Volkswagen has provided a sneak peek into the next generation of the Passat Estate, set to make its official debut at the IAA Mobility event in Munich. Scheduled for its market launch in early 2024, the forthcoming VW Passat comes equipped with two innovative plug-in hybrid powertrains, demonstrating the automaker’s commitment to electrification.
The new Passat eHybrid is poised to offer consumers a choice between two system outputs: 150 kW and 200 kW, highlighting VW’s push towards increased electrified performance. Notably, the vehicle boasts an all-new battery with a net usable energy capacity of 19.7 kWh, enabling an electric-only range of up to 100 kilometers, as per the WLTP standard. A notable improvement from its predecessor, the battery can be charged at AC charging points with a substantially higher power output of 11 kW, up from the previous 3.6 kW. Furthermore, the vehicle is capable of utilizing DC charging points to achieve a swift charge with up to 50 kW.
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Interestingly, the Passat’s charging port has been repositioned from the front to the left side, located between the front wheel and the driver’s door – a design choice aligned with VW’s contemporary hybrid models.
Under the hood, the Passat eHybrid showcases an updated combustion engine component. In previous iterations, the Passat featured the 1.4-liter petrol engine (EA211); however, the ninth generation introduces the 1.5 TSI evo2 from the EA211evo engine series. Complementing the eHybrid, the Passat lineup includes a mild hybrid variant referred to as eTSI, as well as non-electrified petrol engines and diesel options. Notably, all powertrain configurations are paired with a dual-clutch transmission, as manual gearboxes are no longer offered. A shift lever on the steering column will be utilized for gear selection, as the traditional center console automatic gear selector has been phased out.
Volkswagen is touting a noteworthy addition to the ninth-generation Passat with the introduction of the ‘DCC Pro’ adaptive chassis control. This cutting-edge technology is expected to elevate the vehicle’s dynamics and comfort, setting new standards within the mid-size car segment. The inclusion of a two-valve technology, a first for VW, enables this advanced chassis control system to deliver a wider range of driving experiences.
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Inside the vehicle, passengers are greeted with the familiar large touch display from the fourth-generation ‘Modular Infotainment Toolkit’ (MIB4), which is also present in the ID.7 model. Distinguishing itself from the ID. series, the Passat retains a generously-sized fully digital cockpit display. Noteworthy is the return of classic physical buttons on the steering wheel, addressing concerns raised about the functionality of touch-sensitive surfaces.
While specific dimensions are yet to be disclosed, select details have emerged. The Passat’s wheelbase has seen a five-centimeter expansion, potentially reaching 2.84 meters, resulting in enhanced legroom for rear-seat occupants. Moreover, the vehicle’s maximum load capacity has been boosted to 1,920 liters, marking an increase from the previous limit of 1,780 liters. It’s important to note that the rear window design differs slightly from past Passat wagons.
As Volkswagen looks ahead, it’s evident that the ninth-generation Passat will not be offered with an exclusively electric drivetrain. Instead, the automaker has plans to introduce an electric station wagon variant based on the ID.7, speculated to be named the ID.7 Tourer, and expected to launch in 2024. Additionally, the forthcoming Passat will solely be available as an estate model, with production moving from Emden to Bratislava. This strategic move was necessitated by the transition of the Emden facility to accommodate production of the ID.7.
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Kai Grünitz, VW Brand Board Member for Technical Development, stated, “The latest evolutionary stage of the modular transverse matrix (MQB evo) forms the highly innovative technical basis of the ninth Passat generation. Thanks to the significant economies of scale of the MQB evo, Volkswagen has again democratised numerous high-tech developments and made them available for hundreds of thousands of drivers.” Volkswagen has yet to disclose pricing details, leaving eager consumers anticipating further announcements.
