VW’s Passat GTE PHEV Gets Bigger Battery, Longer EV Range

The plug-in hybrid version of the Euro-spec 2020 VW Passat facelift goes on sale in Europe offering not only more tech features, but also a bigger battery pack for longer drives on EV mode.

The 2020 Passat GTE now features a 31 percent larger battery, with a 13kWh capacity compared to the 9.9kWh of the pre-facelift model. This gives the electrified Passat an EV range up to 35 miles (56km) under the WLTP cycle.

Also Read: Europe’s 2020 VW Passat Facelift Debuts With Updated Styling And Autonomous Tech

The previous model was measured under the less accurate NEDC standards, giving it an all-electric range of 31 miles (50km), with VW saying that, under the old standards, the new version’s EV range is measured at 43 miles (70km).

The powertrain remains more or less the same, still combining a 1.4-liter TSI with 154 H{ (156 PS) combined with a 113 HP electric motor for a total of 215 HP (218PS) and 295 lb-ft (400Nm) of torque, driving the front wheels via a specially developed six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 2020 Passat GTE comes with three driving modes, instead of the old one’s five: “EV” for pure electric driving, “GTE” for the sportiest performance, and the (self explanatory) “Hybrid”.

At longer distances and at speeds over 87mph (140km/h), the electric motor acts as a booster to the TSI petrol engine, while the driver can choose how much of the battery’s capacity should be reserved for a zero-emissions drive close to the destination at the end of the journey.

Other changes include features already introduced to the rest of the lineup with the recent facelift that consist of an updated interior with a new steering wheel, upgraded digital instrument cluster, all-new infotainment system with an up to 9.2-inches touchscreen display, advanced voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay.

Its active safety kit has also gained the new Travel Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system that can drive the car up to speeds of 130 mph (210 km/h). A capacitive steering wheel detects if the drivers have their hands on the rim, issuing a warning signal if it detects their absence for more than 10 seconds.

The revamped Passat GTE is available to order now in Germany, in both sedan and wagon bodystyles, with pricing starting from 44,795 euros (around $49,700 at current exchange rates).