The next-gen Passat is going to be unified, which means it will be the exact same car everywhere in the world.
Volkswagen boasts that the Passat has sold more than 30,000,000 units. The company’s most beloved nameplate, the Passat, is currently being built in 10 factories across three continents for over 100 markets. While the name “Passat” is widely used around the globe, the MQB-based European version of the vehicle is far more advanced than its American counterpart. However, it still uses PQ46 underpinnings that were in place more than 15 years ago.
This will change when the next-generation model is released. Autocar
According to reliable sources, the Passat B9 will use an updated MQB platform around the globe and will be priced higher. Technically, the Euro-spec version will not be manufactured by VW. The Emden plant in Germany will finish the assembly of the sedan and wagon. According to an announcement made November 2018, the next Passat will not be manufactured by VW. However, the assembly of the midsize sedan and wagon at the Emden plant in Germany will end.
The Passat’s future was in doubt for over a year, as VW considered scrapping the model. The head honchos decided that the model would be kept alive. This is a vehicle the Wolfsburg brand has sold without interruptions for 36 year. For better legroom, the next-generation model will be larger and have a longer wheelbase.
The tracks will be widened to improve practicality, while conservative design will place more emphasis on interior space than extravagant styling. The Arteon will once again play a role in making the Passat more appealing. It recently underwent a mid-cycle upgrade that brought a wagon body style, as well as a plug-in hybrid and spicy R derivatives.
Autocar states that the Passat B9 will still be available with a long roof and an Alltrack sibling. It’s unclear whether the regular model will be a sedan or if it will change to a more practical liftback design in the same vein of the Arteon and Superb. The design is reportedly complete, and the new MQB platform will provide greater support for electrification including pure EV.
Further, the report mentions that VW will have the new Passat available in the United Kingdom by 2023. This should be in line with the European rollout. It is still unclear if North America and other markets will be forced to wait any longer. If you are an anti-SUV group and you really appreciate that the Passat is still around, then you will have to thank VW’s Chinese division for the new model. They are believed to have been the driving force behind B9, convincing German top-ranking officials to approve the next-gen Passat to meet China’s strong demand for sedans even in today’s crossover/SUV market.