BMW i3 vs Volkswagen Golf R
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen Golf R
Overview
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Volkswagen Golf RGolf R Hatchback |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | Golf R Hatchback |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | electric | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 7-speed automated manual |
| Engine type | electric | gas |
| Model year | 2021 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Volkswagen Golf RGolf R Hatchback |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $44,450 (best) | $49,455 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Volkswagen Golf RGolf R Hatchback |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | — | 25 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | — | 22 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | — | 31 MPG (best) |
| Combined MPGe | 113 MPGe (best) | — |
| Electric range | 153 mi (best) | — |
| Battery capacity | 42 kWh (best) | — |
| 240V charge time | 7 hr (best) | — |
| Fuel tank | — | 14.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Volkswagen Golf RGolf R Hatchback |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 168 hp | 328 hp (best) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | — | 2 L (best) |
| Cylinders | — | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Volkswagen Golf RGolf R Hatchback |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 5 (best) | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 36.9 cu ft (best) | 34.5 cu ft |
| Payload | — | 948 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,972 lbs (best) | 3,461 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in (best) | 4.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 103.5 in (best) |
| Length | 158.3 in | 169.1 in (best) |
| Width | 69.9 in | 70.4 in (best) |
| Height | 62.9 in (best) | 57.8 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Volkswagen Golf RGolf R Hatchback |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | BMW i3 | Volkswagen Golf R |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $44,450 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Golf R Hatchback $49,455 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Base $48,300 MSRP | — |