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Ever since 2011, America and Europe always got different versions of the Passat sedan. The most recent refresh is an example. Here, we got something a little bigger than the previous generation, and Europe's model relates to the Skoda Superb liftback sedan. Volkswagen has finalized the sedan's future, and some of Volkswagen's executives wanted to chop it. But, the popular vehicle is staying here for good.
The new ninth generation should arrive in 2023, and it will merge with Europe's version, meaning that the entire world will get the same model. Europe's wagon variant won't make it here, though, but expect the Alltrack version to compete with Subaru's bestselling Outback. Volkswagen Group's CEO, despite other's desires to ax the sedan, saw no good reason the discontinue the vehicle, and pointed out the popularity of the Arteon and Jetta sedans. Also, the Passat could use some updates here in the US (even though the eighth generation just arrived), since our version rides on VW's PQ46 platform which dates back to 2005, while Europe's Passat has the newer MQB platform that underpins many cars under the VW Group umbrella.
So, the new Passat will, in fact, receive the MQB platform worldwide. It will support front and all wheel drive. There is a production version of the ID Vizzion EV Concept coming at some point, so expect the Passat to be similar in size and even shape. Also expect hybrid and PHEV variants, as well as an EV option (although we doubt that would work with the ID Vizzion). The Passat will be more upscale in 2023, as it will be marketed as a premium sedan. The design is almost completely finalized and it sets its sights on 'accommodation and load-carrying ability'. A VW insider even stated that "With the Arteon, we already have a style leader in the segment. This leaves the door open for the Passat to become even more space-orientated than today's model."
Source Credits: CarBuzz
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