journeys, the place the gasoline engine can alleviate the vary nervousness that some EV house owners expertise on high-mileage journeys.

In comparison with the earlier iterations, the brand new plug-in hybrid Golf variations have a high-voltage battery that’s 9.1 kWh larger (19.7 kWh vs. 10.6 kWh beforehand), extra all-electric vary (62 miles vs 50 miles on the outgoing fashions), a barely larger gasoline engine (1.5 liters vs 1.4 liters earlier than), and about 27 hp further within the case of the GTE.

The charging speeds are additionally increased. The outgoing fashions may high up at 3.6 kW from a house charger (the brand new ones go as much as 11 kW), and DC quick charging was non-existent.

Inside, there’s a brand new infotainment system that runs on VW’s fourth-generation MIB4 system. It brings new graphics, a brand new menu construction, and it’s easier to function than its predecessor.

Two display sizes will likely be obtainable for all the new Golf variations, both a ten.4-inch touchscreen or a 12.9-inch unit because the top-of-the-line possibility. Beneath the display, there are illuminated contact sliders for temperature and quantity management, however they lack haptic suggestions and there aren’t any different bodily knobs that can be utilized as an alternative.

Volkswagen Golf GTE (2024) inside

Outdoors, the facelifted Volkswagen Golf options newly designed LED headlights, barely revised LED taillights, and a brand new entrance bumper, so that you’ll nonetheless be capable of simply establish one in the event you see it down the street. Optionally, so-called efficiency headlights will likely be obtainable as a part of a bundle that features a horizontal LED gentle strip within the radiator grille and an illuminated VW badge. As a result of BMW and Mercedes-Benz can’t be the one ones providing light-up logos on their vehicles, proper?

However what about these plug-in hybrids? We expect they might have a spot right here within the U.S. the place lengthy commutes are usually the secret. Tell us within the feedback in the event you agree.