Volkswagen presents the ninth, completely newly developed generation of the Passat. The mid-size station wagon is also offered again as a plug-in hybrid. In addition to modern drives and the refreshed design, the highlights include a new generation of cockpits with large displays, new seats and the optional “DCC Pro” chassis control.
4917 millimeters result in an overall length of 144 millimeters. The width increased by a moderate 20 to 1852 millimeters. At 1506 millimeters, the height (incl. antenna) is on a similar level to that of the predecessor.
In the future, the Passat will be available with two new plug-in hybrid drives (“eHybrid”) with a system output of 150 kW (204 hp) and 200 kW (272 hp). An e-machine with a new turbo petrol engine (1.5 TSI evo2) is used here. In conjunction with a new 19.7 kWh battery (net energy content/predecessor: 10.6 kWh), the part-time electric vehicles enable purely electric ranges of around 100 kilometers, according to VW. An automatically shifting double-clutch transmission is always standard.
The driving battery is now charged at the home wall box and other alternating current charging points (AC) with 11 instead of the previous 3.6 kW. In addition, as a novelty, both Passat Variant eHybrids can also be charged at direct current (DC) fast charging stations with a charging capacity of up to 50 kW.
VW has completely redesigned the interior. The large display landscape is particularly eye-catching. The technical basis is the MIB4, the latest generation of the brand’s modular infotainment system.
The adaptive chassis control “DCC Pro” reflects a new level of chassis technology, according to VW. “Your spread of maximum dynamics and maximum comfort sets standards in the middle class”. The newly developed seats with a pneumatic 10-chamber pressure point massage also offer a high level of travel comfort. In addition, thanks to the 50 millimeters longer wheelbase, there is also 50 millimeters more legroom in the rear, up to 1920 liters of luggage space and comfort systems derived from the Touareg, such as the new massage seats.
“It is the interplay of the large amount of space, carefully matched high-quality materials, the pleasant feel and ease of use of all elements, the high level of seating comfort and the acoustic silence while driving that makes the Passat Variant the ideal travel and business car,” advertises the manufacturer.
The basic version of the Passat is almost 1100 euros more expensive at 39,995 euros. But the basic equipment with automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control ACC, parking aids front and rear, reversing camera, lane change assistant, intersection assistant and traffic sign recognition also offers more.