At a time when the vast majority of brands bet on electrification (see the example of Mercedes-Benz with the plug-in hybrid versions of Class A and B), Volkswagen also reinforced the arguments of the GTE Pass , which joins the updated range.
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the renewed plug-in hybrid of the Wolfsburg brand combines the 1.4 TSI engine with 156 hp with an electric motor of 85 kW (116 hp), achieving a combined power of 218 hp. In this renovation, the Passat GTE saw the battery increase its capacity from 9.9 kWh to 13 kWh.
This allowed a 40% increase in electric autonomy, with the Passat GTE being able to travel in 100% electric mode 56 km (55 km in the case of the van), this already in accordance with the WLTP cycle.
How much will it cost?
By default, and if the battery has enough charge, the Passat GTE always starts in “E-Mode”, ie in 100% electric mode. In addition to this, two more driving modes are available: “GTE”, intended for sporty driving, which offers the full power of the system, and “Hybrid”, which automatically switches between the electric motor and the combustion engine.
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As for charging, the Passat GTE's battery can either be recharged on-the-go (in “Hybrid” mode) or via a 3.6 kW charger. In a conventional 230 V/2.3 kW socket, a full recharge takes 6h15min . In a 360 V/3.6 kW Wallbox or charging station, charging takes 4 hours.
Scheduled for arrival in September, the Passat GTE will have prices starting at 45 200 euros (48 500 euros in the case of the van). As the price is below 50,000 euros, the Passat GTE is still eligible for various tax benefits if purchased by companies, with VAT being deductible and autonomous taxation at 17.5% (instead of the usual 35%).