Market launch and price: Base price should rise
The current generation of the VW Passat has been on the market since 2014. According to the usual cycle, it would be time for a sequel. The upcoming Passat with the internal construction code B9 will probably only be available as a station wagon called Variant – it could be presented in 2023.
However, the Passat B9 should not be available from dealers until 2024. One reason for this is that the next generation has to move to the plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, because the Passat main plant in Emden (Lower Saxony) will build the ID.4 and, in the future, the ID Space Vizzion electric station wagon.
What is certain is that what will probably be the last generation with a combustion engine will become more expensive. The Passat Variant currently starts at 33,655 euros, the successor will probably cost more than 35,000 euros with a decent basic equipment.
Design: Erlkönig spotted for the first time in series outfit
The AUTO BILD Erlkönig hunters have now caught the Passat for the first time with a standard body. Despite the camouflage, the first details can be seen: the new front apron appears to have larger air intakes, while the grille (disguised with a sticker on the Erlkönig) could contract into a slit – as in the Golf, Multivan or other current models with combustion engines from Wolfsburg. Also striking: the side windows of the Erlkönig are tapered, the rear is flatter and has fewer curves.
VW Passat B9 (2024): sketch – station wagon – presentation – market launch – info
The new VW Passat is only available as a Variant
In addition, the car looks longer in the pictures than the current model. That could confirm our suspicion that the next Passat will adopt the Superb’s wheelbase. Then it would grow by five centimeters to a good 4.85 meters in length. With the extra centimetres, the family hierarchy would be adjusted again, because the Golf Variant, which has also grown, has recently come very close to the Passat.
Above all, the rear passengers and the trunk would benefit. The luggage compartment could hold more than 1800 liters, currently it is 1780 liters.
Engines: New Passat probably also with plug-in hybrid drive
The new Passat also uses the MQB platform, so no big surprises are to be expected on the drive side. Two two-liter diesels with around 150 and 200 hp cleaned by a double SCR system would be conceivable, as well as classic petrol engines (probably around 150 and 220 hp) and plug-in hybrids.
The new Passat generation will probably be available as a diesel, as a petrol engine and in a plug-in hybrid variant.
The plug-in variants could also come in two performance levels. The top model probably has around 250 hp, the weaker drive will probably crack the 200 hp mark. With the hybrid Passat, the electric range is more important than the power: With a 20 kWh battery, 100 kilometers could be possible.
In addition, VW should add to the charging technology: Instead of 3.6 kW, 11 kW charging power would be possible – the battery would be full again after around two hours.
