As fleet experts, you probably know from your own experience that the Volkswagen Passat and, in particular, its derivative the Passat Variant are some of the most popular company cars on the market. And for good reason: both models are intentionally unpretentious, but at the same time, due to their innovative features, definitely belong in the premium class.

Nine generations of experience

This is what both models have already been providing for the past 50 years (well, the saloon, since the Variant first made an appearance on the automobile market in 1974 – but let’s not get lost in the particulars). Since then, over 34 million models have been sold to customers worldwide. A very admirable result, indeed! It’s hardly any wonder, then, that the value of this all-rounder is also evinced by the number of fleet registrations, for example in Germany: according to the Dataforce market research institute, in the first half of 2023, our current model found itself in first place once again, with 21,557 orders¹⁾ – and that’s 8,000 more than those of the model in second place.¹⁾ This success is likely only to be compounded by the new generation²⁾ – certainly with the new Passat Variant, whose advantages go even further: the estate now offers more room, more innovations and more value than ever before. And all that with a distinctive look that is something to behold.

“The latest stage in the evolution of the MQB evo is the highly innovative technical basis of the ninth generation of the Passat,” says Kai Grünitz, Brand Board Member for Technical Development, on the evolution of the modular transverse matrix. Thanks to huge economies of scale, Volkswagen is able to democratise numerous high-tech developments once again, making them available for hundreds of thousands of drivers. The best examples of this are the two completely newly developed plug-in hybrid drive systems (eHybrid): in conjunction with a new 19.7 kWh battery (net energy capacity), they allow for a total electric range of up to 100 km.²⁾³⁾ With this capacity for distance, the new Passat Variant is just like an everyday electric car – thanks to short charging times, as the battery can be charged at AC charging points with up to 11 kW instead of the previous 3.6 kW.²⁾ The Passat Variant eHybrid also has a charging capacity of up to 50 kW at DC fast-charging stations. Furthermore, the combination of electric motor and the new, economical turbocharged petrol engine allow for distances of up to 1,000 km.²⁾

Additionally on board the new Passat Variant is the 48 V mild hybrid drive, which transforms kinetic energy into electrical energy and allows for coasting without needing to engage the combustion engine. Two turbocharged petrol engines, as well as three turbodiesel engines, make up the drive programme. As standard: an automatic dual-clutch gear box (DSG). The most powerful TSI and TDI variants are, as standard, equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive; all other models have front-wheel drive.

Conclusion: the new Passat Variant is, after many decades, still very appealing and really goes the extra mile – which ought to be positive for fleets. Therefore, we recommend that you start writing business from now on with a P – P like Passat Variant.