Starting in the first quarter of 2024, the ninth-generation Volkswagen Passat will be exclusively offered in a wagon body style, a body style referred to by VW as the Variant. This overhauled Passat is notable as the inaugural vehicle built on the MQB evo platform by the German automaker, incorporating a selection of advanced technology and powertrains.
The new model surpasses its predecessor in size and power, with dimensions approximately 193.6 inches in length, marking a 5.6-inch increase compared to the outgoing model. The wheelbase has been extended by around two inches, resulting in expanded passenger space. When the rear seats are folded, the storage capacity reaches nearly 1925.5 litres.
The new Passat Variant has a wide lower intake and vertical air curtains on each side that highlight its width. The exterior look will vary based on the trim level: Passat, Business, Elegance, and R-Line. Wheel options of up to 19 inches will be available, and the car will feature newly designed matrix LED headlights. At the rear, dynamic LEDs are present along with a light bar.
Inside the cabin, Volkswagen has achieved a more luxurious appearance by using better materials and larger screens. The standard setup includes a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch infotainment screen. Alternatively, you can choose a larger 15.0-inch infotainment screen.
Similar to the strategy used in the ID.7, engineers were able to increase the cargo space between the seats by moving the gear selector to the steering column. The presence of a new switch on the left side to control the turn signals and wipers is another similarity to the electric car. The new 14-way electrically adjustable heated, cooled, and massaging seats can improve front-seat comfort.
The engine options cover a wide range, including the addition of a mild-hybrid petrol unit for the first time in Passat’s history. This comprises a 1.5-litre eTSI engine with cylinder deactivation technology, generating 148hp. Another choice is the larger 2.0 TSI engine with 201hp in a front-wheel-drive configuration, and a more potent version with 261hp paired with 4Motion all-wheel drive.
For those preferring diesel, the 2.0 TDI is available with three power levels: 121hp and 148hp for front-wheel-drive models, and 190hp with all-wheel drive. All petrol and diesel variants of the new Passat utilise a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to deliver power to the wheels.
Additionally, the lineup includes plug-in hybrid options labeled as “eHybrid” models. The entry-level version produces 201hp and 350Nm of torque, while the higher-performance variant delivers 268hp and 400Nm, positioning it as the most powerful Passat available. Both of these PHEVs feature a 1.5-litre TSI engine, a six-speed DSG transmission, and a 19.7-kWh battery pack, which can offer an electric range of up to 100km.
VW has included compatibility for DC fast-charging at 50 kW in the new generation Passat, allowing the battery to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 25 minutes. You can travel around 1,000km on a single fill-up of the battery and the petrol tank, which holds 45 litres of petrol.
The 2024 VW Passat is slated to go on sale in the first quarter of next year and will make its public premiere at IAA Munich the following week. An important change will be that production will move from Germany to Bratislava, Slovakia.
