New status quo. Details that redefine the technical status quo for the Passat segment include a completely new cockpit landscape with an intuitively operated infotainment system, new ergoActive seats with a pneumatic 10-chamber pressure point massage function, strikingly high-quality interior materials and surfaces, next-generation adaptive running gear (DCC Pro), new IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with extremely powerful main beam, the next evolutionary stage of Volkswagen plug-in hybrid drives (approx. 100 km electric range and more than 900 km combined range) as well as excellent aerodynamics (drag coefficient of 0.25 instead of 0.31). This is matched by the outstanding space – 50 mm more legroom in the rear compared with the already generously sized predecessor and between 690 litres (+40) and 1,920 litres (+140) of load capacity. The additional space comes from the wheelbase, which has also been lengthened by 50 mm to 2841 mm. The new Passat Variant is 4,917 mm long, 1,849 mm wide and 1,497 mm high.
Statement. Kai Grünitz, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development, sums up the new Passat’s characteristics: “It is the synergy between highly efficient drive systems, imperceptible support from the assist systems, well-balanced handling, pleasant feel and operability of all elements, high level of comfort and, last but not least, the generous amount of space that make the Passat Variant a particularly well-balanced touring vehicle. With this concept, the new generation will not only impress in the mid-sized class, but also in the next segment up.”
Plug-in hybrid, reimagined. The two new plug-in hybrid drives (eHybrid) are particularly important for the product line. With electric ranges of about 100 km and theoretical combined ranges of more than 900 km, two drive systems are merged here to create a new philosophy. As an eHybrid, the Passat is an electric vehicle that only activates its high-tech petrol engine (TSI) when a lot of power is needed or on long journeys, thus impressing here with its very low consumption figures. As an interesting side note, a study by the German Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport shows that 95 per cent of all passenger car journeys in Germany are shorter than 50 km and 99 per cent are shorter than 100 km – a scenario that can also be transferred to other European countries. This means 99 per cent of all journeys could be made using electric power alone in a Passat eHybrid.
Electric drive motor plus 1.5 TSI. There will be two output versions of the Passat eHybrid. Both models always start in electric E-MODE (exception: outside temperatures below -10 degrees). This is because the battery, which is almost twice as large at 19.7 kWh, reserves a greater amount of energy than before for this. The Passat switches automatically to Hybrid mode only when the speed exceeds 140 km/h, if the driver requests a large amount of power (e.g. kickdown) or if the battery has too little residual capacity for continuous electric operation; the driver can also make this switch manually if required. In addition, the driver can choose from the four driving modes Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual. Here, Volkswagen has significantly enhanced and adapted its hybrid strategy. In Eco mode, the Passat is now kept in E-Mode even during strong acceleration; in this mode, the car drives practically like an electric vehicle. The TSI engine is switched on in Eco mode only at almost full load or if the battery level is low. In this mode, this now takes place without the gearbox shifting down a gear, ensuring that the TSI is integrated in a very comfortable and efficient way. However, if the driver switches to Comfort, Sport or the correspondingly configured Individual mode, they can also activate downshifts spontaneously by means of the accelerator pedal position and access the full power of the TSI. As described above, the electric drive motor is supplied with energy by a new 19.7 kWh battery (net energy content). At DC quick-charging stations, it can now be charged with up to 50 kW).
eTSI, TSI and TDI – multi-faceted efficiency. The range of drive systems is supplemented by a mild hybrid drive (1.5 eTSI), turbocharged petrol engines (2.0 TSI) and turbocharged diesel engines (2.0 TDI). The entry-level version is a 48 V mild hybrid drive with an output of 110 kW (150 PS), which is new in the product line. The power spectrum of the TDI also starts at 110 kW (150 PS). Depending on the engine output, there will also again be models with the intelligently controlled 4MOTION all-wheel drive; all other Passat Variant models have front-wheel drive.
Superior running gear. The new Passat has running gear that has been further developed compared to its predecessor. It offers a high level of long-distance comfort with very neutral handling characteristics. This performance can be further increased by the new DCC Pro adaptive chassis control system. Its new two-valve dampers enable a significantly greater spread between maximum dynamics and outstanding comfort. With both the standard running gear and the optional DCC Pro, Volkswagen was able to further perfect the characteristic linear handling of the Passat and improve comfort. The longer wheelbase and the extremely well-balanced steering, particularly in the centre position, contribute to these precise driving characteristics. In conjunction with DCC Pro, the Passat also comes with the newly tuned progressive steering, which offers even more direct response characteristics by reducing the number of steering wheel turns (minus 0.65 turns to 2.1 turns).
Strong design DNA. The completely new exterior design provides suitable visual packaging for the new Passat’s technologies. It follows the DNA of this product line, but reinterprets it to powerful effect and in a very individual way, depending on the equipment. Four lines are available: the Passat entry-level version, the Business line tailored to company car drivers as well as the top-of-the-line Elegance and R-Line versions. Visually, they are distinguished from one another through features such as their design. Eye-catching elements at the front are the new LED headlights and the large air intakes in the bumper. Striking features are the wide, elegant chrome trim on the Passat Business and Passat Elegance as well as the sporty diamond grille with lateral aerodynamic wings in the Passat R-Line. The silhouette is stylishly defined by the sharp undercut at the height of the door handles, the long window graphic and the powerful wheel housings The continuous tail light strip catches the eye at the rear. All versions are differentiated by the rear bumper design. Matching the front, the Passat R-Line is characterised here by high-gloss black trim with a diamond pattern and a red reflective strip running across the body. On the Passat Elegance, a horizontal strip with an elegant chrome look is used in this area. The individuality of the R-Line and Elegance lines is additionally shown by specific LED elements (IQ.LIGHT) and a narrow chrome strip.
High-tech cockpit with ChatGPT. The intuitively operated cockpit has an iconic, clear design. With its horizontal layout and fine details such as the neat stitching and illuminated accents, the Passat raises the bar in the mid-sized class in this area also. The clearly structured, large display landscape is particularly stylish. The technical basis is provided by the MIB4 – the fourth-generation modular infotainment matrix. As always in the Passat, it allows intuitive operation. The processing power is also very fast. The standard equipment in the entry-level version already includes the Digital Cockpit Pro (digital instruments) and a 32.8 cm (12.9-inch) touchscreen or the infotainment system. The Discover Pro Max navigation system with a 38.1 cm (15.0-inch) display is available as an option. The new IDA voice assistant is operated using natural language. This enables many vehicle functions to be controlled and answers specific questions on all conceivable topics. To do this, the system accesses online databases and – as a new feature – ChatGPT (artificial intelligence, AI). ChatGPT will be available as an update.
