Volkswagen confirms that the new Passat will arrive in dealerships in September
Only available as a station wagon, the German car will focus on electrification with the widespread use of hybrid powertrains
While sedans have entered a not-so-great tunnel with an uncertain outcome, some models are trying to survive as best they can. This is the case of the iconic Volkswagen Passat which will continue its career via a ninth generation. But for the first time, the German will have to do without the sedan bodywork and will rely solely on the estate variant. A confession of weakness? Officially, the story is more complicated because this role will actually be taken on by the future ID.7.
A premature arrival for the new generation Passat
The new Passat was expected to arrive in 2024. However, Thomas Schäfer, the German brand’s CEO, surprised everyone by announcing that the new generation Passat will arrive in dealerships as early as September 2023. This would mean that the launch of the car is much closer than originally planned and could take place as early as this summer, alongside the presentation of the new Škoda Superb. As is tradition – and especially industrial constraints – the German will share a significant number of parts with the Czech.
The next Passat will therefore be based on an evolved version of the MQB platform which will enable it to strengthen its electric offer. In addition to the sporty GTE version, which could be continued, the car will adopt mild-hybrid (eTSI) and plug-in hybrid (eHybrid) powertrains like the Golf. On the outside, the Passat will move away from its taut lines and take on the curves inspired by the ID electric range. On board, the estate car is expected to feature a large touchscreen with touch-sensitive buttons at the bottom.
Produced alongside the Škoda Superb
While the current Passat was manufactured at the Emden plant in Germany, production of its replacement will move to Bratislava in Slovakia. Until now, the Passat has been assembled alongside its sister car, the Arteon, but now it will have to learn to share with a bulky cousin: the Škoda Superb, which will have a station wagon version as well as a sedan version.
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