It won’t likely be available as a sedan.
The glory days of Volkswagen Passat are over. With the rise of SUVs and crossovers, the demand for this midsize sedan has been severely affected. The US will no longer be selling the Volkswagen Passat after 2023. It is widely believed that the MQB-based European model will also be discontinued. China is currently updating its version of the current-generation Passat.
VW has announced that the next-generation Passat will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a range of 62 miles (100 km) for those who aren’t ready to jump on board. Wolfsburg has not provided any additional details about the B9 generation, but Auto Express has released a report that focuses on the Opel Insignia competitor.
According to the British magazine, VW is actually killing the Passat sedan. Although the model will be available as a wagon only, it is possible to make it a hatchback. Liftback would be a better term than the Arteon which is expected to retire after only one generation.
The Passat B9 is expected to have a longer wheelbase that the current model in order to provide Skoda SUPERB levels legroom and cargo space. It is expected that the MQB platform will be retained and the turbodiesel 2.0-liter engine will still be available. The high-end models also have all-wheel drive. It is not clear if a gasoline engine will be available on its own, or as part of a combined PHEV setup. A Passat that is entirely electric will not be available, as this role was already occupied by the ID. Space Vizzion.
VW confirmed that the new Passat will be produced in Bratislava in Slovakia in 2023, although this was not mentioned in the report. It will be built alongside a new Superb and, due to (allegedly) cutting the Passat sedan’s production, there will be less competition.
The VW Group will not have to worry too much about the archrival Mondeo. Ford will eliminate its midsize sedan/wagon duo in March 2022. Stellantis, on the other hand is likely to be creating a replacement for the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia. This will, logic says, be mechanically similar to the lovely Peugeot 508.