When it comes to midsize sedans, the Passat is an undeniable name; it is perhaps the earliest recognition of B-class cars for many Chinese automobile consumers.
Over the past 24 years, the Passat has introduced four generations in China, with a cumulative user base exceeding 3.5 million.
Now, this sedan, which has left a significant mark in the Chinese B-class car market, is welcoming its latest generation in the country.
The all-new Passat Pro officially debuted at the Chengdu Auto Show on August 30, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of SAIC Volkswagen, and is now open for reservations.
Despite the rapid proliferation of new energy vehicles, the market for traditional gasoline cars remains substantial, which is one reason why the Passat Pro has chosen to continue relying on pure gasoline power.
In terms of powertrains, the Passat Pro will be available with three engine options: a 1.5T, a low-powered 2.0T, and a high-powered 2.0T, each paired with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. After the launch of the new generation Passat Pro, the previous model will not be discontinued immediately but will undergo a price adjustment and model variation, adopting a sales strategy that offers both new and old models together.
Visually, the Passat Pro has undergone a noticeable transformation towards a more youthful look. The car's body lines remain smooth and dynamic; the front features a dual grille design similar to that of the Tiguan L Pro, available in two design styles: the Pioneer Edition (standard version) and the Starry Edition (R-Line). The main difference lies in the design of the lower front grille, where the Pioneer Edition sports horizontal chrome trim, leaning toward a more business-like appearance, while the Starry Edition boasts a diamond mesh grille design with a blacked-out finish, emphasizing a sportier vibe.
In addition to the different grille designs, the front of the Passat Pro incorporates several elements from the Volkswagen ID. family, such as a continuous LED daytime running light and an illuminated Volkswagen logo, while the IQ.Light matrix LED headlights are also equipped.
The side design of the Passat Pro continues its tradition of being sleek and elongated. A character line runs from the front fender to the top of the tail light, providing coherence while enhancing the overall car quality with additional line and curve elements. The dimensions of 5006/1850/1489mm (L/W/H) represent an increase over the previous model, while the 2871mm wheelbase remains consistent with the old version.
Moreover, unlike the currently popular hidden door handle design, the Passat Pro retains traditional mechanical door handles, which better align with the car's overall design style.
At the rear, the Passat Pro features a continuous taillight design that corresponds with the front, and the VW logo is also illuminated. Additionally, the Pioneer and Starry Editions differ in bumper design. The Pioneer Edition incorporates chrome strip enhancements, while the Starry Edition adopts a continuous reflective strip design.
Interior-wise, the Passat Pro embraces Volkswagen's latest design language, which we have encountered previously in the Tiguan L Pro. The vehicle features a tri-screen layout consisting of a 10.3-inch instrument display, a 15-inch 2K central touchscreen, and an 11.6-inch passenger entertainment screen, significantly enhancing the tech ambiance compared to the previous models.
Additionally, the Passat Pro has made significant advancements in smart connectivity features, equipped with an 8155 chip in the central touchscreen, complemented by 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It supports 5G communication, smart navigation, intelligent voice command, the Tencent ecosystem, and mobile connectivity. The smart voice system, developed in collaboration with iFlytek, promises a better interactive experience, rivaling some new energy vehicles.
Beyond enhancements in smart cabin technology, SAIC Volkswagen has also partnered with DJI to develop a new IQ.Pilot intelligent driving assistance system, featuring L2+ driving capabilities. We previously experienced this system in the Tiguan L Pro, and it does indeed change perceptions of traditional gasoline vehicles.
As one of the benchmark products in the traditional B-class vehicle market, the Passat Pro continues to maintain its spacious advantage. The rear space has been redesigned for improved comfort, with an additional 10mm of cushion filling in the rear seats. The rear seats now also feature electrically adjustable angles, allowing for adjustments between 22° and 32°. Furthermore, ventilation, heating, and massage functions are no longer exclusive to the front seats; the left and right rear seats also come with these features.
Other luxury features, such as a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, supportive rear headrests, and a smart in-car fragrance system, are included in the Passat Pro's configuration list, making it the model that offers the most "emotional value" to date.
As a benchmark product in the B-class vehicle segment and one of SAIC Volkswagen's pillar models, the expectations for the Passat Pro are quite clear.
The soon-to-be-released all-new Passat Pro demonstrates significant improvements in design, space, smart features, and driving capabilities, with product strength that could potentially outpace traditional B-class gasoline competitors. However, with the increasing prevalence of new energy vehicles and the integration of smart and connected technologies across all price ranges, the competitive pressure on the Passat Pro should not be underestimated. The pricing strategy will be a critical factor for this generation of the Passat.
Reportedly, the all-new Passat Pro will officially launch on September 10.
