Volkswagen's next-generation Passat, known internally as the B8, has been revealed in spy pics from China. Under the skin, the next-gen Passat will be underpinned by VW’s hugely flexible MQB platform. The new Passat is expected to be a technological tour-de-force with a ten-speed DSG transmission and a super-efficient diesel engine with 3000-bar injection pressures also on the cards. Irrespective of what it packs underneath, with these images, it is clear that on the design front, VW has clearly moved the next-gen Passat up by several notches with a lavish and almost luxury-limousine like design.
What strikes you right away is a sense of expansiveness. The front end is treated with strong horizontal accents that amplify a sense of width. The two-bar chrome grille stretches from headlamp to headlamp. Elements in the headlamps like the LED lights also add to the sense of width. The China-spec car also wears plenty of chrome to add to the sense of richness. The grille is clamped by the flat hood on one side and a strong bumper on the other. As seen on the facelifted Jetta, the B8 also sports a new design for the full width air dam on the bumper.
Viewed from the side, the design, as expected from VWs, is neat and crisp which helps disguise the more generous proportions that the B8 has. In terms of length, the Passat looks it has been stretched for a more expansive cabin. The roof line flows gently into a generously proportioned boot. And the tweaked tail-lamp design reminds us of the Audi A6.
As suggested by the longer rear doors, the new Passat will be well suited for Indian customers as it will offer more room in the backseat. A stately design and top quality materials will also create a richer ambience in the cabin. An interesting detail is that the chrome bars that span the width of the dashboard also disguise the vents for the air conditioner. The car also boasts an XL-sized central command system which uniquely allows you to swipe between various modes on a touchscreen. The next-gen Passat is due to be launched here in March 2015. However, don’t expect this VW to be cheap. This cutting edge luxury sedan from VW is expected to be priced around Rs 30 lakh when it gets to our showrooms.