Now it’s time for Volkswagen to introduce the ninth generation of the Passat model. Design-wise, it takes a big step in my eyes, as I initially thought this was a new Golf, which feels a bit strange. What’s also new is that it will only be offered as a wagon. The car has grown by 15 centimeters in length and two in width – something that should provide ample space in the backseat.
As promised, Volkswagen has also done away with the unpleasant haptic touch buttons and reintroduced physical buttons, which I believe everyone will cheer for. On the center console, we find the new MIB4 infotainment system, and it will be very interesting to test and see if this is better than its predecessor. A 12.9-inch screen is standard, but there’s also an optional 15-inch screen. These are the same features found in the ID.7.
The new Passat will, of course, be offered as a plug-in hybrid, with two options to choose from – one with 204 horsepower and another with 272 horsepower. These are called e-hybrid, front-wheel drive, and have an electric range of ten miles. With a full tank of fuel and a fully charged battery, the combined range is expected to be 1000 km. There won’t be a GTE version. Conventional gasoline and diesel variants will also be available, with some of them offering all-wheel drive. Regardless of the choice, the only available transmission will be a dual-clutch gearbox. With the rear seats folded down, the trunk should accommodate up to 1920 liters, and in the case of an all-wheel-drive version, you can tow up to 2.2 tons.
