Exactly 50 years ago, the Volkswagen Passat hit the roads. Having achieved a sales success of 34 million units over 50 years, the Passat is now preparing to make its appearance with its 9th generation. The new generation Passat, which will be introduced at the IAA Mobility fair between September 5th and 9th, 2023, brings with it an important development that will especially sadden us.

Volkswagen Passat bids farewell to the sedan body style

Volkswagen recently shared the first images and some details of the upcoming new generation Passat model. The Volkswagen Passat, which will be fully revealed in the coming days, will hit the roads in the first quarter of 2024.

The biggest change in the new Passat is undoubtedly that it will only be available with a station wagon body type. In countries where the Passat is beloved, even affectionately called the ‘family package,’ unfortunately, the sedan body option will not be available in the new generation.

Particularly in Europe, where station wagon car models are more preferred and the interest in sedans is decreasing, we can say that Volkswagen has made this decision. However, in some countries, including Turkey, where sedans are still popular, this decision seems to be quite disappointing.

Turning to the design of the 2024 Volkswagen Passat, the front features a face that we are accustomed to from Volkswagen’s electric models. The slim LED lighting group greets us, and the wide air intake on the bumper creates a sporty atmosphere.

On the sides, Volkswagen has opted for a more understated design, continuing the sporty look with the sloping roofline. The company mentions that this achieves an impressive drag coefficient of 0.25 CD. Looking at the rear, the elongated taillights make the car appear wider than it actually is. The black details on the rear bumper and the integrated spoiler on the trunk lid are also among the sporty elements.

Moving inside, the optional 15-inch infotainment system successfully captures all attention. With this screen reminiscent of Tesla models, Volkswagen minimizes the number of physical buttons in the interior. The standard size of the infotainment screen is 12.9 inches.

On the other hand, the new generation Volkswagen Passat keeps up with our times with a digital instrument panel, and we see that the gear lever has been moved next to the steering wheel. Thus, Volkswagen offers a much more minimalist center console and also provides extra storage space in this area.

Under the hood, there are many engine options awaiting us. The Passat will be offered for the first time with a mild-hybrid unit, accommodating a 150-horsepower 1.5 eTSI engine at the entry level. The 2.0 TSI engine capable of producing 201 horsepower is also among the options. Additionally, Volkswagen will offer a version of the same engine with 265 horsepower and a four-wheel-drive system.

Volkswagen also doesn’t forget those who still prefer diesel engines, offering three different options. Equipping all models with a 2.0 TDI engine, the company provides three different power levels: 125, 150, and 195 horsepower. It’s worth noting that the 195-horsepower version comes with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

The engine options don’t stop there: Volkswagen also offers the 2024 Passat model with plug-in hybrid power units. Accompanying the 1.5 TSI engine is an electric power unit and a hybrid unit with a 19.7 kWh battery, available in two different power outputs. At the entry level, this engine can deliver 205 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, and there’s an option for 270 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. Volkswagen emphasizes that the hybrid units offer an electric range of up to 100 kilometers.

A new era is ending with the new generation of the Volkswagen Passat. What do you think about the new Passat that will also put an end to the ‘family package‘ trend alongside the sedan body style? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.