Despite the ongoing diesel scandal, Volkswagen launched the Passat GTE plug-in hybrid to the German market.
This marks the second plug-in for Volkswagen’s European line-up, with the Passat GTE following in the footsteps of the Golf GTE.
The Volkswagen Passat GTE is now available for €44,250 (about $49,540) for the sedan and €45,250 (about $50,660) for the estate.
Volkswagen uses a 156 PS 1.4 TSI turbocharged direct petrol injection engine and a 85kW/115PS three-phase permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and a 9.9 kWh lithium-ion high-voltage battery to power the Passat GTE. The combined output is 160kW/218PS with a maximum system torque of 400Nm (295lb-ft). The gearbox is an automatic six-speed DSG with three clutches (dual clutch plus disengagement clutch) that was specially developed for hybrid use.
Thanks to this battery, the Passat GTE can cover a distance of up to 31 miles (50 km) in all-electric mode and thus with zero emissions. The NEDC consumption under 1.6 l/100 km (176.5 mpg UK or 147 mpg US) and 12.2 kWh/100 km, corresponding to CO2 emissions of just 37 g/km. With a full 50-litre fuel tank and fully charged battery, the Passat GTE offers a combined driving range of 1,114 km (692 miles).
The Volkswagen Passat GTE sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph). In all-electric mode, top speed is limited to 130 km/h (81 mph).
Along with the GTE, the German automaker is also launching the new Alltrack version of the Passat. Based on the Variant wagon, the new Passat Alltrack packs all-wheel drive and more rugged styling inside and out for a treatment similar to what Audi does for its Allroad models. In Passat form, the Alltrack will set German buyers back €38,550.
