The Volkswagen Passat is dead in North America but the mid-size model continues to lead a rather healthy life on the European continent. In fact, a new generation is being developed and will only be available as an estate version. We don’t have an exact launch date yet, but we have new spy photos showing that work on the 2024 Passat is progressing.
This white prototype was recently captured by our photographers in snowy Sweden while testing clever camouflage on public roads. In fact, it’s the same car we also spied about a month ago and it looks like the Wolfsburg-based company is still in Northern Europe to complete its cold-weather testing program for the new Passat. It may look almost exactly like today’s model for Europe, but it’s not exactly the case.
18 Pictures
One thing’s for sure – Volkswagen won’t be making any drastic changes to the exterior of the Passat – but don’t let this disguised tester fool you. There will be massive tweaks to the front fascia bringing the D-segment vehicle closer to the current styling of the Golf MK8 and also borrowing design cues from Volkswagen’s ID family. The wheelbase is extended, giving the long-roofed VW very sleek proportions. That huge rear overhang hints at a bigger boot compared to today’s model.
The German automaker is slowly but surely electrifying its entire model range and the new Passat will not be left behind. It will likely become the last Passat in history with combustion engines, although those turbocharged petrol and diesel mills will get some kind of hybrid assist. A plug-in hybrid powertrain also seems certain, but an all-electric model isn’t in the cards. Instead, Volkswagen will launch the Aero B electric sedan with similar external dimensions.
Europe is always hungry for practical wagons and Volkswagen will meet some of those needs in the mainstream segment, where the new Passat 2024 will share its underpinnings and powertrain options with the New generation Skoda Superb. Both will be built on the same assembly lines in Bratislava, Slovakia, and we expect to see them both launched on the continent later this year.
