The new Volkswagen Passat Variant has become a giant

The Passat has had its day. Half of the Dutch companies used to drive the big Volkswagen, today hardly anyone does. For this reason, the new comes only as a station wagon on the market. A big station wagon, we have to say, because the Volkswagen Passat has grown significantly.

The D segment is almost dead, we can say. Only in the premium segment are models such as the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class still in demand. In the Netherlands mainly as station wagons.

Volkswagen Passat no longer as a sedan

The Ford Mondeo is no longer available, nor is the Renault Talisman. Peugeot will stop producing the 508 after this generation and the Volkswagen Passat will therefore only be available as a Variant. Notably, the Skoda Superb – which is closely related to the Passat – is still launched as a sedan.

Grown almost 15 centimeters long

As a variant, the Passat has grown significantly compared to its predecessor. It is 14.4 centimeters longer in length (now 4.92 metres), and the wheelbase has grown by 5 centimeters (2.84 metres).

This not only has positive consequences for the rear passengers, who have 5 centimeters more legroom, but also for the trunk. It now measures 690 liters as standard (plus 40 liters) and 1920 liters with the rear seat folded down (plus 140 liters).

No electric version of the Passat

The eighth generation of the Passat is based on a further development of the existing MQB platform. It will be available as a plug-in hybrid with 204 and 272 hp, as a diesel and with a mild hybrid petrol engine.

There is no need to wait for a fully electric variant. After all, Volkswagen has the ID.7 on offer, which will come to dealerships as a sedan and station wagon.

Digital dashboard no surprise

The interior of the new Passat comes as no surprise. A digital cockpit adorns the steering wheel and a “separate” display for the infotainment system is glued to the center console.