Following the launch of the plug-in hybrid Golf, Volkswagen is set to reveal a GTE version of its new Passat saloon at this year's Paris Motor Show. Revealed in both saloon and estate guises, the Passat GTE will be the largest Volkswagen yet to use plug-in hybrid technology.
Exterior
The Passat GTE will be identified by its specific chrome front grille, which features a blue line across it, while the front bumper has been redesigned to feature striking cross panels at the lower air inlet, along with C-shaped LED daytime running lights. Discreetly fitted into the front grille is the access panel for the car's charging system.
Along the front wings, a small GTE badge featuring a blue accent is the only other indication to differentiate it from regular Passat models. It will roll on 17-inch 'Astana' alloy wheels that are unique to the Passat GTE model too.
Interior
Like the Golf GTE, the plug-in hybrid Passat's interior will be dominated by a larger infotainment display on the centre console, which, in additional to the usual driver information, will feature a 6.5-inch touchscreen system to show which elements of the powertrain are being used. Buyers will also have the option of upgrading this to an eight-inch system. The instrument cluster in front of the driver will include a power meter that can indicate to the driver when the battery is being charged by regeneration, or how much energy is being used at any given moment.
As an additional option it will be possible to specify a 12.3-inch high-resolution colour screen in place of the traditional dials. This system, similar to that seen on the new Audi TT, can show the user a host of different displays depending on what information is called upon.
Other standard features will include blue ambient lighting, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel and interior upholstery finished in 'Sevilla' cloth, with blue accents specifically tailored for the GTE, while sections of the trim will feature a mixture of aluminium-look and high-gloss piano black finishes.
Mechanicals
The Passat GTE is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine that develops 156hp at 5,000rpm and an electric motor producing 115hp, which is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack capable of drawing charge while being driven or by being plugged into a charging point. Combined torque from both motors is a total of 400Nm, which, given the Passat's new lightweight chassis, should result in impressive performance. Like other hybrid systems, both the petrol engine and the electric motor can work independently of each other allowing for up 50 kilometres of electric-only driving, meaning that it emits significantly less CO2 emissions - Volkswagen claims that just 45g/km is produced on average while fuel consumption on the combined NEDC cycle is put at 2.0 litres per hundred kilometres (141mpg).
Range is expected to easily rival its diesel equivalent thanks to a 50-litre petrol tank that, along with a fully-charged battery, is expected to give the Passat GTE a driving range of up to 1,000 kilometres. Despite these frugal figures driving performance won't be affected; Volkswagen claims a 0-100km/h time of 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 220km/h - while a top speed of 130km/h can be achieved using only electric power.
Technology will also feature heavily in the Passat GTE, including a new 'CAR_NET e-Remote' smartphone app that can inform owners of the charge levels of the car as well as the ability to start charging the car remotely. Other features of this app include having remote control of the car's climate control, information on the car's location and the ability to check whether the car is locked and its lights are turned off.
Anything else?
Volkswagen plans to launch the Passat GTE in the second half of 2015 in both saloon and estate forms and following the XL1, e-up!, e-Golf and Golf GTE will be the fifth and sixth models from the German manufacturer that can be driven with zero emissions.