2019 VW e-Golf Up To $1,550 More Expensive, Starts At $32,790

The market for electric vehicles is really starting to take off in the United States but is this the right time to increase prices?

Volkswagen seems to believe so judging by the price bumps of up to $1,550 for the 2019 e-Golf lineup. That appears to be a curious move, considering the ever-increasing competition in the compact electric vehicle segment and the fact that the e-Golf is not quite a new product — despite the updates introduced for the 2017 model year.

The base 2019 VW e-Golf SE starts at $32,790 (including $895 destination), which makes it $1,400 more expensive than the equivalent 2018 model. As for the better-equipped 2019 VW e-Golf SEL Premium, it is priced from $39,790 — $1,550 more than the 2018 version.

To be fair, the 2019 e-Golf does bring more features as standard compared to last year. The SE adds a DC Fast Charger, which used to be a $995 option on the 2018 model. It allows customers who have access to a DC fast charging station to recharge nearly 80 percent of the battery within an hour.

Another change for the base SE grade is the availability of the Driver Assistance Package, previously exclusive to the SEL Premium. The pack costs an extra $650 and adds adaptive cruise control with stop & go capability, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and a blind spot monitor.

On the 2019 e-Golf SEL Premium, the Driver Assistance Package has now become standard (it was a $1,075 option before). Compared to the same namesake pack offered on the SE, it adds automatic high beams and a parking assistance feature.

Unfortunately, the e-Golf’s driving range remains unchanged at 124 miles (200 km). That’s significantly lower than what most rivals offer. For example, the standard 2019 Nissan Leaf S offers a 150-mile (241-km) range for $30,875 while the entry-level 2019 Bolt EV LT comes with a 238-mile (383-km) range and a $37,495 MSRP. All prices exclude tax credits.