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The VW Passat was discontinued from North America last year, but European buyers will be blessed with an all-new generation of the popular nameplate, set to debut before the end of 2023. Following numerous spy appearances of the model that will be exclusively offered in wagon form with electrified powertrains, we created an accurate rendering, combining it with all the information we have about its technical specifications.
SUVs have pretty much conquered the D-Segment in Europe forcing most automakers to discontinue their medium-sized sedans. However, Volkswagen thinks there is still space for a new Passat in the Old Continent before it becomes an EV-only brand.
The VW Group will lower the R&D costs by jointly developing the next generations of the VW Passat and the Skoda Superb. The former will only come in the more practical Variant bodystyle, unlike the latter which will retain its Sedan and Combi flavors. Volkswagen officials are probably thinking that the upcoming fully electric ID.7 sedan will fulfill the role of the discontinued four-door Passat in the automaker’s future lineup.
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The Passat has been around since 1973, so its ninth generation is a big deal for the automotive world. Volkswagen is known for not taking risks when it comes to styling, but this won’t be a problem for the rather conservative target audience of the Passat.
The new model made its spy debut last year, with the recent production-bodied prototypes wearing little camouflage. This made it easier for our associates to create an accurate rendering of the new VW Passat Variant, as most of the design is already known. The profile was already uncovered in the prototypes, combining a straight character line and greenhouse that is typical for VW estates, with a more aerodynamic shape and slightly more pronounced rear shoulders. The wheelbase is expected to be longer than the current generation, resulting in a more spacious cabin and more handsome proportions.
The front end of the new Passat will inevitably share some of its design features with models from the ID. lineup, including the modern LED headlights connected with the VW emblem via a slim illuminated grille. However, the bumper will feature a wide central opening providing sufficient cooling for the combustion engine, and two taller side intakes similar to the soon-to-be-refreshed Skoda model range. At the back, VW designers played it safe with horizontally-mounted taillights similar in shape to the ID.4, a slim rear bumper making room for a large tailgate, and a more pronounced spoiler. Last but not least, we wouldn’t be surprised if VW offered an Alltrack variant of the new Passat, featuring crossover-inspired styling cues.
The interior of the new EU-spec VW Passat has also been uncovered thanks to our sneaky spy photographers. The centerpiece is a free-standing touchscreen, probably measuring 15 inches in diameter as in the ID.7. The lower part has sliders for the climate control and volume which will most likely be illuminated. The digital instrument cluster is much larger than in the EV counterparts, and is expected to feature revised graphics compared to the 12.3-inch unit widely used in the current ICE-powered range.
It is safe to assume that the Passat will get the latest advancements in terms of ADAS from the VW Group portfolio, coming with Level 2+ or even Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities. More importantly, the cabin is expected to offer ample room for the rear passengers and a large boot, close to the 650 lt (23 cubic feet) of the outgoing Passat Variant.
Reworked But Familiar Underpinnings
The new VW Passat will ride on the latest evolution of the widely used MQB architecture. As one of the last models with a combustion engine under the bonnet, it wouldn’t make sense for the automaker to develop a new architecture. Still, the platform has been significantly updated since its original introduction back in 2012, both in terms of safety, technology, and ride.
The engine lineup will reportedly comprise petrol (TSI) and diesel (TDI) powertrains with mild-hybrid tech allowing them to comply with the strict Euro 7 emission regulations. More importantly, the Passat will also be available with an updated plug-in hybrid setup, sitting at the top of the range in terms of power output, performance, and eco credentials. The PHEV will most likely combine the recently updated 1.5 TSI Evo2 petrol engine with electric motors, producing up to 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS). This figure has been officially confirmed by VW for its future PHEVs, alongside a targeted EV-only range of up to 100 km (62 miles) between charges.
The 2023 Passat Variant is expected to debut sometime in the next few months, alongside the mechanically-related Skoda Superb. Both models will be produced in Bratislava, Slovakia. Following the discontinuation of the Ford Mondeo and the Opel Insignia, rivals of the VW Passat in the D-Segment include the Peugeot 508 which is also getting a facelift this year, and the entry-level trim levels of the premium players like the Audi A4, the BMW 3-Series, and the Mercedes C-Class.
