The Golf is the first car from Volkswagen to offer a plug-in hybrid version. Entitled Golf GTE, the latter takes the sporty line of the legendary Golf GTI. Marketed with the Golf 7 since December 2014, it has benefited from new equipment, and a new design with the Golf 8 GTE.
What is GTE ?
GTE is an abbreviation for “Grand Tourisme Électrique”. This name is only used by Volkswagen. It refers to a hybrid car, which means that it is equipped with two engines. The power of the hybrid allows it to have small sporty capabilities. This Golf GTE and the Passat GTE are the only ones to have this designation.
The Volkswagen Golf GTE, many advantages
With the GTE, the Volkswagen group did not want to change its emblematic model, whose plug-in hybrid version remains particularly faithful to the original model.
The exterior : a sporty and elegant look
Agile and aerodynamic, the Golf vw GTE has exclusive values. From an aesthetic point of view, it has its own GTE branding at the rear of the vehicle, a blue border in the grille, or its “C” shaped light signature, at the level of its LED daytime running lights.
In the same vein as the “GTI” and “GTD” models from which it was inspired, you will appreciate the dynamic and sporty design of the chrome-plated double exhaust tailpipe, placed under the diffuser. Not to mention the LED tail lights and a roof spoiler. The whole thing gives the rear a bolder impact.
With its 17-inch “Richmond” wheels, you have a choice of two worlds. Sober or showy, you can choose your style. In addition, the Golf GTE is equipped with exterior mood lighting. A nice welcome before getting on board.
With Keyless Advanced, the headlights and taillights turn on when you start to approach the vehicle. The blue stripe on the grille and door handles also light up, while the exterior mirrors project a light onto the ground. You can tell, the Golf GTE is a welcome sight!
The interior : enjoy the sporty comfort
Carefully designed, the interior components of the GTE give it a distinctive sporty look. Indeed, the pedals are made of stainless steel, the multi-function leather steering wheel is touch-sensitive, and the decorative applications.
On the dashboard, the two screens measuring 10 inches (25.4 cm) and 10.25 inches (26.04 cm) can be merged. For this, the Digital Cockpit Pro must be updated with the “Discover Pro” option.
The Golf GTE’s sophisticated design is a treat for the eyes as well as for your back. Indeed, you have the possibility to adjust their height, as well as the lumbar support. You will be properly supported, and your comfort level will be very pleasant.
The front sport seats, with headrests, are covered with durable fabric in a “Scalepaper” design. They can be equipped with an optional heating function. If you are looking for more comfort, there are premium “Vienna” leather sports seats with optional ventilation and electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
Viewing the most important information becomes a simple matter. That’s the main advantage of the Golf GTE’s head-up display. Your speed, messages from the driver assistance system and navigation instructions are displayed on a part of the windscreen.
This data is constantly visible, even in rainy weather, or if the light reflects off your windshield. If you don’t need it, you can deactivate this display at any time.
The new hybrid technology : power and efficiency
The Golf vw GTE is powered by an almost silent 110 hp electric motor with smooth power transmission and an innovative 150 hp 4-cylinder TSI direct injection gasoline engine. Its behavior is incredibly dynamic and its consumption is low.
When these two engines are combined, the Golf GTE achieves a temporary top speed of up to 245 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission has an all-new, smaller gearshift lever. This guarantees your pleasure behind the wheel. The Golf can handle fast shifts and changes of pace without any break in pace.
How does the system work ?
In use, the Volkswagen Golf GTE offers no less than 5 driving modes :
| E-Mode: Purely 100 percent electric mode, the one with which the Golf GTE starts. It is ideal for city driving, or for distances of up to 73 km |
| Hybrid Auto Mode: In this mode, the Golf GTE draws on its batteries. After that, it will resort to the combustion engine, where the electric one cannot do the job, such as a high power at low speed, for example. On the other hand, if the journey is exclusively urban, fuel consumption remains zero and the range is that of the battery |
| Battery Hold Mode: In this case, the Golf runs exclusively on its internal combustion engine, unless you need to make a maneuver, or the speed is kept below 40km/h |
| Battery Charge Mode: If you are unable to connect to the power supply, this driving mode relies on the internal combustion engine to recharge the depleted battery. The charge is quite fast, it gains 8 km of autonomy after 20 km of driving on fast roads |
| GTE mode: This mode offers driving pleasure. Both engines are at full power for a maximum sensation. This mode is activated via a button located on the left side of the selector lever |
The user can also choose from different levels of energy recovery by activating the “B” mode.
The Golf GTE, connected to the world
Volkswagen’s digital services are not missing in the Golf GTE. If you wish, it can be fully networked from the start, in which case many We Connect services will be at your disposal.
To do this, you simply activate and register your Volkswagen ID for the first time. You will then have free access to all important vehicle information, as well as useful convenience. Whether it’s a service call, online burglar alarm, or maintenance scheduling.
To open and start your Golf vw GTE without having to search for your key, you can use your smartphone as a mobile key. What more could you want?
Battery and autonomy
The Golf GTE’s lithium battery is located at the rear of the car. It has a total energy capacity of 13 kWh (compared to 8.7 kWh for the previous Golf GTE) and provides up to 73 kilometers of city driving range, according to the NEDC cycle. The battery is guaranteed for 8 years or 160,000 kilometers.
How to recharge the Vw Golf GTE ?
With the Golf GTE Plug-In Hybrid, charging the electric motor battery is easy. Just plug it into a regular household outlet. It needs a maximum of 6 hours of charging time, and offers a range of up to 73 kilometers in 100% electric city mode (WLTP).
Don’t worry, this recharging time is typical for a plug-in hybrid. With the help of a wallbox or at a public charging station, in 4 hours the battery can be fully charged.
Which socket should I use ?
As previously explained, the easiest way to recharge a Vw Golf GTE is still to use your domestic 220 – 230 V power socket. Supplied with the car, the Type 2 connector allows you to make the connection.
Consumption
According to a consumption calculation based on the NEDC cycle, the Volkswagen Golf GTE announces a fuel consumption of 1.1 to 1.6 l/100 km. Two-thirds of the journey is made in 100% electric mode, so no fuel consumption, and the other third in hybrid mode.
But unfortunately, this is not always the case, because everything will depend on the rate of use of the electric motor, and the frequency of recharging :
| E-Mode: 0 l per 100 km. With a cathedral-like silence, a significant torque when starting, its performance is correct up to 130 km/h. Announced with 73 km of autonomy, it hardly exceeds 50 km on a mixed journey. In winter with the heating on, it loses 5 km. When driving at 130 km/h, it loses another 10 km |
| Hybrid Auto mode: 0 to 8 l/100 km. The Golf GTE acts like a classic petrol Golf. On the road, it is close to 7 l, and on the freeway 8 l |
| Battery Hold mode: From 7 to 10 l/100 km. Consumption is the same as for the Hybrid Auto mode. In the city, it is possible to reach 10 l |
| Battery Charge Mode: Over 11 l/100 km |
| GTE mode: 7 to 10 l/100 km. Here again, the aim is not to reduce consumption. The two engines merge and culminate in a power output of up to 245 hp (180 kW), which generates an impressive torque of up to 400 Nm |
The price of the Golf GTE
At the heart of the Golf range, the GTE is aligned with the performance of the existing GTI and GTD, with a starting price of €47,500 including tax but excluding the ecological bonus. The battery is included in the price.
Our opinion
The driving of this Golf remains fun and fluid. The comfort and silence of electric driving is pleasant. Once the battery is empty, the Golf GTE is well designed and very well optimized.
Dynamically and mechanically, the GTE is without reproach, reconciling performance, energy efficiency and comfort at a very high level. We can add that its space/accommodation ratio is very favorable. For us, it is the most efficient of the family.