Volkswagen has dramatically improved its Plug-in Hybrid Passat. Jonathan Crouch checks it out.

Ten Second Review

The ninth generation Volkswagen Passat comes with a much more sophisticated Plug-in Hybrid powertrain boasting a considerably larger battery that allows for a vast improvement in EV driving range. It's enough to almost make this car usable as an EV. Almost.

Background

Suddenly, everybody seems to want a Hybrid. Volkswagen thought that by now, it would be winding down Hybrid model production in favour of EVs; instead, like other mainstream brands, it's going the other way as customer concerns about high EV pricing and a shaky public charging infrastructure make many think again about their planned impending electric vehicle switch. Hence the importance to the ninth generation B9-series Passat range of the eHybrid models we look at here. And why Volkswagen has put such a vast amount of technological effort in improving this car over the rather limited Passat GTE PHEV model it replaced. The brand still doesn't have a self-charging full-Hybrid engine, but there are now two Plug-in Hybrid Passat powertrain options - and, as with all MK9 Passats, this car can only be had as an estate. Might it be a cleverer choice than that mid-sized EV crossover you were thinking about? Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

In the absence of the kind of self-charging full-Hybrid engine that Volkswagen ought by now to be offering, the alternative to the brand's rather ineffectual eTSI mild hybrid tech in this car is a much improved does of PHEV technology. It's now badged 'eHybrid' and is vastly improved but can still only drive the front wheels. The eHybrid Passats replace the old GTE model's 1.4-litre engine with the eTSI model's 1.5-litre unit and now come in a choice of versions, with either 204PS or 272PS. The key change though, is that both now get a far larger 19.7kWh battery (up from 13.0kWh before), which has more than doubled EV drive range to as much as 82 miles; enough, Volkswagen reckons, to allow most families to use a Passat eHybrid much like an EV. As with the old Passat GTE, there's a 6-speed DSG auto gearbox to replace the 7-speed DSG auto used in the conventionally-engined model. This greater degree of powertrain electrification has been allowed for by this MK9 Passat's new MLB evo platform. Alongside which Volkswagen has also developed an uprated 'DCC Pro' version of its adaptive damping system, with a myriad of settings (15 in all). Previously, 'DCC' in a Passat was quite a crude system that operated with single valves. 'DCC Pro' is a far more sophisticated two-valve set-up that's co-ordinated by the 'Vehicle Dynamics Manger' set-up now added to all versions of this car. For reference, that's the system we first saw on the Golf GTI, which co-ordinates the stability, traction and XDS electronic differential lock functions a bit like the conductor of an orchestra, so that they better work together. You can also pay extra for 'DCC Pro' with mid-level trim and we'd say that it's a worthwhile investment if you really want this car to ride like a Passat should - and it's really needed with the extra weight of the eHybrid system.

Design and Build

Space is what this ninth generation Passat is all about. For the first time in this model line's history, it's only available as an estate - a station wagon that significantly bigger than its predecessor. The 4,917mm length is 144mm longer than before, plus the car is 20mm wider (1,852mm). To disguise these quite prodigious dimensions and try and make the car look a little less boxy, Volkswagen has reduced roof height by 10mm (1,506mm). There's a deeper front bumper and wheel sizes are up to 19-inches. The long, low look has improved the drag factor to 0.25Cd. Up-front inside, there's a heavily restyled dashboard with a 10.3-inch instrument screen and a separated 12.9-inch infotainment monitor (available at extra cost in bigger 15.0-inch form). The centre screen runs the brand's latest MIB4 software, with its smarter menu structures, higher resolution graphics, a permanent climate control bar and conversational voice control. The slider controls for volume and temperature are carried over but are now back-lit; the gear selector has been moved up to the steering column where the steering wheel now has physical buttons; an arty dashboard panel is enhanced by night-time ambient lighting; and there's a higher feeling of perceived quality. You get more cabin storage space too. Perhaps the biggest cabin change though, is in rear seat legroom. The wheelbase length is up by 50mm and leg space at the back has increased by exactly that amount. It really is palatial now in the rear. Luggage capacity is hit by the PHEV installation, falling from 690 to 530-litres because of the under-floor battery location.

Market and Model

Expect Passat eHybrid pricing to sit in the £44,000-£50,000 bracket, with the estate range split across three model lines - 'Life', 'Elegance' and 'R-Line'. Customers prepared to avoid base trim will be offered the option of finding £2,000 more to go from the 204PS to the uprated 272PS version of that drivetrain. All variants get LED headlights and taillights, roof rails, smartphone-mirroring and USB-C charging ports. Plus climate control and a rear view camera, along with a 10.3-inch digital instrument display and a 12.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen. Key options include IQ.Matrix LED headlights and various parking tech features. 'Park Assist Plus' steers you in and out of spaces automatically, while 'Park Assist Pro' is able to do this while you're standing outside the vehicle, thanks to the car's capability for remembering the last 50-metres of its journey. The usual 'Travel Assist' semi-autonomous drive tech is available too. Safety kit includes a clever 'Automatic Post-Collision Braking System' that automatically brakes the car down to 6mph after a collision - so if, say, someone hits you and, understandably, you go to pieces, the car will automatically sort itself out. There's also a 'Front Assist' system that at speed, scans the road ahead as you drive for potential accident hazards, warning you if one is detected and automatically braking if necessary. You get that same kind of functionality at urban speeds too, as part of a 'City Emergency Braking' system included as part of the 'Front Assist' package.

Cost of Ownership

A Passat eHybrid costs a lot more money than the old Passat GTE. Still, in return, you now get a Passat that could conceivably operate for you much like a mid-sized EV crossover, provided you restricted yourself to suburban journeys. That's thanks to a considerably bigger 19.7kWh battery than the previous generation Passat PHEV (the GTE model) could offer (up from 13kWh). Which is why EV range potential has jumped hugely from just 36 miles to as much as 82 miles with this updated model. That range extension of course dramatically affects the efficiency figures, which as usual with a PHEV, mainly show how ineffectual the current WLTP ratings cycle is in measuring the true frugality and cleanliness of a Plug-in Hybrid. In both guises, a Passat eHybrid is rated at up to 706.2mpg on the combined cycle. In reality, if you keep the car fully charged, its frugality will probably be somewhere close to what a careful owner would get in a diesel-powered model. Where you will get discernible benefit from the fantasy land stats though is of course when it comes to CO2, with super-low ratings that'll reduce your Benefit-in-Kind tax payments to near-EV levels. The 204PS model is measured at just 8g/km; with the 272PS variant, it's up to 9g/km. A Passat eHybrid would go over 500 miles between fuel stops so, for example, you could travel from London to Paris and back without refuelling. And it would be more if the ordinary Passat model's 66-litre fuel tank wasn't reduced in size to just 50-litres for the eHybrid version. The PHEV system's battery can now be charged at a home wallbox at up to 11kW - a more common 7.4kW wallbox needs around three and a half hours for a full charge; it'd be about five hours from a domestic plug. Out and about, your Passat Plug-in Hybrid can now be DC-charged at up to 50kW (up from a yawningly slow 3.6kW before). Which would allow you to DC-charge a Passat eHybrid from 10-80% in just 23 minutes. But that would be expensive, so you probably prefer to charge to car at home; from a typical 7.4kw walllox, from empty to full, that'll take about four hours.

Summary

This Passat eHybrid will make a lot of sense for the right kind of buyer, scoring in the way that it makes something so complicated so universally acceptable. There's no weird bodywork. No confusing digital read-outs. No odd driving technique to master. Here, you simply get a Passat very much as you might have always known it. Just one with a little extra to offer. Yes, differences come with the Plug-in Hybrid technology, but as a driver, you're not forced to embrace them. Indeed, drive this car in full-engine mode and you could conceivably fail to notice anything out of the ordinary about it at all. Everything's so straightforward - so normal. Just leave the thing in its 'Hybrid' setting and you'll get diesel-like fuel economy with a real surging turn of pace when you need it. Even if you never once plugged this car in, you'd probably be perfectly happy with what you had. Right here, right now, thanks to that improved EV range, you might think this is a better choice than a mid-sized EV crossover. And we'd find it difficult to disagree.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Laminated safety glass windshield, heat and sound insulating

Heated windscreen washer jets

Brakes

Hill hold function

ESC (Electronic stability control) + EDL (Electronic Differential lock) and ASR (Traction control), EDTC (Engine drag torque control)

ABS (Anti locking brake system) includes BAS (Brake assist) and EBD (Electronic brake pressure distribution)

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

Autonomous emergency braking front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring

Disc brakes in front

Carpets/Rugs

Front + rear carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

Front wheel drive

Communication

Inductive smartphone charging without external antenna connection

Discover media navigation system includes streaming and internet

2 x Front USB-C ports,2 x USB-C charging sockets on the centre console in the rear,charging capacity up to 45W

E-Sim card for online connectivity

Preparation for We connect and We connect plus

Wireless app connect

Driver Aids

Memory feature for park assist

Oncoming vehicle braking when turning including swerve support

Dynamic road sign display

Predictive speed limiter

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Electronic engine sound

Park assist pro with park distance control (Remote park assist)

Adaptive cruise control

Driver Convenience

Full electric tailgate operation

Driver Information

eCall emergency call service

Digital cockpit pro 10.25" high resolution

Chat GPT function for IDA voice assistant

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Aluminium decorative inserts

Engine

Petrol Particulate Filter

Battery 340 A (58 Ah)

Entertainment

8 Speakers

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Electric panoramic sunroof, tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof with rear panoramic sunroof

Body colour bumpers

Body colour door handles

Exterior Lights

LED third brake light

Welcome light with surround lighting

Automatic headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3 zone air care climatronic with rear air conditioning control panel

Interior Features

Leather-wrapped, heated and multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles

Luggage compartment cover, power operated

Rear centre armrest

Sunblind for rear side windows

Standard pedal cluster

Interior Lights

30 colours options interior ambient lighting

Packs

Acoustics pack - Passat Estate

LED High matrix headlamps pack - Passat

Safety

Extended safety system with proactive passenger protection system

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Drivers knee airbag

Tyre pressure loss indicator

Front passenger airbag deactivation switch

3x3 point rear seat belts

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Front sports comfort seats

Three rear head restraints

Unsplit rear seat bench, split folding backrest

Isofix child seat preparation, easy-fit (for two outer rear seats, and front passenger seat), compatible with I-size

Single front passenger seat

Front head restraints

Security

Alarm with interior protection

Keyless locking and starting system keyless access with safelock

Electronic engine immobiliser

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors for driver and front passenger

Wheels

Trims for alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre mobility kit including compressor and sealing foam

Tool kit for tyre mobility set

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 720

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 240

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.2

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 150

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 26

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 40

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 5-80

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 25.7

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 17.3

WLTP - AER (km) - Comb: 131

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 130

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.3

WLTP - AER (miles) - Comb: 81

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.6

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.8

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 81

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Front

Usable Battery Capacity: 19.7

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 40

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 9

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 9

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 12

Engine and Drive Train

CC: 1498

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 6 SPEED

Engine Code: CJ54XY

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 0.4

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 0.4

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 0.5

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 706.2

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 706.2

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 565

General

Coin Series: Elegance

Coin Description: TSI eHybrid 272

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 34E

Service Interval Mileage: 9300

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 93

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 82

NCAP Safety Assist %: 80

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 272

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 7

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.1

Top Speed: 140

Engine Power - BHP: 272

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 200

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 184

Engine Torque - NM: 250

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - MKG: 25.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 215/55 R17

Tyre Size Rear: 215/55 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Wheel Style: NAPOLI

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4917

Width: 1849

Wheelbase: 2839

Height: 1521

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1783

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2360

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 45

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 577

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 510

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Metallic paint

Packs

15" Infotainment pack - Passat

Dynamic chassis control (DCC) pack - Passat

Drivers assistance pack - Passat Estate

Winter pack - Passat Estate Elegance/R-Line

Interior pack - Passat

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Grenadilla black

Metallic - Oyster silver

Metallic - Diabase grey

Metallic - Mariposit green

Metallic - Reef blue

Metallic - Chilli red

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Oryx white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Pure white

Safety

Tyre pressure monitoring system with curtain/side airbag in front and rear and center airbag

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Towing

Folding tow bar with electric release incl. trailer maneuvering system

Trim - Cloth

Inserts of front seats and outer rear seats in ArtVelours ECO mircofleece - Soul black

Inserts of front seats and outer rear seats in ArtVelours ECO mircofleece - Mistral grey

Trim - Leather

Interior pack - Varenna leather - Soul black

Interior pack - Varenna leather - Pure grey

Interior pack - Varenna leather - Mistral grey

Vehicle Charging

Charging cable Mode 2, Type 2

Wheels - Alloy

19" Leeds black diamond turned with dark graphite inserts alloy wheels with AirStop tyres + anti-theft wheel bolts

18" York black diamond-turned with dark graphite inserts alloy wheels with AirStop tyres + anti-theft wheel bolts

18" York dark graphite alloy wheels with AirStop tyres + anti-theft wheel bolts

18" Napoli diamond turned alloy wheels with AirStop tyres + anti-theft wheel bolts