Volkswagen has been spotted testing a prototype for a redesigned Passat.
It's due out later this year and is expected to be offered exclusively in wagon form, which VW refers to as a Variant.
Don't look for the new Passat to reach the U.S. It wouldn't reach these shores even if it had a sedan option. That's because the Passat sold in the U.S., which bowed out after 2022, uses a separate, less-expensive platform than Passats sold in the rest of the world.
The global Passat uses Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, and the redesigned model will use the updated version of this platform that features in the latest Golf and multiple other models in the VW Group portfolio of brands.
2023 Volkswagen Passat Variant spy shots - Photo credit: Baldauf
The global Passat's corporate twin, the Skoda Superb, is also due to be redesigned shortly on the updated MQB platform. However, the Skoda is expected to be available in both sedan and wagon body styles.
The powertrain lineup should consist of a series of inline-4s, including some in plug-in hybrid configuration. A redesigned Passat Alltrack soft-roader should also be coming.
Volkswagen ID.7
You might be wondering why no sedan option will be offered for the Passat. While the body style is on the decline in most markets, apart from China, VW will launch a Passat sedan alternative later this year in the form of the ID.7 electric car. The ID.7 is based on VW Group's MEB platform found in the ID.4 and upcoming ID.Buzz, and is confirmed for U.S. sale. An ID.7 wagon is also planned and could potentially also reach U.S. showrooms.
Production of the new Passat will take place at VW Group's plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. The ID.7 will be built at a plant in Emden, Germany.
