Volkswagen took a new step in the electrification era at the Guangzhou Auto Show, unveiling the Passat ePro, the newest member of the popular Passat family. Developed in partnership with SAIC, this model was designed specifically for the Chinese market and stands out with its unique “series hybrid” architecture.
Volkswagen Passat ePro Announced
The hybrid system in the Passat ePro operates in a unique way. The internal combustion engine does not directly power the wheels. Instead, it acts as a generator, generating electricity solely to charge the battery. The electric motor is responsible for propulsion. The gasoline engine charges the battery, extending the range. The system delivers a total of just over 250 horsepower.
The exterior design of the model retains the simple lines of previous Passat generations. The front features slim LED daytime running lights, joined by a light strip. Volkswagen also emphasizes the vehicle’s electric nature with the use of an illuminated brand emblem. The rear utilizes the one-piece taillight assembly design common on Volkswagen models for the Chinese market.
The interior also stands out for its simplicity. The driver is accompanied by a large digital instrument cluster and a large multimedia screen. Physical buttons are kept to a minimum; photos reveal only a few buttons on the steering wheel and doors. All other functions are controlled from the central touchscreen.
The vehicle on display features a hybrid system consisting of a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor. The highly efficient 1.5T EVO II engine from the EA211 family produces a maximum power of 95 kW, while the electric motor produces a maximum power of 145 kW.
This combination maintains high performance while also ensuring efficient energy consumption. However, detailed technical data regarding the vehicle, such as battery capacity and full range, has not yet been released by the brand.
