VOLKSWAGEN Passat Variant GTE Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

With over 30 million Passats manufactured over the span of seven distinct generations, the eighth iteration of the nameplate in plug-in hybrid Variant GTE guise was unveiled in 2019 alongside other versions of the mid-sized model.

With tons of features infused in the revamped model, most of it having been borrowed from the more premium car brands under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, the eighth generation of the Volkswagen Passat has received one of the most technologically advanced mid-cycle facelifts in the model's history.

Inside, mostly thanks to new hardware and software, the new Digital Cockpit has been massively improved compared to the previous Active Info Display. With much enhanced graphics and improved features, the system now offers three various display configurations can be customized using the redesigned multifunction steering wheel.

The GTE plug-in hybrid has received a considerably higher all-electric range, with up to 55 kilometers being covered in the WLTP cycle, which correspond to approximately 70 kilometers in the old NEDC. Most of the changes that With the electric motor being paired with a turbocharged internal combustion engine, the combined maximum output of the two is a healthy 218 horsepower when used in hybrid mode. The mid-cycle revamp is less visible in terms of exterior updates, but there are new matrix LED headlights and even new interactive light functions thanks to the 44 LEDs in either of the two headlamps.

At the 2014 Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen showed its cleanest Passat version, the GTE. The new plug-in hybrid had the advantages of low running costs based on a trusted platform.

After the big scandal over the Dieselgate, where Volkswagen Group had to pay billions of dollars to the U.S. in fines and fixes for the cars it sold, the German car manufacturer switched its focus to build plug-in hybrid vehicles with fuel-efficient gasoline engines and electric motors.

When compared to other engine variants of the Passat, the GTE could be recognized by its specific chromed grille with an additional blue line. The front bumper was also redesigned in the lower air scoops and some C-shaped LED daytime running lights were added. The LED headlights were fitted as standard. From the side, the 17" "Astana" light-alloy wheels were featured as standard. In the rear, a pair of fake twin chromed exhausts were fitted on the lower side of the bumper.

Inside the cabin, there were few specific features for the Passat GTE station wagon. The standard infotainment unit with a 6.5" touch-screen display was installed. Blue ambient lighting and blue stitches for the leather-trimmed steering wheel were part of the specific features. The car's charging system and the climate control unit could have been controlled via a smartphone specific app. For the trunk area, the Passat Variant GTE offered 650 liters (23 cu-ft") of space. On the rear side windows, the window defroster was fitted as standard.

The main advantage of a Passat Variant GTE was the possibility to be driven in electric mode, hybrid mode, or just with the gasoline engine, on higher speeds where the electric motor wouldn't be efficient.