The plug-in hybrid version of the Euro-spec 2020 VW
Passat facelift goes on sale in Europe offering not only more tech features,
but also a bigger battery pack for longer drives on EV mode. The 2020 Passat GTE now features
a 31 percent larger battery, with a 13kWh capacity compared to the 9.9kWh of
the pre-facelift model. This gives the electrified Passat an EV range up to 56 km under the WLTP cycle.
The previous model was measured under the less
accurate NEDC standards, giving it an all-electric range of 50 km,
with VW saying that, under the old standards, the new version’s EV range is
measured at 70 km. The powertrain remains more or less the same, still combining a
1.4-liter TSI with 156 PS combined with a 113 HP electric motor for a
total of 215 HP and 400 Nm of torque, driving the front
wheels via a specially developed six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The 2020 Passat GTE comes with three driving modes,
instead of the old one’s five: “EV” for pure electric driving, “GTE” for the
sportiest performance, and the (self explanatory) “Hybrid”. At longer distances and at speeds
over 140 km/h, the electric motor acts as a booster to the TSI petrol
engine, while the driver can choose how much of the battery’s capacity should
be reserved for a zero-emissions drive close to the destination at the end of
the journey.
Other changes include features already introduced to
the rest of the lineup with the recent facelift that consist of an updated
interior with a new steering wheel, upgraded digital instrument cluster,
all-new infotainment system with an up to 9.2-inches touchscreen display,
advanced voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Its active safety kit has also gained the new Travel
Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system that can drive the car up to speeds of 210 km/h. A capacitive steering wheel detects if the drivers have
their hands on the rim, issuing a warning signal if it detects their absence
for more than 10 seconds. The revamped Passat GTE is available to order now in Germany, in both
sedan and wagon bodystyles, with pricing starting from 44,795 euros (US$ 49,700).
