Volkswagen is gearing up for the debut of the ninth generation of the Passat in Europe next year. Following winter testing, a prototype of the plug-in hybrid version was spotted doing hot laps at the Nurburgring flaunting its long estate body.
The new prototype is wearing the final production body, just like the ones we spotted earlier this year. The profile is free of any camouflage revealing a windowline that is typical for VW-branded estates, a simple character line, and slightly more sculpted rear fenders, similar to the fully electric ID. Aero concept. What is new to this specific model is the charging port mounted on the front fender, revealing its electrified nature.
More: Europe’s 2023 VW Passat Gets Tablet Touchscreen And Column-Mounted Shift Lever
Instead of the traditional camouflage wrap, VW dresses its models with stickers, altering the shape of the lighting units and the grille and making them look like the old model. Still, a closer look reveals the design of the new generation with sharper elongated headlights, a slimmer grille, sportier bumper intakes, and stronger dynamic lines on the bonnet. Similarly, the tail has wide horizontally-mounted taillights, a stylized rear bumper, and a spoiler with aerodynamic extensions on the sides of the rear windshield.
The new Passat appears to be longer than its predecessor, confirming the earlier rumors. Unlike the sibling Skoda Superb which will come in both sedan and combi guises, the new VW Passat will only be available in the more practical Variant bodystyle. In previous spy shots, we have seen photos of the interior. The dashboard will feature a large free-standing touchscreen for the infotainment in combination with a digital instrument cluster and touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel.
See Also: 2023 Skoda Superb Combi Spied Looking Larger And More Assertive
Both the Passat and the Superb are expected to sit on an updated version of the tried-and-tested MQB architecture as two of the last new VW Group models with an internal combustion engine. The range is said to include Euro 7-compliant petrol and diesel powertrains with mild-hybrid support for fewer emissions, and the flagship plug-in hybrid setup which will likely be the most powerful of the bunch while offering a competitive EV-only range.
The VW Passat Variant will be produced in Bratislava, Slovakia, alongside its Skoda-badged sibling. Besides the regular model that is expected in 2023, we wouldn’t be surprised if VW launched an “Alltrack” version with crossover styling cues and increased ground clearance.
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