Volkswagen launched the first Passat in July 1973. The modern fastback sedan with front-wheel drive and a water-cooled in-line engine installed at the front in a transverse configuration was a sensation. Until then, with the exception of the K70, the history of Volkswagen had been dominated by air-cooled flat-fours installed at the rear. The first Passat was a weight-optimized car with two or four doors and space for five people. From January 1974, the new Passat Estate was available for heavy-duty transport tasks. In the first full sales year (1974), 133,000 customers already opted for a Passat. The first million units were sold by December 1976. Currently, this best-selling model is in its eighth generation. Together with all the derivatives, more than 26 million Passat have been sold to date.
Passat
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Press releases
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Innovative twin dosing reduces NOx emissions by approx. 80 percent
Since 2018, only SCR exhaust gas treatment systems have been used in Volkswagen models with diesel engines. SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technology significantly reduces nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas. Volkswagen has now developed the next evolutionary stage of the SCR system – so-called “twin dosing”. Adblue is injected selectively upstream of two SCR catalytic converters which are arranged in series. The system is used in the new Passat 2.0 TDI Evo with 110 kW (150 PS), which already meets the technical requirements of the future Euro 6d emission standard as a result. -
New Passat GTE with longer electric range
The new Passat GTE merges the benefits of electric mobility with the qualities of a long-distance vehicle, making it one of the most efficient mid-class models of our time. The plug-in hybrid drive in the Passat GTE starts up silently on electrical power alone. One major benefit compared to its predecessor: under the new WLTP cycle, the electric range reaches up to 54 km (Variant) or 56 km (saloon). As a result, the majority of your day-to-day journeys in urban settings are emissions-free. -
New gearbox generation enables CO2 savings of up to five grammes per kilometre
Volkswagen has developed a new state-of-the-art manual gearbox: the MQ281, as it is known, works efficiently and saves up to five grammes of CO2 per kilometre depending on the engine-gearbox combination. The new Passat is the first vehicle to be equipped with the MQ281, followed by almost all vehicle classes of the Volkswagen Group. -
The new Passat: more comfort as standard thanks to better connectivity
The new Passat is the car for frequent drivers. Volkswagen is now bringing this popular company car to market equipped with the next development stage of operating and Infotainment systems. Hardware and software together form an intuitive interface with which onboard convenience and communication can be optimally adjusted by means of online-based functions and services. In the Passat, five components combine to form the current level of connected mobility: a new generation of Infotainment, an online connectivity unit (OCU) with integrated eSIM, “Volkswagen We” as an online ecosystem, the “Digital Cockpit” and a head-up display. -
Sporty limited edition: World premiere of the new Passat Variant R-Line Edition at the Geneva International Motor Show
Countdown to the launch of the extensively upgraded Passat has begun: The update to the Volkswagen bestseller that has sold almost 30 million units over the years, will be unveiled to the public for the first time on 7 March at the Geneva International Motor Show. Volkswagen celebrates the launch with the world premiere of an equally exclusive sporty limited edition: the Passat Variant R-Line Edition. Limited to 2,000 units. All-wheel drive (4MOTION) with optional top-of-the-range engine with 176 kW/240 PS (TDI) or 200 kW/272 PS (TSI). Pre-sales of the limited edition will begin in Europe in May. -
Premiere at Geneva Motor Show: the new Passat will be the first Volkswagen to offer partially automated driving at cruising speed
Production record for the debut of the new Passat: the bestseller will pass the 30 million mark this spring. This makes it the most successful mid-size model worldwide. One thing is certain: the 30 millionth Passat will come from the progressively enhanced 8th generation. A major technical update – a Passat that incorporates the latest brand innovations. The new Passat will make its trade fair debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Pre-sales will start in the first countries in May. The market launch will take place in September (Germany).
Basic Infos
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The New Passat – The Update
Press kit Volkswagen Passat, International Media Drive, June 2019
Stories
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The new Passat: video with tec highlights
The countdown has begun – in September, Volkswagen is launching a major technological update for the Passat. The update fundamentally changes the world's most successful mid-range car, which has already sold more than 30 million units. New assistance systems such as Travel Assist perfect safety and comfort and make it the first Passat with the potential to drive up to 210 km/h in partially assisted mode. Once again, the bestseller will be launched as a saloon and estate. -
The most successful midsize car
The Passat is the most successful midsize car in the world. In 2019, it is set to become the first in its segment to cross the threshold of 30 million units sold.
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Passat Generations 1 - 7
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Passat BlueMotion
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Passat GTE