The recent success of the Volkswagen Passat has a lot to do with its North American production, which allowed the sedan->ke142 to become more competitive in price while also receiving a region-specific design that best caters to buyers. By moving vehicle assembly to Chattanooga, TN, VW was able to lower the price of the 2012 Passat by thousands of dollars over the outgoing 2010 model, and VW has even more value-laden plans in store for the 2015 model year.

Unlike its name suggests, the 2015 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition is not actually a limited-production model. Instead, it simultaneously replaces both the Wolfsburg Edition and SE trims by bundling together a bunch of the Passat’s popular equipment, and it does so with a much lower starting price. The Passat S is still positioned below the Limited Edition as the entry-level trim level on the Passat 1.8T, while the SEL Premium continues to be the top trim for the Passat across the full range (1.8T, TDI and V-6).

Continue reading to learn more about the 2015 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition.

2015 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Standing as the new mid-level trim, the 2015 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition is differentiated from the base model by 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, chrome window trim and fog lights. Not a major change, but enough to justify the marginal step up in price.

Interior

The 2015 Passat already has the largest interior in the segment, and the Limited Edition makes the interior even more enticing. It includes standard features such as VW’s V-tex leatherette seats with an eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, heated front seats, touchscreen radio with SiriusXM and an eight-speaker sound system, a rearview camera and keyless access with push-button start.

Drivetrain

Based on the official press release, it seems that the Limited Edition is only available on 2015 Volkswagen Passat models equipped with the base 1.8-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission. This turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder is rated at 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and it returns EPA-rated fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The 2015 Passat is also available with the class-exclusive, 44-mpg 2.0-liter diesel engine as well as the 280-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6.

Prices

On sale now, the 2015 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition is priced at $23,995, which doesn’t include the $820 destination charge. Volkswagen says that this price represents $2,755 worth of added equipment over the base Passat S with the automatic, but it only adds $1,555 to the overall price. The Passat Limited Edition is also $380 less expensive than the 2014 Passat Wolfsburg Edition and $2,285 less than the 2014 Passat SE.

Competition

2015 Toyota Camry

When it comes to sales, all mid-size sedans are chasing the Toyota Camry, and have been for some time. For 2015, the Camry finally gets a style that can be considered competitive with more fashionable sedans like the Ford Fusion and Kia Optima. The new design is only helping to make the Camry even more popular in the segment it has dominated for the better part of two decades.

Aside from its reliability, the biggest advantage the 2015 Toyota Camry holds over its rivals is its diverse selection of model offerings. For starters, there are three powertrain options, including the Camry Hybrid with its 43-mpg highway rating, and there is also an assortment of trim levels, including the sporty-looking Camry XSE and the upscale Camry XLE. Pricing for the 2015 Toyota Camry ranges from $24,460 for the base Camry LE up to $31,565 for the Camry Hybrid XLE.

2015 Chrysler 200

The Toyota Camry might have an all-new look for 2015, but it’s the 2015 Chrysler 200 that sets the bar in this segment when it comes to style. Making the 2015 Chrysler 200 an even better buy, the sedan can be equipped with Chrysler’s award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 rated at 295 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Rounding out the key reasons why it's a top contender, the 2015 Chrysler 200 is one of the more affordable mid-size sedans on the market, with a starting price of $21,800. Stepping past the base trim level, Chrysler also offers its sedan as the sporty 200S starting at just $24,825 or the luxury-minded 200C priced at $26,325.

Conclusion

Positioned in a high-volume segment, Volkswagen is looking to make the Passat stand out as much as possible, and the addition of the Limited Edition trim level for 2015 is a good step. Buyers can now opt for some of the more popular features offered on the Passat without spending as much. In a day where entry-level mid-size sedans can easily crest the $40,000 mark, added value is always a bonus.