Volkswagen Passat (North America and China)

The Volkswagen Passat for the North American and Chinese markets (internally designated Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan, or NMS while under development[1]) is a mid-size sedan that debuted in January 2011 at the Detroit Auto Show. It replaced the B6 Passat in the North American market. The Passat NMS was marketed in North America, the Middle East,[2] South Korea and China, with no wagon/estate version available. In China, it is sold alongside the long-wheelbase version of the European Passat known as the Magotan.

This article is about the 2011–present Volkswagen Passat model sold in North America and China. For other models of Passat, see Volkswagen Passat.
Volkswagen Passat (NMS)
Second-generation Passat (North America)
Overview
ManufacturerVolkswagen
Production2011–present (China)
2011–2022 (United States)
Model years2012–2022 (North America)
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size car (D)
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel drive
Chronology
Predecessor

At its introduction, the Passat NMS was part of Volkswagen Group's strategy to sell over 800,000 vehicles per year in the North American market by 2018.[3][4] While it is larger, the model is more downscale compared to the European-market Passat to achieve a lower price point in order to penetrate the mainstream mid-size sedan market in the North American market.[5][6]

The second-generation Passat for North America and China diverged into two different models, both released in 2019. The North American Passat continued to use the same platform with the A32/A33 Passat NMS introduced in 2011, making it a reskinned version of its predecessor. The Chinese-market Passat launched in 2019 is built on a completely different platform, which is the Volkswagen Group MQB, and has been lengthened in wheelbase and overall length compared to its predecessor.

First generation (A32/A33; 2011)
First generation (A32/A33)
Overview
Production2011–2019
Model years2012–2019
Assembly
DesignerOliver Stefani
Body and chassis
PlatformVolkswagen Group PQ46
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,803 mm (110.4 in)
Length4,870 mm (191.7 in)
Width1,834 mm (72.2 in)
Height1,472 mm (58.0 in)
Rear view
Volkswagen Passat NMS (China)

Volkswagen released a sketch of the Passat NMS in February 2009 and a more detailed, second sketch on 28 October 2009.[7][8] The Passat NMS reflects a design language developed by Walter de Silva, the Italian design chief for the Volkswagen Group, and Klaus Bischoff, the German design leader for the Volkswagen brand. The Passat NMS interior borrows design elements from the European Passat, e.g., the traditional clock.

The vehicle was developed by SAIC-Volkswagen and Volkswagen Passenger Cars,[9] and it sits on an extended version of the European car’s platform, which makes it 3.9 in (10 cm) longer, 0.5 in (1.3 cm) wider and therefore offers larger cabin space.

In the United States, it is produced in Volkswagen Group of America's new Chattanooga, Tennessee production facility using 80% US-sourced parts.[10] The new facility is a "flex plant" which will allow for the production of vehicles based on the NMS and MQB platforms.[11][12][13]

The American version of the 2013 model year Volkswagen Passat made its way to Middle Eastern markets, namely Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, by the summer of 2012.[14] The five-seater sedan is available in four trim levels, all with a 170 hp (172 PS; 127 kW) 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission only.[15]

In China, the new model is built by SAIC-Volkswagen at its Nanjing factory[16][17] and is marketed as a more upscale model with some interior and exterior differences to the North American model, such as wood-trimmed steering wheel, rear air vents, and LED accented headlights.

Facelift

Volkswagen refreshed the North American Passat in 2015 for the 2016 model year with styling and technology updates,[18][19] including revised hood, front fenders, front and rear bumpers, and trunklid.

The Passat now offers optional LED headlights and taillights, a black-accented front bumper, a rear diffuser-like piece and 19-inch wheels.

The updated dashboard features the company's MIB II system (modular infotainment platform) with two sizes of touch screens available, depending on option package. These screens also will feature proximity sensors to pop up the relevant controls as the hand gets closer to the screen. The system is set to offer Volkswagen's Car-Net connectivity system, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink compatibility, which allows connection to a smartphone.

The revised Passat featured as standard equipment a rearview camera as well as automatic post-collision braking, which prevents the car from pinballing from an accident and crashing into other objects after an initial impact. Adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor with rear traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and parking steering assist are all available depending on trim level.

  • Facelift (North America)
    Facelift (North America)
  • Facelift (North America)
    Facelift (North America)
  • 2018 Passat GT (facelift)
    2018 Passat GT (facelift)
  • Facelift (China)
    Facelift (China)

North America

In Canada and the United States, the Passat NMS was initially released with a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, 2.0-liter TDI engine and 3.6-liter VR6 engine. For the 2014 model year, a new 1.8-liter TSI 4-cylinder engine replaced the 2.5-liter inline-5 in North America. For the 2015 model year, a new 2.0-liter EA288 TDI with increased power replaced the previous EA189 2.0-liter TDI in North America. Due to the Volkswagen emissions scandal, TDI models were permanently discontinued after the 2015 model year.

The 2016 Passat was planned to offer the same three engine choices featured in the outgoing car: the base-model 1.8-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder, the 3.6-liter VR6, and the 2.0-liter TDI diesel four-cylinder. The 1.8 T will do 38 mpg‑US (6.2 L/100 km) highway with the automatic transmission. Following the company's emissions scandal, VW halted sales of 2.0-liter TDI-equipped vehicles. The 2.0-liter TSI was offered in place of the TDI.


For 2018, the previous 1.8-liter TSI 4-cylinder engine for base Passat models has been replaced by a 2.0-liter TSI 4-cylinder engine, sourced from the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan. Models with the 3.6 VR6 engine were discontinued after the 2018 model year.

Gasoline engines
Model Displacement Series Power Torque Transmission Model years
1.8 TSI 1,798 cc (109.7 cu in) I4 EA888 170 hp (172 PS; 127 kW) 184 lb⋅ft (249 N⋅m) 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic 2014–2017
2.0 TSI 1,984 cc (121.1 cu in) I4 EA888 174 hp (176 PS; 130 kW) 184 lb⋅ft (249 N⋅m) 6-speed DSG 2018–2019
2.5 MPI 2,480 cc (151.3 cu in) I5 07K 170 hp (172 PS; 127 kW) 177 lb⋅ft (240 N⋅m) 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic 2012–2013
3.6 VR6 FSI 3,597 cc (219.5 cu in) VR6 EA390 280 hp (284 PS; 209 kW) 258 lb⋅ft (350 N⋅m) 6-speed DSG 2012–2018
Diesel engines
2.0 TDI 1,968 cc (120 cu in) I4 EA189 140 hp (142 PS; 104 kW) 236 lb⋅ft (320 N⋅m) 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG 2012–2014
2.0 TDI 1,968 cc (120 cu in) I4 EA288 150 hp (152 PS; 112 kW) 236 lb⋅ft (320 N⋅m) 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG 2015–2016

China

In China, the NMS is offered with a base 1.4-liter TSI available with a 5-speed manual or 7-speed DSG. The 1.8-liter variant was available with the 6–speed automatic or 7–speed DSG gearbox and the 2.0-liter TSI and 3.0-liter VR6 come standard with 6– and 7–speed DSG gearboxes.

Gasoline engines
Model Displacement Power Torque Transmission
1.4 '280 TSI' 1,390 cc (84.8 cu in) I4 128 hp (130 PS; 95 kW) 220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft) 5-speed manual or 7-speed DSG
1.8 '330 TSI' 1,798 cc (109.7 cu in) I4 158 hp (160 PS; 118 kW) 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
2.0 '380 TSI' 1,984 cc (121.1 cu in) I4 197 hp (200 PS; 147 kW) 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) 6-speed DSG
3.0 VR6 FSI 2,975 cc (182 cu in) VR6 247 hp (250 PS; 184 kW) 310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) 6-speed DSG

Reception

The Passat NMS won the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year. The 2013 Passat TDI sets new Guinness World Record for fuel economy under the non-hybrid car category. It achieved a fuel consumption of only 3.02 liters on 100 kilometers (77.99 mpg).[20]

In a March 2012 comparison test by Car and Driver, the Volkswagen Passat NMS came in first place out of six cars.[21] In a November 2012 comparison by the same magazine with three since-redesigned competitors, the Passat placed last.[22]

In another 2012 comparison test by Motor Trend, the Volkswagen Passat NMS came in first place out of six cars.[23]

Recall

On November 23, 2020, Passats from 2016 to 2019 model years were recalled since the front seat back adjustment levers may not be engaged correctly, increasing risks of injuries.[24]

Second generation

North America (2019)
Second generation (North America)
Overview
Production2019–2022
Model years2020–2022
AssemblyUnited States: Chattanooga, Tennessee (Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly Plant)
Body and chassis
PlatformVolkswagen Group PQ46
Powertrain
EngineGasoline:
2.0 L TSI I4
3.6 L VR6 (GT)
Transmission6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,803 mm (110.4 in)
Length4,875 mm (191.9 in)
Width1,834 mm (72.2 in)
Height1,487 mm (58.5 in)
Rear view

The 2020 MY Passat is essentially a reskinned version of the earlier model, foregoing the Volkswagen Group MQB platform used on most on other Volkswagen models. Features include revised exterior styling and wheel combinations, a suite of standard driver assistance technologies, and a 6.33-inch touchscreen infotainment system with next-generation VW CarNet 4G LTE in-vehicle telematics. It is exclusive to North America, as China gets its own version of Passat.

The revised Passat NMS does not offer a fully digital LCD instrument cluster or an 8-speed automatic transmission that are offered on other VW models. The Passat had previously been discontinued in Mexico after the 2018 model year and this revised Passat is not sold in that market, with the Jetta taking its place.[25]

The second generation is still powered by a 174 hp (176 PS; 130 kW), 2.0-liter TSI I4 gasoline engine and six-speed automatic transmission from the first generation, the new Passat is available in four trim levels: base S, midlevel SE, sporty R-Line, and range-topping SEL. Only the SEL offers full leather-trimmed seating surfaces, a Fender premium audio system and Park Distance Control (PDC). The R-Line sports a unique front fascia, as well as larger alloy wheels and tires. The 2020 Passat went on sale at Volkswagen dealerships nationwide in the fall of 2019.

In the Canadian market, the Passat is offered in three trim levels: Comfortline, Highline and Execline (available with the optional R-Line package).

Apart from the North American market, this version of the Passat is also available in the Middle East.[26]

Discontinuation and Limited Edition

After initially planning to discontinue the Passat in 2023,[27] Volkswagen ended Passat production in the United States after the 2022 model year. The final build rolled off the Chattanooga production line in December 2021.[28] To commemorate the end of the Passat nameplate (which VW had offered since 1973) and production in the United States, Volkswagen offered a Limited Edition with 1,973 produced in four different color combinations. The production figures for the Limited Edition Passat signify the following:

  • 423 (Racing Green Metallic): The telephone area code (423) for the Chattanooga, Tennessee area, where the NMS Volkswagen Passat was produced.
  • 411 (Kings Red Metallic): The chassis code (411) for the original first-generation Passat.
  • 524 (Pure White Clear Coat): The date (May 24, 2011) that the assembly plant in Chattanooga began production of the Passat.
  • 615 (Platinum Gray Metallic): The number of generations of Passat produced (6), the number of generations of Passat produced at the Chattanooga assembly plant (1), and the number of decades that the Volkswagen Passat has been sold in the United States (5).[29] Coincidentally, 615 had been the area code for Chattanooga from 1954 until the creation of 423 in 1995.

China (2019)
Second generation (China)
Overview
Production2019–present
AssemblyChina: Nanjing (SAIC-VW)
Body and chassis
PlatformVolkswagen Group MQB
RelatedVolkswagen Passat/Magotan (B8)
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor3-phase permanent magnet synchronous electric motor (Passat PHEV GTE)
Transmission7-speed DSG
Hybrid drivetrainPHEV (Passat PHEV GTE)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,871 mm (113.0 in)
Length4,908 mm (193.2 in)
Width1,836 mm (72.3 in)
Height1,469 mm (57.8 in)
Rear view

Revealed on October 12, 2018 by SAIC Volkswagen, the Chinese market 2019 Passat replaces the Passat NMS in China. Despite the high resemblance between the Chinese and North American Passats, they are completely different models based on different platforms. The Chinese market 2019 Passat is built on the newer Volkswagen Group MQB platform together with third generation Magotan, which is a long-wheelbase version of the European B8 Passat.[30] Trim levels are known as the 280 TSI, 330 TSI and 380 TSI. 280 TSI models receive the 1.4-liter EA211 engine, while 330 TSI and 380 TSI models receive the 2.0-liter EA888 engine. All models are available with 7-speed DSG gearbox as standard.

GTE
Volkswagen Passat PHEV

The Passat PHEV GTE in China was launched in October 2018 and boasts an overall combined range of up to 1,043 km (648 mi). In pure electric mode, it has a maximum range of up to 63 km (39 mi) and a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph).[31]

2022 model year facelift

For the 2022 model year, the Passat built by Shanghai Volkswagen is giving the Passat a facelift in the Chinese market. The updated model gets a restyled chrome front grille with honeycomb-shaped chrome inserts, along with updated LED headlights and a cleaner front bumper design. As for the rear, the updated design features a full-width light bar.[32]

  • Chinese Volkswagen Passat 2022MY Noble Edition
    Chinese Volkswagen Passat 2022MY Noble Edition
  • Chinese Volkswagen Passat 2022MY Noble Edition (rear)
    Chinese Volkswagen Passat 2022MY Noble Edition (rear)
  • Chinese Volkswagen Passat 2022MY Starry Sky Elite Edition
    Chinese Volkswagen Passat 2022MY Starry Sky Elite Edition
  • Chinese Volkswagen Passat 2022MY Starry Sky Elite Edition (rear)
    Chinese Volkswagen Passat 2022MY Starry Sky Elite Edition (rear)

Sales
Calendar year United States China[33]
2011 22,779[34] 165,858
2012 117,023[35] 233,321
2013 109,652[36] 227,262
2014 96,649[37] 218,344
2015 78,207[38] 205,794
2016 73,002[39] 188,214
2017 60,722[39] 160,324
2018 41,401[40] 179,028
2019 14,213[40] 214,061
2020 22,964[41] 145,805
2021 24,396[42] 124,402

References
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  2. "Volkswagen Passat 2012 now in UAE, KSA, Oman and GCC". Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  3. "Volkswagen Passat (2011): the American one". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  4. Brown, Chris. "How Will VW Sell 800,000 Units in America?". www.businessfleet.com. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  5. "2012 Volkswagen Passat: Made in America". The Car Guide. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
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  7. "First Sketch of the Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan". PaulTan.org. 13 February 2009. Retrieved 9 September 2009.
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  9. "Passat (USA version)". Volkswagen Newsroom. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
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  11. "UPDATE: VW announces Chattanooga-made SUV, and 2,000 new jobs". timesfreepress.com. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  12. Siler, Steve (27 October 2016). "2018 Volkswagen Atlas: VW's Three-Row SUV for America Finally Arrives". Car and Driver.
  13. "First Look: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas". www.automobilemag.com.
  14. "Chattanooga-made Volkswagen Passat to be exported to Middle East | Nooga.com". Nooga. 26 January 2012.
  15. "Volkswagen Passat 2012 now in UAE, KSA, Oman and GCC | DriveArabia". DriveArabia.
  16. "Shanghai Volkswagen to Release the NMS in the Second Quarter of 2011". ChinaAutoWeb.com.
  17. "Both VW NMS and Seventh Generation Passat Are Coming to China". ChinaAutoWeb.com.
  18. "Volkswagen debuts 2016 US-market Passat, remains committed to diesel option". CNET.
  19. "2016 Volkswagen Passat: The New Family Resemblance". Car And Driver. 21 September 2015.
  20. "Lowest fuel consumption driving to 48 contiguous US States (diesel car)". Guinness World Records.
  21. "2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vs. 2012 Honda Accord EX-L, 2012 Hyundai Sonata SE, 2012 Kia Optima EX, 2012 Toyota Camry SE, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5 SE". 31 March 2012.
  22. "2013 Ford Fusion SE EcoBoost vs. 2013 Honda Accord EX, 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5 SE". 19 October 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  23. "Comparison: 2012–2013 Midsize Sedan, Battle of the Best-Sellers".
  24. "Volkswagen Passat recibe Recall en México".
  25. "5 modelos que tuvimos en México pero los perdimos".
  26. "Passat | Volkswagen Middle East | Book a test drive". www.vw.com.sa. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  27. Panait, Mircea (21 November 2020). "American Volkswagen Passat Will Cease Production in 2023, No Replacement Planned". autoevolution. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  28. "Volkswagen of America, Inc on LinkedIn: #VWPassat #vwchattanooga #PassatProud | 55 comments". www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  29. "Volkswagen announces end of U.S. Passat production with Limited Edition". Volkswagen US Media Site. 19 July 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  30. "【图】真不如国产版？美版大众Passat有何不同_汽车之家". www.autohome.com.cn.
  31. "VW expands plug-in hybrid catalog in China market - Chinadaily.com.cn". www.chinadaily.com.cn.
  32. "2022 Volkswagen Passat Facelift For China Makes Early Debut". www.motor1.com.
  33. "Volkswagen Passat China auto sales figures". 22 April 2015.
  34. "VOLKSWAGEN reports 26.3 percent inease in 2011 U.S. sales". Volkswagen Group of America. 4 January 2012. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  35. "VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS 35.1 PERCENT INCREASE IN 2012 U.S. SALES". Volkswagen Group of America. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  36. "Volkswagen reports december 2013 and year-end results". Volkswagen Group of America. 3 January 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
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