This family car offers a unique combination of comfort, space, and performance, making it an irresistible alternative to SUVs. With a powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain and a refined ride, it’s perfect for both city and long journeys.

In a market dominated by SUVs, the Volkswagen Passat Variant stands out as a very attractive option for those looking for comfort, efficiency, and a refined driving experience. With a more stylized and modern design, this model goes far beyond being a simple family car. It’s an alternative that could make many SUV drivers think twice.

Power and Efficiency: The Perfect Balance

The 272 hp Volkswagen Passat Variant PHEV is the most powerful version in the range. Thanks to the combination of the 1.5 TSI petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 19.7 kWh battery, it offers an approved electric range of up to 133 km, a significant advance over previous versions.

This version not only stands out for its acceleration capacity but also for the smoothness with which it delivers power, guaranteeing a pleasant and smooth ride. While it’s not a sports car, it allows effortless overtaking and maintaining a constant high speed.

When the battery is depleted, its fuel consumption remains surprisingly low, around 5 litres per 100 km in relaxed driving. This figure puts it on par with conventional hybrids but with the advantage of a longer electric range.

Suspension and Comfort: Adaptability for All Roads

One of the Passat’s strengths is its DCC Pro adaptive suspension (optional), offering great flexibility and refinement. It allows you to adjust between a firmer, sportier mode for twisty roads and a softer, more comfortable setup on highways, maintaining a focus on comfort.

Soundproofing is excellent, especially in higher trims featuring laminated windows and enhanced insulation, ensuring a quiet cabin environment on all journeys.

A Spacious and Well-Finished Interior

The Passat’s interior has made a significant qualitative leap in its materials and finishes, with high-end elements conveying solidity and luxury. The multimedia system is more intuitive, featuring a 12.9-inch touchscreen (optional upgrade to 15-inch), compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The cabin design is sleek and functional with features such as a column-mounted gear selector, freeing up space in the centre console. However, the touch controls for the climate system, despite improvements, remain less favored by some compared to traditional physical controls seen in models like the Skoda Superb.

Space-wise, the Passat impresses in both front and rear seating. Although the PHEV version offers a slightly smaller boot (530 litres) compared to 690 litres in conventional versions, it still ranks highly in its plug-in hybrid category.

Is the Passat Variant a Better Choice Than an SUV?

The Passat Variant PHEV is an ideal choice for those seeking an efficient, well-equipped family car, challenging the SUV trend. It is smart, stylish, and well-built. Compared to similarly priced SUVs like the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Passat Variant offers advantages in interior space, ride quality, and driving dynamics.

While SUVs serve their purpose, the Passat proves that a thoughtfully designed estate car can be just as versatile, smoothly transporting people and their belongings comfortably and efficiently.

The Volkswagen Passat Variant in Facts

Category	Details
Motorization	1.5 TSI petrol engine + electric motor
Combined power	272 hp
Battery	19.7 kWh
Electric range	Up to 133 km (WLTP)
Fuel consumption	~5 l/100 km (relaxed driving)
Benefits	Powerful and smooth acceleration, effortless high cruising speed
Suspension	DCC Pro adaptive suspension (optional), configurable firm to comfortable
Acoustic comfort	Advanced soundproofing with laminated windows (higher trims)
Interior	High-end materials, solid finishes, luxurious feel
Multimedia system	12.9" touchscreen (optional 15"), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Interior design	Column-mounted gear selector, extra center console space
Air conditioning	Touch controls (improved, but some prefer physical controls)
Interior space	Spacious front and rear seating
Trunk capacity	530 litres (PHEV) vs 690 litres (conventional)
Dimensions (L×W×H)	4,917 mm × 1,849 mm × 1,516 mm
Approximate price	From just over €50,000
SUV comparison	More interior space, better ride quality and driving dynamics compared to Volkswagen Tiguan