Volkswagen Passat reinvented for 2024 solely as an estate

Aug 28, 2023

Volkswagen has taken the wraps of the new Passat. The ninth generation of the firm’s large family car will come exclusively as an estate.

VW has co-developed the Passat Estate (called the Passat Variant in Germany) in conjunction with Skoda, which will use the same underpinnings for the new Superb. However, Volkswagen hopes to move the Passat upmarket, because it will also replace the Arteon Shooting Brake in the brand’s line-up and is set to rival the likes of the BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes C-Class Estate.

The new Passat is 144mm longer than its predecessor, at 4,917mm, the wheelbase has been stretched by 50mm, to 2,841mm, and it’s wider by 20mm, measuring 1,852mm, all leading to more interior space. There’s a 690-litre boot (up by 40 litres over the last generation), while folding the back seats sees space increase to 1,920 litres – or 140 litres more than the outgoing Passat Estate.

While practicality has been boosted, the Passat Estate also takes a turn upmarket with its exterior and interior design and equipment. There are LED lights front and rear, with matrix beam units fitted to the highest-spec cars, and these will also come with a light bar running across the front – a design feature seen on other top-spec VWs recently. The Passat’s overall silhouette is familiar, with plenty of smooth lines and simple shapes, while the tailgate has a more sloped design than the upright rear of the current car.

Inside, upmarket materials are used, while extra sound deadening is designed to enhance refinement on the move. An acoustic windscreen and double-glazed door glass are part of the package, while the redesigned seats are intended to boost comfort for long-distance trips. Top-spec models will have massaging and air conditioning functions in the seats, too.

Technology on board includes a new infotainment system called MIB4. This features new digital displays, including a 12.9-inch infotainment screen that can be upgraded to a 15-inch item, while the highly configurable digital dials measure 10.25 inches across and have a higher resolution than before. A new surface coating is designed to reduce glare, too. There’s a revised head-up display, while the drive selector has moved to the steering column, which creates more storage space on the centre console.

Some will find it surprising that the new Passat isn’t fully electric, but that niche will be covered by a shooting brake version of the forthcoming all-electric ID.7. In the Passat, Volkswagen is offering a variety of powertrains to suit different needs. Eight options will be available – a mild-hybrid petrol, two plug-in hybrids, three diesels and two turbocharged petrol options – although which engines will be offered in the UK has yet to be announced.

The 1.5 eTSI kicks off the range with 148bhp and front-wheel drive, while cylinder deactivation and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and belt starter-generator are included for enhanced efficiency. The eHybrid models feature a brand-new plug-in hybrid system comprising a 1.5 TSI petrol engine and a larger 19.7kWh battery (up from the old car’s 10.6kWh unit), along with a six-speed twin-clutch DSG gearbox. Volkswagen predicts an all-electric range of 62 miles for both models, while two peak power outputs of 201bhp and 268bhp will be offered.

The TDI diesels are all 2-litre units, and are rated at 121bhp, 148bhp and 190bhp, while the 2.0 TSI petrol engines produce up to 201bhp or 261bhp. All models bar the PHEVs come with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, while the most powerful diesel and petrol models feature 4Motion four-wheel drive.

The Passat uses Volkswagen’s ‘MQB evo’ underpinnings, while being equipped with the latest electronic driver assistance. Dynamic Chassis Control is offered, with the latest generation offering faster responses, while new suspension and enhanced steering are promised to boost agility, too.

UK prices for the new Volkswagen Passat Estate haven’t been confirmed but expect an increase over the outgoing car when they’re announced in the new year.