2015 Volkswagen E-Golf debuts as Crossblue Coupe tags along

The long-awaited Volkswagen e-Golf has made its official North American debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, and when it arrives in dealerships about a year from now, it will be the first pure electric VW ever to be sold in U.S. dealerships. As the name suggests, the e-Golf is based on the VW Golf, the seventh-generation of which is due to hit U.S showrooms next spring.

When the e-Golf finally does arrive, it will look for all the world like any other Mark VII Golf hatchback. Whereas many new EVs are full of eco-weirdness (we’re looking you, BMW i3), VW only made minimal changes to the standard Golf’s styling: a paneled-over grille area, unique wheels, a subtle rear spoiler, blue outlines for the “VW’ badges, and C-shaped LED lights in the bumper that VW says will become the common light signature of all pure electric VWs henceforth. Other, less noticeable changes include underbody aero trays, full-LED headlamps and air vanes on the C-pillar to manage airflow around the back of the car. No crazy “I’m electric!” decals or aero whoopee-joops.

Changes to the interior are limited to a gauge cluster featuring a power/regenerative braking display in place of a tachometer, and unique screens for the multifunction display. Beneath the skin, you’ll find a 115-horsepower synchronous permanent-magnet AC motor that serves up an impressive 199 ft.-lb. of torque immediately from a stop. VW claims that the 3,090-lb e-Golf can reach 25 mph in 4.2 seconds on its way to 62 mph in 10.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 87 mph. VW claims that the e-Golf’s average range will be between 70 and 90 miles, which is about average for the class these days. All the while, VW says, it should drive with the same planted feel as other Golfs.