The countdown has begun: the 30 millionth Passat will leave the assembly line this spring. This landmark makes it the most successful mid-size model worldwide. And that's not all. After the Golf (35 million vehicles) - and ahead of the legendary Beetle (21.5 million units) - the Volkswagen Passat is one of the three most popular vehicles from Volkswagen to date. One thing is certain: the 30 millionth Passat will be one of the first examples of the significantly enhanced eighth generation. A major technical update sees the new Passat incorporate the latest brand innovations. Pre-sales will start in May 2019 in some European countries and the market launch will start from the end of August 2019 onwards (Germany).

Having produced more than 30 million units, Volkswagen is proud to say the Passat is the best-selling midsize sedan ever. It’s currently built on three continents in 10 factories for more than 100 markets and represents the company’s most popular nameplate after the all-conquering Golf. Although the “Passat” name is used throughout the world, the MQB-based European version is far more sophisticated than its American cousin still stuck on PQ46 underpinnings from more than 15 years ago.

That will change with the next-generation model as Autocar has it on good authority the Passat B9 will ride on an updated MQB platform all over the world. The Euro-spec version won’t technically be produced by VW as the assembly of the midsize sedan and wagon at the Emden plant in Germany will end. As per an announcement made in November 2018, the next Passat will be built by Skoda alongside sister model Superb in the Czech Republic at the Kvasiny plant.

It would seem the Passat’s future was up in the air for more than a year as the thought of axing the model altogether crossed VW’s mind. In the end, the head honchos decided to keep the model alive, a car the Wolfsburg brand has been selling without any interruptions for 36 years. The next-gen model is said to grow in size and adopt a longer wheelbase for superior legroom.

Practicality will be further improved by widening the tracks, while a conservative design approach will put an emphasis on interior space rather than fancy styling. That’s because the role of a more visually appealing Passat will be attributed once again to the Arteon, which recently went through a mid-cycle update bringing a wagon body style as well as plug-in hybrid and spicy R derivatives.

Speaking of wagons, Autocar claims the Passat B9 will continue to be offered with a long roof, complete with a jacked-up Alltrack sibling. Interestingly, it’s not known whether the regular model will remain a traditional sedan or whether it will switch to a more practical liftback shape in the same vein as the aforementioned Superb and Arteon. For what it’s worth, the design has reportedly been finalized, while the updated MQB platform will offer greater support for electrification, including a pure EV.

The report goes on to mention VW plans to have the new Passat on sale in the United Kingdom in 2023, which should coincide with the model’s European rollout. It remains to be seen whether North America and other markets will have to wait longer. If you’re in the anti-SUV crowd and are genuinely glad the Passat is sticking around, you’ll have to thank VW’s Chinese division for the new model. They’re believed to be the driving force behind the B9, convincing the higher-ups in Deutschland to give the next-gen Passat the proverbial green light to satisfy China’s consistently strong demand for sedan even in today’s crossover/SUV craze.

Back in 2011, the Passat branched into two very different models. The one developed for North America is one of the worst-selling Volkswagen models in the United States, moving 14,123 units in 2019 as opposed to 17,215 units of the Beetle.
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There are plenty of reasons why the Passat for the U.S. market is such a huge commercial flop, starting with the unsinpiring looks. What do you think about when you see one in the parking lot? I, for example, can’t escape that little voice in the back of my head that tells me “Volkswagen could’ve done much better by using the European model.”

It may be affordable at $22,995 for the entry-level specification, but the mid-size sedan from Chattanooga plays second fiddle to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Even if you load it up to the brim with options, the interior still feels cheap in comparison to the Japanese rivals that also happen to be made in the United States of America.

Taking an even wider perspective, did you notice how bad the good ol’ sedan is doing in this part of the world? The Camry is the nation’s best-selling sedan, though off 1.9 percent last year. Together with hatchbacks, station wagons, sporty coupes, and convertibles as well, passenger cars are steadily losing ground to SUVs and trucks.

As a result of these consumer-driven trends, “we’ve made a decision to cancel the Passat.” Those words come from head honcho Ralf Brandstatter, and I’m surprised they took so long to understand what a bad product the North American Passat is.

Wards Auto reports that 2023 is the final year for the nameplate in the United States, the year the ID.4 is expected to reach full capacity at the Chattanooga factory. Volkswagen also makes the Atlas and Atlas Cross there, and in preparation for the electric crossover, no fewer than $800 million will be invested in the plant.

If you’re curious why the ID.4 is so important to Volkswagen in the coming years, bear in mind that an entry-level version is planned to enter production in 2022 with a starting price of $35,000 before the $7,500 federal tax credit. Although it’s not the same size as the Tesla Model Y, it’s easy to understand what VW is trying to do.

On an ending note, the German automaker isn’t prepared to pull the plug on the Passat for good in other parts of the world. Europe, for example, is gearing up for an all-new model in 2023 with an updated version of the MQB vehicle architecture.

As far as the Old Continent is concerned, the Volkswagen Group will transfer production duties to the Skoda subsidiary in the Czech Republic. The reason for this change is pretty simple. Going forward, VW intends to free up German production capacity for the ID. series of electric vehicles.

Last year we reported that Volkswagen would kill off the Passat at some point before the end of the decade so the brand could focus on selling the Atlas and electric ID.4 crossovers. That day has now come, with Volkswagen announcing that the Passat will be discontinued in the United States after the 2022 model year, and the automaker also revealed a Passat Limited Edition that commemorates the Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant that has built the Passat since 2011.

Changes to the Passat Limited Edition are minimal. The exterior features unique 15-spoke, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and black mirror caps, while the interior includes special seat tags. One reads "1 of 1973"—the number of Limited Editions VW will build—and the other says "VW Chattanooga since 2011." The bottom of the cupholders features an aerial map of the city of Chattanooga and a blueprint of the factory. The Limited Edition is also decked out with niceties including heated leather power seats for both the driver and passenger and tech extras like park assist.

The 1973-unit run for the Passat Limited Edition references the first year of Passat production in Germany. The specific number of units produced for each of the four color combos are meant to be meaningful, which sounds more like something you'd expect from a special-edition McLaren than from a mainstream sedan. 411 Limited Editions will be sprayed in Aurora Red Metallic with a Titan Black interior; 411 was the production code for the Passat’s predecessor. Then 423 units—for the Chattanooga area code—will borrow the Racing Green Metallic paint found on the Atlas SUV (and on the old B5 Passat) and pair it with a Mauro Brown interior. Pure White paint with a Mauro Brown interior will be found on 524 units, honoring the opening date of the Chattanooga factory on May 24, 2011. Lastly, VW will produce 615 Limited Editions in Platinum Gray Metallic with a Titan Black interior, which VW says stands for six generations of Passat in the U.S., one generation assembled in Chattanooga, and five decades of U.S. Passat sales.

Volkswagen announced the end of North American Passat production last July, and the final models rolled off the Chattanooga assembly line back in December. In total, the Chattanooga factory built more than 800,000 examples of the Passat since the start of production in 2011.

The Passat and the Chattanooga plant are closely associated, as not only was it the start of U.S. Passat production, but it was the start of the U.S. getting a completely unique Passat model. It was notably larger than its European namesake, and it was made more affordable. While it didn't totally please car critics, it resonated with buyers at least for a while. In 2011, the final year of European-style Passat sales in the U.S., the company only sold 22,835. The following year, with the introduction of the American Passat, 125,212 examples found homes. That was the best-selling year for the American Passat, though, as sales declined almost every year after, except for a slight increase in 2020, which could have been a combination of a refreshed model launching, as well as the oddly strong pandemic car market. In its final year, VW sold 24,398 Passats in the U.S.



It's a bit sad to see another sedan leave the marketplace, but we can't deny that the Passat wasn't a favorite of ours. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't especially competitive. In fact, it was only ever refreshed since the American variant was first launched for 2012. The latest update came for the 2020 model. It did offer a nicely spruced up interior, and that interior was still quite enormous. It was also a solid cruiser. However, the competition could also cruise, and did so without being soft, squishy and otherwise un-engaging. The competition typically offered nicer interiors, too. The 2018 Passat GT was something of an exception. It didn't offer any more power than your typical Passat with the VR6 engine, but sportier suspension and a sweet-sounding exhaust made it a surprisingly enjoyable sedan. It was discontinued soon after its launch, though.

The European Passat will continue to be offered in its respective markets. The production capacity at Chattanooga will be filled by the VW ID.4 electric SUV. It will join the VW Atlas, which is also built at the factory.

The next-generation Volkswagen Passat returns in a new batch of spy photos, this time showing the plug-in hybrid version of the German family vehicle. This prototype was spied by our friends and colleagues at Motor.es in broad daylight showing the position of its charging port and other interesting details.

As we’ve already reported, the next-gen Passat will be available only as a wagon, and judging from what we are able to see in these photos, it will be slightly larger than the outgoing model. There's a panel that extends the area around the B pillar, which hints at a potential longer wheelbase. Keep in mind we are talking about the version for the European market as the Passat is gone for good in the United States.

Believed to be called the Passat Variant eHybrid, this electrified long-roof vehicle has a charging port on the front left fender. This, together with a modified Volkswagen logo, will be the only design changes compared to the regular combustion-powered model. However, much more important changes will happen under the skin where the Passat is expected to get a new plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Motor.es reports the 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged engine of the current PHEV system will be replaced by a larger 1.5-liter engine with a cylinder deactivation function. The combustion unit will be supported by a small electric motor housed within the dual-clutch automatic gearbox. More importantly, Volkswagen will reportedly put a twice bigger battery, which should give the new Passat PHEV an all-electric range of up to 62 miles (100 kilometers) depending on the conditions.

While the exterior will feature evolutionary styling, the interior of the new Passat – in all its versions – will be radically new. Photos from earlier this month showed a new dashboard with a cleaner design and more digital gadgets. As expected, the center console will be dominated by a large tablet-style screen. As a cost-cutting measure, Volkswagen will replace the physical buttons for the heating and air conditioning with capacitive-touch controls.

Look for the new Passat to hit VW’s showrooms around Europe next year. It will be produced in Slovakia alongside the new Skoda Superb and will be joined by an all-electric sedan, tentatively known as the Aero B, also currently under development.

The rumors were true – Volkswagen is discontinuing the Passat in Europe as well. The next-generation model debuting in the coming weeks or months will be sold strictly as a wagon. Company boss Thomas Schäfer told Automotive News Europe a decision has been taken to axe the good ol' saloon, even though it was the best-selling car in its segment last year in Europe. In the United States, the Passat was dropped after the 2022 model year.

VW's head honcho went on to say deliveries of the new Passat are scheduled to commence in September, which implies the official reveal will take place sometime this summer or even sooner. The midsize car will no longer be made in Emden (Germany) as production is moving to Bratislava (Slovakia). Assembly of the previous-gen sedan ended in January 2022.

Similarly, the assembly of the mechanically related Skoda Superb will be relocated from Kvasiny (Czech Republic) to the same factory in Bratislava. The next Superb will be offered in both liftback and wagon body styles. Schäfer told ANE deliveries of Skoda's flagship model will kick off near the end of the year. In 2022, the Superb was the second-best-selling car in its segment, after the Passat.The death of the Passat Sedan follows other once-popular midsize cars that have been dropped from the Old Continent in recent times. We're talking about the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and the Ford Mondeo. The Peugeot 508 recently went through a mid-cycle facelift, which means it'll stick around for a few more years. Despite its venerable age, the Mazda6 is still available.

Although the Passat Sedan is officially no more, VW still offers the Arteon as a sleeker liftback substitute, complemented by a wagon dubbed Shooting Brake as well. Interestingly, Schäfer says the next-gen Passat has been developed by Skoda, without going into details. Logic tells us it'll ride on an evolution of the MQB platform with cleaner gasoline and diesel engines engineered to meet Euro 7 regulations. The next Superb has already been confirmed with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, so it should be the same story with its fancier sibling.

Lest we forget VW will launch this year a similarly sized ID.7 electric car, and if the ID. Space Vizzion concept was an indication, a wagon will follow later this decade.

Volkswagen is now confirming what we have known for months. The Passat sedan is going off the automotive stage, where there is only room left for its wagon variant. The German carmaker is now teasing the model set to debut this fall.

The upcoming Passat wagon, or Variant – as Volkswagen calls it – is going to be larger and more comfortable, and it will bring along higher quality, the German carmaker pledges.

The ninth-generation Volkswagen Passat will be 193.5-inches (4,917 millimeters) long, which means that it will be 5.6 inches (144 millimeters) longer than its predecessor. The wheelbase is also going to be extended, growing by 1.96 inches (50 millimeters) to 111.8 inches (2,841 millimeters). This translates into more legroom on board the wagon.

With also grows by 0.7 inches (20 millimeters) up to 72.9 inches (1,852 millimeters), while height goes all the way to 58.3 inches (1,482 millimeters), as the Passat is no 0.2 inches (7 millimeters) taller than before.

Cargo capacity also grows by 1.4 cubic feet (40 liters) to 24.3 cubic feet (690 liters). Folding the backrest of the rear seating area brings along 67.8 cubic feet (1,920 liters) of space.

There will be a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster on board, while a 12.9-inch touchscreen display (the 15-inch display is optional) will find room in the center console. A head-up display is also going to be available for extra money.

Spy photos have shown that the 2024 Passat wagon will sport new narrow IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with a beam capable of illuminating as far as 1,640 feet (500 meters). There will be an LED light bar at the opposite end, connecting the taillights. To enhance the sporty nature of the Passat and provide it with a sleeker silhouette, the Volkswagen designers have penned a sloping roofline.

The new Passat is going down the electrification path, so customers will also be able to order mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. The plug-in hybrid will come with outputs ranging between 201 horsepower (204 PS) and 268 horsepower (272 PS). No info on the battery capacity just yet. But the car should be able to drive as far as 75 miles (120 kilometers) with zero emissions. Turbodiesel and turbocharged petrol versions are also part of the plan.

By ditching the sedan, which has been losing ground in Europe and in the US for the past few years, Volkswagen is simplifying the lineup. But the Passat’s Czech sibling, the Skoda Superb, will not follow the same path. Based on the exact same MQB Evo platform, it will keep the sedan variant and will continue to be available as a wagon as well.

The Volkswagen Passat and the Skoda Superb are getting ready for a late summer reveal. Both will roll off the assembly line of the Volkswagen Group plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. Deliveries will start in the first quarter of 2024

Exactly 50 years ago, one of the most successful Volkswagen vehicles was launched: the Passat. With more than 34 million units sold worldwide, it is the top-selling Volkswagen of all time after the Golf and ahead of the Beetle. At the world premiere at the 2023 IAA Mobility in Munich, Volkswagen presents all the details of a completely newly developed Passat to the public for the first time. The new Passat will be launched as a versatile Variant in the first quarter of 2024. Clean and powerful - the new design is clearly Passat, clearly Volkswagen and yet clearly new from every perspective. The innovative range of three new plug-in and mild hybrid drives and five turbo petrol and turbo diesel engine variants is characterised by efficiency. The quiet and spacious Passat Variant offers a high level of travel comfort and will be optionally available with new adaptive running gear (DCC Pro) and new ergoActive seats (with pneumatic pressure point massage). Volkswagen has completely newly developed the intuitive operation and progressive features of the fourth-generation modular infotainment matrix (MIB4). The new Passat can also optionally park independently and cover long distances in assisted driving mode.

Progressive MQB evo

The latest evolutionary stage of the modular transverse matrix platform (MQB evo) forms the high-tech basis of the ninth Volkswagen Passat generation. Future customers will benefit from the significant economies of scale offered by this high-tech matrix platform. That is because a host of new systems are used on board this bestselling model and their development costs are shared across all MQB product lines. In this way, Volkswagen is democratising innovations and making them available to hundreds of thousands of vehicle drivers worldwide.

New plug-in and mild hybrid drives

The technical highlights include two completely new plug-in hybrid drives (eHybrid) with a system output of 150 kW (204 PS) and 200 kW (272 PS). In combination with a new 19.7 kWh battery (net energy content), they make all-electric ranges of around 100 km possible. This distance turns the new Passat Variant into an electric vehicle for everyday life. Taking Germany as an example: according to a study published by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport, 95 per cent of all car journeys are shorter than 50 kilometres and 99 per cent shorter than 100 km. These journeys can now be driven purely electrically with a Passat Variant eHybrid. In addition, the efficient combination of an electric drive motor and new turbocharged petrol engine (1.5 TSI evo2) ensures overall ranges of around 1,000 km. The Passat will also be available for the first time with a 48 V mild hybrid drive (eTSI with 110 kW / 150 PS). Two turbo petrol (2.0 TSI) engines with 150 kW (204 PS) and 195 kW (265 PS) as well as three turbo diesel (2.0 TDI) engines with 90 kW (122 PS), 110 kW (150 PS) and 142 kW (193 PS) complete the powertrain range. An automatic and efficient direct shift gearbox (DSG) is always standard. The Passat models with an output of 195 kW and 142 kW always have the intelligently controlled 4MOTION all-wheel drive system on board as standard; all other Passat Variant vehicles have front-wheel drive.

High-tech cockpit and running gear

Volkswagen has completely redesigned the interior. Particularly striking is the clearly arranged, large display landscape - stylish, functional and progressive. The technical basis is the MIB4: the latest generation of the modular infotainment matrix enables intuitive operation systematically designed to meet the wishes of Volkswagen drivers. The adaptive chassis control DCC Pro represents a new level of running gear technology; its spread between maximum dynamics and the highest level of comfort sets benchmarks in the mid-sized class. The newly developed ergoActive Plus seats with pneumatic 10-chamber pressure point massage function offer high travel comfort. Thanks to a 50 mm longer wheelbase with also 50 mm more legroom in the rear, a luggage compartment capacity of up to 1,920 litres and convenience systems derived from the Touareg such as the new massage seats, the Passat Variant is also ideally suited as an all-rounder for business and leisure.

Feel at home on board

The Volkswagen Passat Variant is the ideal touring and business vehicle thanks to the interplay of spaciousness, carefully coordinated high-quality materials, pleasant haptics and operability of all elements, high seating comfort and low level of noise while driving. With the new generation of its bestseller, Volkswagen once again has another vehicle in its range where the higher class boundary no longer applies.

New design, new dimensions

Volkswagen has carried the design of the tradition-rich Passat series into the modern era with the debut of the ninth generation. Compared to the predecessor, the surfaces are more sculptural, the lines more dynamic, and the dimensions larger. This is characterised by a wheelbase that is now 50 mm longer (2,841 mm) and thus significantly changes the proportions. The overall length of 4,917 mm corresponds to an additional 144 mm. The width has increased moderately by 20 mm to 1,852 mm. At 1,506 mm, the height (with aerial) has remained similar to the predecessor. The longer length with practically unchanged height results in more dynamic proportions.

Front end with new LED headlights

The aerodynamic and powerful design of the front of the Passat Variant characterises its superior presence. Every detail is new. Take the bonnet, for example: while the predecessor's bonnet was higher in the middle than at the sides, the new bonnet is now lower in the middle. It rises sculpturally outwards with sharp lines and forms powerful wings. The new LED headlights, with their two modules, provide a characteristic look in combination with the narrow LED daytime running lights above them. These two daytime running light elements are linked to each other by means of a horizontal LED strip in the radiator grille. The visually continuous light strip gives the Volkswagen a wide and elegant look. Volkswagen will optionally offer the Passat Variant with a new generation of the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. These come with a new high-performance main beam that has a significantly increased luminous range. Like the light systems, the four high-quality chrome strips in the lower part of the radiator grille (bumper) emphasise the width of the Passat. At the sides, vertical openings (air curtains) in the bumpers guide air to the wheel housings and optimise the excellent aerodynamics.

Silhouette with a sharp undercut

With its powerful side body surfaces, a sharp undercut as a character line (at the height of the door handles), the significantly larger wheelbase and the long side window areas, the Volkswagen Passat Variant exhibits dynamism and elegance all of its own. At the front and back, the undercut and surface design over the wheel housings form powerful shoulder sections in a slim silhouette. The striking D-pillars match this sporty image with their pronounced forward angle and dynamic look. Under the slightly flared wheel housings, the Passat Variant sports up to 19-inch wheels.

Rear end with new horizontal LED strip

Similar to the front end and sides, the rear of the new Passat has a clean and powerful design. The continuous LED tail light clusters, which are used in this product line for the first time, emphasise the width of the body and have a transparent and technical look with their new 3D light signature. In functional terms, the LED elements provide an optimal signal effect. In the upper part of the boot lid, the large roof spoiler and the side air guide elements on the D-pillars stand out. In combination, these aerodynamic features reduce turbulence at the rear and contribute to low energy consumption and long range together with a diffuser below the bumper. Located well down in the bumper itself, there is a wide, robust plastic transverse bar that emphasises the width of the Passat Variant with its externally arranged reflectors.

Minimum drag for maximum efficiency

The new Volkswagen Passat Variant is a five-seater vehicle with a luggage compartment capacity of up to 1,920 litres. And yet, its aerodynamics are better than most sports vehicles. With a CD of 0.25 (predecessor 0.31), it has the best drag coefficient ever for a Volkswagen Variant. The aerodynamics make a significant contribution to the new Passat Variant becoming even more efficient and more economical - crucial factors for a successful business vehicle such as this Volkswagen.

Form follows function

The aerodynamic top values of the new Passat Variant were achieved through the optimal body shape, fine tuning down to the last detail and technical aerodynamic features. The technical details include an electrically controlled radiator blind that provides cooling as needed. The aerodynamic fine tuning is evident wherever you look. In the front section, disruptive air turbulence is minimised by means of air curtains in the bumper; the targeted air flows provide optimum air circulation around the front wheels and cool the brakes. In addition, the underbody up to the rear diffuser was elaborately integrated into the aerodynamic design. The new exterior mirrors are designed to minimise the area of attack for the wind. At the rear, the air guide elements on the D-pillars reduce air turbulence together with the roof spoiler. Sharp separation edges in the tail light clusters and bumper as well as aerodynamically polished rims perfect the air flow.

Clear displays and controls, new night light design

The interior architecture of the new VW Passat Variant systematically implements feedback from Volkswagen customers. The goal was self-explanatory operation. For this reason, the product line features a completely redesigned digital cockpit (digital, configurable instruments) and an equally new infotainment system - both displays together on board the Passat form one visual axis as the central elements of the fourth-generation modular infotainment matrix (MIB4). In detail, the new standard infotainment system display has a size of 285.6 x 160.6 mm (12.9 inches diagonally) with 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. Optionally or depending on the equipment, a display in the format 332.07 x 185.79 mm (15 inches) with 2,240 x 1,260 pixels will be configurable. The visually freestanding display tilted towards the driver is characterised by a newly developed graphic and menu structure that is easy to operate and is self-explanatory. Many system settings can also be controlled using a new, natural IDA voice control function. The instruments in front of the driver have a display diagonal of 260 mm (10.25 inches) with 1,280 x 480 pixels. Thanks to a new surface coating to reduce reflections and glare, the cockpit has a flat design and is integrated into the dash panel like a large screen, because there is no longer a need for an overhang at the top to provide shade.

New windscreen head-up display

Another element of the MIB4 that has also been newly developed is the head-up display of the Passat Variant, which projects essential information for the driver on to the windscreen in the virtual area in front of the vehicle. A simpler head-up display with a smaller extendable projection surface was used previously.

New steering column switches

The dash panel runs in a straight line on a horizontal plane and is characterised by a high-quality and clearly arranged design. The centre console offers more stowage space, because - like on the ID.7 and ID. Buzz models - gear changes are now carried out by means of a steering column switch with an intuitive operating principle: the switch is turned forward to 'D' to drive forwards and backward to 'R' to reverse, while the parking brake is activated by pressing the side of the switch. And like in the ID.7, for example, a new multifunction steering column switch on the left side is used in the Passat for the turn signal and wiper functions.

More space and high quality

The interior of the new Volkswagen Passat Variant offers even more space than its already generously proportioned predecessor. Thanks to the longer wheelbase, for example, the maximum legroom increases by 50 mm to 947 mm. The luggage compartment capacity has increased by 40 litres to 690 litres (when loaded up to the height of the rear seat backrests). The space grows by 140 litres to 1,920 litres when the rear bench seat is folded down. Quality and comfort have both been raised to new levels thanks to the use of new high-grade materials, newly developed seats and effective noise insulation. Particularly in combination with the new acoustic package, the low noise levels on board the Passat Variant are similar to those experienced in the upper mid-sized and premium classes. In addition to the standard acoustic windscreen, double glazing with an acoustic film is used for the side windows of the front and rear seats.

New ergoActive seats with massage function and air conditioning

The VW Passat Variant will be available with new ergoActive front seats as an option. These feature electrical adjustment (up to 14-way, depending on model and equipment) as well as massage and air conditioning functions. The functions include pneumatic four-way lumbar adjustment and, depending on the equipment, a pneumatic three-chamber massage function or 10-chamber pressure point massage function in the backrests. The seats are also equipped with seat heating and ventilation. The even higher-quality leather and climate-controlled massage seats also have automatic seat air conditioning. In addition to the individual settings, the driver and front passenger can activate an automatic mode; here, the temperature and moisture sensors of the seats detect the cooling and/or heating requirement and control the climate accordingly.

eHybrid, eTSI, TSI, TDI, DSG

The Passat Variant will be available with seven different drive types: a mild hybrid petrol engine (eTSI) version that is new for the Passat, two new plug-in hybrid drives (eHybrid), three turbodiesel engine versions (TDI) and two turbocharged petrol engine versions (TSI). All drives are combined with a direct shift gearbox (DSG) as standard. The eTSI (1.5 TSI evo2) delivers an output of 110 kW (150 PS). The two new eHybrid models provide system outputs of 150 kW (204 PS) and 200 kW (272 PS). The two TSI versions of the EA888 evo4 engine series deliver maximum outputs of 150 kW (204 PS) and 195 kW (265 PS) to the DSG. In the case of the three TDIs of the EA288 evo engine series, these are 90 kW (122 PS), 110 kW (150 PS) and 142 kW (193 PS). The TSI engine with 195 kW and the 142 kW TDI will always come with the 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive system.

eHybrid with long electric range

The plug-in hybrid drives are a completely new development. As stated above, they deliver a system power of 150 kW (204 PS) and 200 kW (272 PS). Thanks to the switch to a 1.5-litre high-tech turbocharged petrol engine (1.5 TSI evo2, previously 1.4 TSI) and a new 19.7 kWh battery (net capacity / predecessor: 10.6 kWh), Volkswagen assumes in its forecasts that electric ranges of around 100 kilometres will be possible with the Passat Variant eHybrid (depending on the equipment). This means that on most average daily journeys, both Passat Variant eHybrid versions will become electric vehicles. If necessary, the 1.5 TSI is activated additionally, increasing the range with a full battery and full 45-litre tank to around 1,000 km. The battery is now charged at a home wall box and other AC charging points with 11 kW instead of the previous capacity of 3.6 kW. In addition, both Passat Variant eHybrid models will now also be able to charge new energy at DC fast charging stations with up to 50 kW charging capacity. The 1.5 TSI of the new Passat is a high-tech engine with a variable-geometry turbocharger (VTG) and the highly efficient, economical TSI-evo combustion process.

New mild hybrid drive (eTSI)

The mild hybrid drive (eTSI) offered in the Passat for the first time delivers 110 kW (150 PS). This also has a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine (1.5 TSI evo2), which additionally comes with Active Cylinder Management (ACTplus). As a mild hybrid drive, the petrol engine is connected to a 48 V lithium-ion battery and 48 V belt starter generator. The 1.5 eTSI offers particularly good moving-off performance and high efficiency as the engine is repeatedly completely deactivated thanks to the electrical components. In these cases, the Passat coasts without emissions from the engine.

Networked high-tech running gear

The MQB evo provides the basis for a new running gear generation for the Volkswagen Passat Variant. Alongside numerous individual measures, Volkswagen has developed a new generation of the adaptive chassis control DCC for its best-selling model, the optional DCC Pro. In addition, the Passat is equipped with a Vehicle Dynamics Manager for the first time. It controls the functions of the electronic differential locks (XDS) and the lateral dynamics components of the controlled shock absorbers in the DCC Pro.

The handling characteristics are more neutral, stable, agile and precise thanks to wheel-specific braking interventions and wheel-selective adjustments of the shock absorber hardness. General performance improvements are also provided by increased camber stiffness and higher lateral force steering of the four-link rear axle (increased rear axle stability and thus greater driving safety), a new set-up of the electromechanical power steering as well as new anti-roll bars and shock absorbers.

Basic specification with high level of standard equipment

The new Passat will launch in the four equipment lines Passat, Business, Elegance and R-Line. They have all been significantly enhanced compared with previous versions. The Passat basic specification includes features such as the new MIB4 display, Car2X warning system, App Connect (Apple and Android integration), automatic air conditioning, USB-C ports with 45 W charging capacity (front), roof rails (in Black) and numerous assist systems. The latter include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC, Side Assist (lane change assist), Front Assist (Autonomous Emergency Braking), Lane Assist (lane keeping system), the oncoming vehicle braking when turning function, Park Distance Control (acoustic and visual warning signals if there are obstacles to the front and rear), Rear View (rear view camera system) and Dynamic Road Sign Display using the front camera. Also standard are LED headlights and LED tail light clusters.

Business for frequent drivers

The Volkswagen Passat Variant is one of the most successful business vehicles in Europe. Volkswagen once again meets the needs of this segment with the Business Class equipment line. From the outside, this Passat can be recognised by premium chrome trim on the side windows, silver-anodised roof rails and chrome elements at the front and rear, among other things. In Germany, dark privacy glass is added for the rear windows. On the inside, the Passat Variant Business is characterised, among other things, by customised seat covers in ArtVelours, own interior applications, partially electric seats with massage function, additional 45-watt USB-C ports in the rear and three-zone automatic air conditioner. Further assist systems additionally increase comfort and safety. These include automatic lighting control (Light Assist), assisted parking (Park Assist) and Travel Assist (partially automated driving). The new IDA voice assistant is additionally standard on the German market.

Elegance and R-Line as the top versions

Volkswagen has positioned the Elegance and R-Line versions above the Business equipment line. With these specifications, the VW Passat Variant can be made either more stylish (Elegance) or more dynamic (R-Line), depending on preference. Compared to the Business version, both lines share additional equipment details such as the new-generation IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and LED tail light clusters with animated turn signals, seat heating and extended seat massage (12 instead of three pneumatic massage elements), keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access, electrically operated boot lid with Easy Open/Easy Close, more comprehensive background lighting, and voice control for all markets. Both models come with the new Park Assist Plus with memory function as well as the Dynamic Light Assist main-beam control system. Sports seats with integrated head restraints are fitted in the Passat Variant R-Line. The front and rear ends of the Passat Variant R-Line have a sporty R design. Further custom features include specific 17-inch alloy wheels for the Passat Variant Elegance and 18-inch light alloy rims for the R-Line version. In addition, all Passat models can be personalised with a completely new range of equipment packages.

As someone who instinctively associates cars with sedans, I find the SUV-obsessed era to be depressing. It doesn't seem to be a trend that'll eventually go away but that's not to say automakers are completely giving up on the once-traditional body style. Take for example Volkswagen, which is about to launch a new Passat sedan in China.

The Passat Pro is actually not the brand's only midsize sedan in the world’s second-most populous country. There's also the recently unveiled Magotan, developed by VW with local automaker FAW. This new sedan pictured here comes alive via the joint venture with SAIC. Ahead of its official reveal, the Passat Pro shows off its exterior design in images published on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology website as part of the car's homologation process in China.

The design is completely predictable (if not dull as well) since it takes after Europe's wagon-only Passat. It's larger than the long-roof model, stretching 197 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, and 58.6 inches tall. The 113-inch wheelbase is also slightly more generous than that of the Passat wagon. It's available with 17- to 19-inch wheels and weighs 3,483 pounds or 3,703 pounds, depending on the engine and trim level.

As to what makes it earn the "Pro" suffix, you'll have to ask SAIC VW. The four-door Passat certainly doesn't look more exciting than the Euro version or the NMS Passat last produced in Chattanooga in early 2022. Although images of the cabin have not been published, chances are it's shared with the Euro-spec Passat and China-only Magotan. The latter gets an extra screen for the passenger.

While the Euro-spec Passat comes with gasoline, mild-hybrid gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, its Chinese cousin keeps it simple with a pair of gas engines. The base 1.5-liter unit is rated at 158 horsepower while the larger 2.0-liter mill produces 217 hp. Both have automatic transmissions and front-wheel drive whereas the European model can be had with AWD.

Would the Passat Pro make sense in the US? Well, the Camry doesn't have an exciting design either, but people don't buy one for its appearance. They buy it for its bulletproof reliability, which is something that VW historically hasn't been able to match. The smaller Jetta is likely enough for the US where we would like to see the regular Golf, not just the GTI and R.