Volkswagen has unveiled a plug-in hybrid variant of its all-new Passat ahead of next month’s Paris motor show.
Set to be launched in the second half of next year, both as a saloon and an estate, the front-wheel drive Passat GTE combines a 1.4-litre turbocharged direct petrol injection engine with an electric motor for a maximum power output of 215 bhp and 295 lb ft, which is 14 bhp and 37 lb ft more than the hybrid Golf GTE.
Energy for the electric motor is supplied via a 9.9 kWh lithium ion battery mounted beneath the rear seat. Volkswagen claims a driving range of over 600 miles, with up to 31 miles in all-electric mode.
With a six-gear dual clutch gearbox especially developed for the hybrid drive, Volkswagen says the Passat GTE is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in under 8.0 seconds and achieves a top speed of more than 136 mph; in “E-Mode,” 80 mph.
Charging time using a 230 volt mains electrical socket is claimed to take 4 hours 15 minutes. Customers will also be able choose an optional wallbox, which, operating at 360 volts, is claimed to reduce charging time to 2 hours 30 minutes.
Externally, the Passat GTE is marked out by a specific chrome radiator grille unit with an additional blue line representing Volkswagen’s so-called “e-mobility colour”. The front bumper has also been redesigned, with cross panels in the lower air inlet and C-shaped LED daytime running lights.
After the XL1, e-up!, e-Golf and Golf GTE, the Passat GTE becomes the fifth and latest model to join Volkswagen’s growing electric mobility range.
Source: Volkswagen
