The Volkswagen Passat->ke224 has been around since 1973 under one of six other names. For 2015, the Passat finally entered its eighth generation for 2015, which is actually the sixth generation here in the U.S. The most important thing to come out of this generational shift is that is rides on the new MQB platform that is used in everything from the Audi A3->ke1086 MK3 to the Volkswagen Golf->ke164, to the Volkswagen Tiguan->ke1817. On the outside, the Passat got a more aggressive front end with narrower headlamps and grille, Audi-like taillights, a muscular rear fascia, and a lower stance. Inside, the Passat offers up plenty of premium quality without being too flashy or overbearing. A new Active Information Display replaces the old instrument cluster, and there is a rear-seat infotainment system. As a global car, the Passat is offered with a long list of gasoline and diesel engines, depending on the given market. Of all of this, the most important drivetrain news comes in the form of a new hybrid powertrain that combines a 154-horsepower engine and a 107-horsepower electric motor.

All told, the new Passat is a pretty big evolution from the previous generation. But, that evolution is exactly what Volkswagen->ke94 needed to keep the Passat competitive with models like the Toyota Camry->ke246 and the Honda Accord->ke237, to name just a couple. With the premium-feeling interior and the reliability of German engineering, the new-generation Passat promises some pretty strong competition in its respective market. That said, there is still a lot about the new Passat that we haven’t talked about, so read about all the details in our full review below.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Passat

2015 Volkswagen Passat

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 123
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Euro-spec Passat has just become more stylish with the 2015 overhaul, which brings revised front and rear fascias and sharper body creases to the popular sedan->ke142 and its wagon->ke143 sibling. The front end is now more aggressive thanks to its narrower headlamps and grille configuration, which is complemented by a revised lower apron. Although it still features the same horizontal, three-bar design, the grille sits in an almost vertical position and blends beautifully with the new LED headlights, changing the vehicle's appearance almost completely.

Around back, the new squared-off design is enhanced by the restyled, Audi->ke14-like taillights and the muscular bumper that sits beneath a deep crease running along the width of the car. The exhaust configuration has been overhauled as well, with wide, twin tailpipes integrated into the bumper replacing the old, one-sided setup. When viewed from the side, the Passat's lower stance and longer wheelbase is further emphasized by the sharp crease connecting the front fenders to the taillights. Large wheels are now housed by more muscular arches, highlighting the car's sleeker appearance.

2015 Passat Wagon

2015 Volkswagen Passat - Exterior Dimensions

Length

4,767 MM (187.67 Inches)

Wheelbase

2,791 MM (109.88 Inches)

Height

1,456 MM (57.32 Inches)

Width

1,832 MM (72.12 Inches)


Interior

The Passat is equally impressive on the inside. The new cabin configuration exudes a premium feel without being too flashy and boasts of high-tech gadgets. Among them there's the Active Information Display - a fully digital instrument cluster already seen on the Audi TT - and a heads-up display. In the back, an App-based rear seat entertainment system will make traveling in the Passat more enjoyable.

Although the exterior dimensions are slightly smaller than those of the previous iteration, the new Passat benefits from improved interior space due to its longer wheelbase. The cabin offers more head and legroom front and back, and increased luggage space in both the sedan and the wagon.

Drivetrain

The big news under the new Passat's hood is the introduction of a hybrid drivetrain, a first for the popular nameplate. The plug-in hybrid utilizes a 154-horsepower gasoline engine and a 107-pony electric motor and cranks out a total output 208 horses, making it Volkswagen's most powerful plug-in hybrid yet. In sedan guise, the hybrid Passat returns an all-electric driving range of 31 miles and a total range of about 600 miles.

Green tech aside, the Passat is available with no less than 10 gasoline and diesel engines built to meet Euro 6 emission standards. Fitted with standard stop-start and regenerative braking, the mills deliver between 118 and 276 horsepower. Both fuel consumption and CO2 emission have been reduced by up to 20 percent, but actual figures are not available as of 07/04/2014. Partly responsible for the improved fuel economy is the Passat's 187-pound lighter curb weight.

Pricing

In Europe, the 2015 Volkswagen Passat goes on sale starting July 2014. The sedan is priced from €25,875 ($35,182 as of 07/04/2014) while the wagon retails from €26,950 ($36,644).

Competitors

Toyota Camry

The 2015 model year will mark the introduction of the refreshed version of the current-generation Toyota Camry, which was unveiled at the New York Auto Show. The Camry’s exterior has been redesigned almost entirely, with very few panels left untouched. The chassis, however, remained largely the same.

The sedan’s cabin is also new, now displaying more upscale materials, better fit and finish and styling cues borrowed from the Highlander SUV. Nothing has changed in the engine department, where the same the 2.5-liter four-cylinder is powering the base model, while the 3.5-liter V-6 is available on the range-topping sedan. The 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle unit continues into 2015 unmodified as well.

Pricing for the 2015 Camry has yet to be announced, but the base model should start from around $23,000.

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord brings nothing new for the 2015 model year, but a facelift is expected to come by the end of 2016. Meanwhile, the current sedan can be had with the same athletic exterior design that was lauched in 2013, along with a modern cabin that's pretty ergonomic and user-friendly.

Available in six trim levels, the Accord can be had with a choice of four powertrains, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid version. The base gasoline model is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four rated at 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, while the range-topping sedan sports a 3.5-liter V-6 unit that generates 278 horsepower and 252 pound-feet.

As for the hybrid variants, both come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor that deliver a total output of 196 ponies and 226 pound-feet of torque. Pricing for the 2014 Honda Accord begins from $21,995.

Conclusion

Granted, the Euro-spec Passat has finally matured and ditched its boring design. The sharper body line, the updated interior and the updated engines, as well as the plug-in hybrid powertrain, are bound to make the Passat even more popular worldwide. The fact that the Germans managed to lower fuel consumption by up to 20 percent is equally important given the increasing need for fuel efficient mid-size vehicles. Hopefully the plug-in hybrid makes it to the U.S. as well, although we don't see any reason why it shouldn't.