It took the Volkswagen Passat->ke224 about 40 years to become the vehicle we all know today. It all started when the Germans introduced the Dasher in the U.S. in 1974. Although named differently and equipped with some additional safety and emission-reducing features, the Dasher was the same as the Euro-spec Passat. The name was changed to Quantum in 1982, eight years before the Passat nameplate finally arrive in North America. 2014 brought the eighth-generation Passat in Europe, a vehicle that rides on the company's new MQB platform and boasts a redesigned exterior and interior. Set to find its way Stateside in 2016, the new Passat also marks the introduction of a hybrid->ke147 model, the first for the popular moniker.

Dubbed Passat GTE, the plug-in hybrid borrows the same powertrain launched with the Golf GTE, although output has been increased to cope with the increased curb weight of a midsize sedan->ke142 and wagon->ke143. The bad news is the U.S. isn't getting the GTE anytime soon, but the launch that's set to take place at the 2014 Paris Motor Show->ke227 is a good preview of what we'll be getting in a few years.

Update 08-01-2016: Volkswagen has announced U.K. Pricing for the Volkswagen Passat GTE. Check out the Prices section below for all the details.

Click past the jump to read more about the Volkswagen Passat GTE.

2015 - 2017 Volkswagen Passat GTE

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 - 2017 Volkswagen Passat GTE
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 215 @ 5000
  • Torque: 184 @ 1500
  • Transmission: Six-speed DSG
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Based on the recently launched, Euro-spec Passat, the GTE comes with a handful of unique styling features that set it apart from its regular siblings. The most noticeable elements are the chrome grille and the blue line adorning the car's nose. The stripe is similar to the red line seen on the Golf GTI, but the GTE's sits atop the grille and extends over the headlamps. The radiator grille also incorporates the Passat's charging socket.

The bumper is also new, now consisting of a shorter, trapezoidal air inlet with two additional dams on the sides. The latter are also equipped with C-shaped daytime running lights, whereas the regular Passat features much simpler, rectangular units. Other exclusive attributes include 17-inch "Astana" alloy wheels, blue brake calipers, and GTE badges on the front fenders and trunk lid.

Interior

Naturally, the GTE's interior is transferred from the regular, Euro-spec Passat we saw lose its wraps in July 2014. There are a few special features, though, starting with the functions and display of the infotainment system and instrument cluster, which had to be adapted to the car's hybrid configuration.

Other features unique to the Passat GTE center around the blue details signaling that this Volkswagen is a hybrid. Specifically, the cabin comes with blue ambient lighting, while the steering wheel, gear shift knob are stitched with blue thread. The seats, which are wrapped in "Sevilla" cloth, come with a blue seating surface, while the the door panels are highlighted by a blue stripe.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain is what sets the Passat GTE apart from its sedan and wagon siblings. The German hybrid packs a turbocharged, 1.4-liter four-pot generating 154 horsepower and an electric motor that sends an additional 114 ponies to the front wheels through the company's familiar six-speed DSG. The total output sits at 215 horses and 295 pound-feet of torque. The combo is similar to that of the Golf GTE's, unveiled earlier in 2014, but the Passat benefits from an additional 14 horsepower and 37 pound-feet of twist.

Performance-wise, the Passat GTE needs "less than eight seconds" to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph and comes with a top speed of more than 136 mph when running on gasoline and only 80 mph in electric mode. Speaking of all-electric power, the vehicle will travel 31 miles on batteries alone. Although that figure is far from impressive, the Passat GTE's combined range is downright stunning at 622 miles.

The hybrid Passat comes with four different driving modes. Once started, the GTE drives automatically in the "E-Mode" (all-electric). When there's a high demand for extra power, the system switches over to "Hybrid", in which case the Passat behaves like a classic hybrid. Specifically, it uses the gasoline engine and charges the battery during deceleration. The third mode is "Battery Charge" and it's pretty much self-explanatory. The "Battery Charge" mode can be activated in both "E-Mode" and "Hybrid" modes, allowing the battery to recharge during the drive.

Lastly, there's the "GTE" mode, which activates the sportier side of the Passat. Both the TSI engine and the electric motor work in this mode, but, unlike other driving functions, the characteristics of the gas pedal, gearbox and steering become sportier. This is the mode in which the driver can make use of the drivetrain's full 215 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

Drivetrain/Specifications

Type

1.4-litre TSI engine

Output

154 HP @ 5,000 RPM

Electric motor

113 HP

NEDC consumption (for hybrid vehicles)

2.0 l/100 km and 13.0 kWh/100 km

CO2 emission

45 g/km

Top speed

130 km/h in all-electric mode

Top speed

220 km/h by TSI

Top speed

8.0 seconds


Prices

The new Passat GTE goes on sale on August 2, 2016, and starts out at £36,525, which translates to just over $48,000 at current exchange rates. The Passat GTE Estate starts out at £38,075. Moving up to the Advance trim levels of the GTE and GTE Estate will set you back £40,180 or £41,730, respectively. When the GTE makes its debut stateside, expect it to be priced right around $41,000 for the entry-level model.

Model

OTR Price

OTR Price with OLEV Grant

Passat GTE

£36,525

£34,025

Passat GTE Estate

£38,075

£35, 575

Passate GTE Advance

£40, 180

£37, 680

Passate GTE Advance Estate

£41,730

£39,230


Competition

Honda Accord Hybrid

Once the Passat GTE is out, Volkswagen will finally be able to compete head-to-head against the Honda Accord. The Japanese sedan was redesigned in 2013 and remained unchanged for the 2015 model year, with a facelift expected to arrive by the of 2016. The Accord will most likely keep its athletic exterior design and ergonomic interior, with a slight bump in terms of technology and convenience features. Meanwhile, the Accord is available in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid guises, both motivated by the same drivetrain.

The combo consists of a 2.0-liter, Atkinson, inline-four that makes 140 horsepower and an electric motor that generates 55 ponies. The plug-in model comes with 196 horses and 226 pound-feet of torque, which results in a 0-to-60-mph time of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of nearly 120 mph. Pricing for the 2015 Accord Hybrid starts from $35,055, while the Accord Plug-In fetches at least $39,780.

Conclusion

There's no doubt Volkswagen is doing the right thing by introducing a plug-in-hybrid version of the Passat, but it remains to be seen whether or not the GTE will have an impact on the nameplate's success. The matter is particularly important for the U.S. market, where the GTE will face strong competition in the hybrid segment. Unfortunately, we won't find out more about that for at least a couple of years.