Volkswagen Passat SW (IAA Munich 2023): only in break!

At the dawn of the 2023 Munich Motor Show, Volkswagen is taking the opportunity to present the all-new Passat SW, which will now only be marketed as a station wagon!

On the occasion of Munich Motor Show 2023the Volkswagen passat is renewed with 9th generation a little special. The German firm unveils its large family only in the form of a break and say goodbye to sedan ! A good way to give “air” to the very recent electric ID.7, the future new reference designated for the VW range on large sedans. Good news for big riders, this one will stay in thermal, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and even diesel !

An expanding Volkswagen Passat SW

New generation, new size. The Volkswagen Passat SW, based on the MQB evo2 modular platform, wins on all sides. With now 2.84 meters long, the wheelbase increases by five centimeters, suggesting excellent habitability on board. Even more impressive, the station wagon gains 14.4 centimeters in length to reach 4.92 meters, which is as much as a Mercedes E-Class for example! Finally, the width gains two centimeters to 1.85 meters and the height does not move with 1.51 meters.

A style that evolves smoothly

If the dimensions of the Passat change, this 9th generation also changes the style of the large family. The model adopts the new aesthetic codes of the manufacturer, which is closer to the electric models of the ID range. Visually, the new Passat sports even more fluid and aerodynamic lines. Two scoops on each side of the front end also guide incoming airflow towards the wheel arches. The drag coefficient drops, with a Cx that goes from 0,31 has 0,25.

Its hood is lower and the grille almost disappears. Instead, a fairly thin black headband replaces the previously known design, with a luminous headband that runs all along the upper part of the headband, like the ID.7. Engine cooling is ensured by a huge air intake on the lower part. The headlights are also inspired by recent creations from VW, and can be matrix with the IQ.Light option.

At the rear, a large strip of LEDs runs along the tailgate and connects the two taillights. A wide spoiler completes the silhouette of the large station wagon. Finally, the Passat SW is fitted with 19-inch rims.

A very technological interior

On board the station wagon, it is the Digital Cockpit that welcomes the driver, with a 10.25-inch dashboard screen supported by a brand new touch screen. The latter is huge and reaches either 12.9 inches or even 15 inches as an option! The built-in on-board computer is the new MIB4 infotainment system, which was developed based on past criticisms of the old system with reputedly less practical ergonomics. A discreet lower band serves as ventilation. Another techno side, a head-up display system is projected directly onto the windshield.

Who says station wagon says big trunk

In terms of comfort and trunk volume, the new Passat SW is no exception to the rule and is extremely generous. In the back, the legroom is very good, and Volkswagen even indicates that it increases by 5 centimeters, which is exactly the additional length observed with the increase in the wheelbase. Also, to ensure maximum comfort, the two front seats adopt the ergoActive technology already seen in the seats of the ID.7, with massage and temperature adjustment!

As a station wagon, the Passat SW has a record volume of 690 liters, an increase of 40 liters. With the rear seat folded down, the volume reaches 1,920 litres.

Many engines available

The engines available for this 9th generation of Passat are numerous. There are no less than 8 different configurations:

2 Essence 2.0 TSI of 204 or 265 ch
3 diesels 2.0 TDI of 122, 150 et 193 ch
1 Micro-Hybrid Gasoline eTSI of 150 chwhich marries a new four-cylinder engine 1.5 TSI evo2 a lithium-ion battery and an alternator-starter 48V,
2 Petrol eHybrid plug-in hybrid from 204 ch et 272 ch allowing up to 100 km in 100% electric thanks to the battery 19,7 kWh et 1 000 km in combined autonomy

Note that the most powerful versions come with all-wheel drive 4Motion. All variants are associated with automatic transmissions, i.e. a DSG box has 7 gearsbe one eDSG box has 6 gears for plug-in hybrid models.

The Volkswagen Passat SW will be marketed from the first quarter of 2024. However, no price has yet been specified!