Volkswagen has released photos of the new ninth-generation Passat - in camouflage. The upcoming model promises several new features, such as a new adaptive chassis control system, an intuitive operating concept and a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a range of up to 100km.
"With the new Passat, we have placed great importance on high ride and travel comfort that customers will feel immediately," said Kai Grunitz, member of the VW board responsible for development.
"Among other things, this is ensured by the longer wheelbase and the new adaptive chassis control with two-valve shock absorbers. At the same time, our new display and operating concept is very intuitive."
The new Passat is expected to launch in Ireland in early 2024, although the model will only be offered in estate form. The saloon variant of the current model was discontinued in early 2022, with Volkswagen citing stronger sales of the estate and the emergence of the Arteon fastback as reasons.
New interior and tech
The latest generation of IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights will be offered on premium versions of the Passat. Flatter than the previous units, the lights feature a main beam with a 500-metre range. The car's rear also has a continuous LED strip for the tail lights.
The Passat's interior will utilise high-grade materials and noise insulation, promising to bring the comfort and quality offered "to a new level."
Buyers can also select ergoActive front seats as an option, which are fitted with electrical adjustment (up to 14-way depending on model and spec), air conditioning and a directly configured massage function.
A new digital infotainment display forms the interior's centrepiece and measures 12.9 inches across the diagonal, though a 15-inch screen will be available depending on the equipment selected or as an option.
The display has backlit touch sliders mounted underneath the screen, which are used to adjust the interior temperature and volume.
Lastly, the model will be offered with a new head-up display that can project important information onto the windscreen.
More space
Much larger than the model it will soon replace, the new Passat is 14cm longer, increasing legroom by five centimetres.
The luggage compartment's capacity has also been increased by 40 litres - it now offers 690 litres of space when loaded up to the height of the rear seat backrests. With the rear bench seat folded down, it accommodates 1,920 litres.
Improved handling
The new Passat's handling characteristics promise to be a marked improvement on the older model, thanks to increased camber stiffness, changes to the four-link rear axle and a new electromechanical power steering setup.
These are complemented by modified anti-roll bars, shock absorbers and adaptations for different wheel rims. The longer wheelbase and more direct steering ratio are also claimed to help improve the Passat's handling.
Volkswagen's DCC Pro system with two-valve shock absorbers will be offered in the Passat. This system continuously reacts to the road surface, using other parameters, including steering, braking and acceleration to calculate the optimal damping for each wheel and adjust the shock absorbers in a fraction of a second. The driver can then adjust the DCC to suit their preferences - such as a sportier setup or one that prioritises comfort.
The Passat will also be fitted with a Vehicle Dynamics manager as standard - a feature of the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform first seen on the current Golf GTi.
This can control the functions of the differential locks and the lateral dynamics components of the DCC Pro shock absorbers - making handling more neutral, agile and stable by providing wheel-specific braking and selective adjustment of the shock absorber stiffness.
Powertrains
The MQB platform also allows for several different drive types. The Passat will be offered with TDI turbodiesel engines, TSI turbocharged petrol engines, eTSI mild-hybrid turbocharged petrol engines or an eHybrid plug-in hybrid system.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain range has been increased to 100 kilometres depending on the equipment selected. AC charging will also be faster on all eHybrid Passats, while the model will offer DC charging as standard for the first time.