The Munich Motor Show has been prolific in novelties and, among them, the presence of a new generation of the Volkswagen Passat, the ninth, stands out. It will be launched on the market during the first quarter of 2024 and, as a great novelty, it becomes exclusively a family car, that is, it will be available only in Variant format.
The Passat is not just another model for Volkswagen. After the Golf, it is the best-selling car in the history of the German brand, exceeding 30 million units during its five decades of existence.
The interior of the Passat Variant has been completely redesigned and optimised. The large screens stand out, which, combined with the modular infotainment system, allow intuitive handling of the new MIB4 digital control unit, a fourth-generation modular system. It also has a new Head-up Display on the windshield, with more complete information.
The newly developed ergoActive Plus seats feature pneumatic massage and climate control. The long wheelbase allows you to enjoy more legroom in the rear, as well as a trunk that starts from an outstanding 690 liters and can reach 1,920 liters in volume with the rear seats folded down.
The exterior projects the design of the traditional Passat model series into the modern era. With an excellent drag coefficient of 0.25, the surfaces are more sculptural, the lines more dynamic and the dimensions larger. It has a total length of 4.91 m, a width of 1.85 m and a height of 1.50 m.
The front end reflects a commanding presence, with a lower bonnet in the center that rises sculpturally outward with sharp lines. The new LED headlights are combined with narrow daytime running lights and, as an option, it will be possible to opt for high-performance “IQ.LIGHT” Matrix LED headlights.
The silhouette reflects dynamism and elegance, not exempt from sportiness. Under the slightly widened wheel arches, the Passat will be able to equip wheels up to 19 inches. At the rear, the light clusters with a new 3D light signature stand out, combined with a spoiler on the edge of the roof and side air deflectors on the D-pillars, accentuating the sensation of width.
The new delivery of the Passat Variant will be available in mechanical versions, always coupled to a dual-clutch automatic transmission. In gasoline it will have a version of light hybridization (eTSI) of 150 CV and the plug-in hybrid (eHybrid) offer will be double, with 204 or 272 CV. In the TSI gasoline versions it will be possible to choose powers of 204 or 265 CV and in diesel, Volkswagen has provided options of 122, 150 and 193 CV. The most powerful gasoline and diesel will have 4Motion all-wheel drive.
The hybrid propulsion is based on an 85 kW electric motor and a six-speed DSG transmission, combined with a high-voltage lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 19.7 kWh, which will provide an approximate electric range of 100 km. This battery can be charged with up to 11 kW, that is, in about two hours. It can also be charged at fast stations, going from 10 to 80% in just 25 minutes.
To guarantee the best driving sensations, Volkswagen has developed a new generation of adaptive suspension, dubbed DCC Pro, combined for the first time with a driving dynamics manager in charge of controlling the functions of the XDS electronic differential locks and the lateral dynamic components of the regulated shock absorbers.
The range of the new Passat Variant will be available in four equipment versions called Passat, Bussiness, Ekegance and R-Line. The basic Passat finish has the new MIB4 screens, Car2X alert system, App Connect, USB-C ports, adaptive cruise control, lane change assistant, emergency braking assistant, lane departure warning, parking assistant turn or traffic sign detection.
The Bussiness version adds chrome window frames, a silver anodized roof rack, chrome elements, dark glass, partially electric seats with massage function, three-zone climate control, assisted parking or semi-automated driving.
Finally, the Elegance and R-Line models incorporate Matrix LED headlights, seat heating, extended massage function, Easy Open electric tailgate or high beam assistant. The R-Line variant features the sporty R exterior design.
