The famous Volkswagen Passat, undisputed icon of the automotive industrycelebrates its over half a century of history with a total renewal with the 2024 version. Presented in the only guise Variant (station wagon), this new incarnation combines tradition and innovation.
In addition to the established petrol and diesel engines, the Passat is now also available with mild hybrid and plug-in powertrains, reflecting the German automaker’s commitment to the green transition. The engines are practically the same as the Tiguan, with some slight differences in the attack models.
Dimensions and exteriors
The 2024 Volkswagen Passat focuses on the essentials that those looking for a station wagon want: practicality, functionality and timeless style. Its clean and balanced line is a clear sign of its desire to remain current over time.
The attention to design is not only aesthetic but is also reflected in a notable aerodynamic coefficient, now equal to 0.25, improved compared to the previous model (0.31). This result is achieved not only thanks to smoother surfaces and less sharp corners, but also with the circles up to 19 inches from the aerodynamic design.
The dimensions of the Passat have increased significantly – now it measures 4.92 meters in length (+14 cm), 1.85 meters in width (+2 cm) and 1.50 meters in height. The wheelbase has also gained 5 cm, now reaching 2.84 metres, to the benefit of the rear occupants.
Cockpit
L’rational and functional approach to external design is reflected in the interior of the Volkswagen Passat 2024, where you can breathe an air of modernity and safety. Similarly to the Tiguan, the element that stands out is the main screen, which can reach dimensions of up to 15″ (or 12.9″ on some versions), positioned at eye level for intuitive and distraction-free use thanks to the new software designed for maximum intuitiveness.
The digital dashboardwith a 10.25″ diagonal, is equipped with an anti-reflective and anti-glare treatment, thus eliminating the need for an overlying eyelid.
Among the intelligent features of the interior, the tunnel with double “shutter” coverwhich hides a compartment with inductive charging for the phone and two USB-C sockets or a cup holder, thanks to the movement of the gear selector on the steering column.
The well under the armrest is equally functional, with a small removable tray, a document holder, a pocket and a 12V charging socket, all covered in carpet for a feeling of comfort. The materials are soft in most of the cabin, ensuring a solid feel in the assemblies.
The Rear passenger comfort is guaranteed by ample space and a series of dedicated comforts such as rear climate control, the armrest with integrated tablet or smartphone support, two raised USB-C sockets and rear pockets.
The highlight of the 2024 Passat is the trunkthat offers 690 liters of capacity (40 liters more than the previous model), with double bottom and numerous attachments for accessories for optimal organization of the load, including a domestic-type charging socket.
As in most plug-ins on the market, in this model too the boot capacity is reduced to make room for the battery, practically losing around a hundred litres. By folding down the row of seats you get a maximum capacity of 1,920 litresa useful volume for any kind of load.
Engines
Volkswagen Passat 2024 benefits from a rich choice of engines, from the more classic pure diesel (Euro 6e) to two forms of petrol hybridization (mild-hybrid and plug-in). The availability of the engines essentially follows that of the Tiguan 2024 and we therefore find: three diesel versions (all 2.0, with 122, 150 and 193 horsepower), a mild petrol 150 horsepower and, finally, two plug-in petrol versions 204 and 272 horsepower. All engines are four-cylinder, equipped with a dual-clutch DSG gearbox and front-wheel drive (with the exception of the 193 horsepower diesel which benefits from 4MOTION traction).
There battery is now 19.7 kWh and promises over 100 km of travel; DC direct current charging reaches a maximum of 50 kW and therefore allows the use of fast charging stations. The charging time from 10% to 80% is approximately 25 minutes, a notable improvement compared to the past.
How is it going?
Despite its imposing dimensions and decidedly un-“everyday car” length, the Volkswagen Passat it is a station that moves with agility between curves both at speed and at slower paces. The example tested, over a distance of a few tens of kilometres, with a 1.5 150 horsepower mild-hybrid engine allows smooth gaits and potential sailing even with two cylinders on occasions that allow it.
This powertrain is not created for the most lively paces, although there is a sport mode, but more to offer one “old-time” journey in almost complete silence and with always careful consumption. Similarly to Tiguan, it is present DCC Pro that is, a new active electronically controlled suspension system which, thanks to the reading of road conditions, adapts the stiffness of each shock absorber in an optimal and individual way.
Thanks to this novelty, Passat is not only more comfortable, but it can be adjusted to offer the best in every situation.
Equipment, prices and incentives
Three setups available, with prices starting from 42,550 euros (Passat, mild-hybrid 150 horsepower). The cheapest diesel version (Passat, diesel, 122 horsepower) starts from 43,500 euros. Those who want plug-in charging will, however, have to face a cost of 54,700 euros for the 204 horsepower plug-in and 60,500 euros for the 272 horsepower one.
Thanks to the lower weight and smaller tires compared to the Tiguan, Passat 2024 is compatible with car incentives 2024 not only with the plug-in variants but also with the mild-hybrid one.
