- SAIC Volkswagen expands its lineup in China with the new Passat Pro sedan.
- The model has a longer wheelbase compared to the European Passat Variant.
- It serves as an alternative to the closely-related Magotan by FAW Volkswagen.
The new generation of the Volkswagen Passat might be a Variant-only affair in Europe, but Chinese buyers couldn’t do without a traditional sedan. As a result, the VW Passat Pro debuted at the Chengdu Motor Show, boasting a longer wheelbase compared to the European Passat Variant, alongside a sleeker shape and more premium features inside the cabin.
The Passat Pro is a product of the SAIC-Volkswagen joint venture, serving as an alternative to the similarly-sized Magotan from FAW-Volkswagen. Visually, it borrows the front design from the European estate, but has unique sheet metal on the profile, leading to the completely redesigned tail.
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The model is available in two different trims – the Pioneer Edition and the Starry Sky Edition – with the optional Black Warrior kit making it look sportier. There is no mention of an R-Line, suggesting that VW applies a different naming scheme in China.
The VW Passat Pro has a rather generous footprint, measuring 5,006 mm (197.1 inches) long, 1,850 mm (72.8 inches) wide, and 1,489 mm (58.6 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,871 mm (113 inches). In other words, the sedan is 89 mm (3.5 inches) longer than the EU-spec Passat Variant, with an extra 30 mm (1.2 inches) going between the axles. The Chinese-spec Magotan has an identical wheelbase, but is 16 mm (0.6 inches) shorter in length.
VW PASSAT PRO
SAIC Volkswagen
Inside, the digital cockpit comprises an 10.3-inch instrument cluster, a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 11.6-inch display for the front passenger. VW also equipped the model with an augmented-reality head-up display, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and advanced driving assistance systems (L2++ IQ. Pilot) developed by drone-maker company DJI.
Another cool feature is the extra foam in the “cloud-feeling” seats, which are electrically-adjustable and offer ventilation, heating, and massaging functions in both rows. Finally, the 30-color ambient lighting and in-car fragrance system improve the experience of the passengers.
The MQB-based sedan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder gasoline engine, generating 217 hp (162 kW / 220 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels exclusively via a seven-speed DSG automatic.
Earlier documents from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology suggest that the VW Passat Pro will also be offered with an entry-level 1.5 TSI producing 158 hp (118 kW / 160 PS). Unlike the mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains available in Europe, there is no word on any electrified versions.
VW has opened pre-orders for the Passat Pro in China, with pricing set to be announced at a later date. According to SAIC Volkswagen, the existing Chinese-spec Passat that was introduced in 2019 and facelifted in 2022 will remain on sale alongside its new stablemate. Below, you can see photos of the closely-related VW Magotan, which is locally manufactured by FAW Volkswagen.
VW MAGOTAN
