The new Volkswagen Passat Pro is produced in China by the SAIC-Volkswagen joint venture
- SAIC Volkswagen has launched the new Passat Pro sedan to expand its product line in China.
- Compared to the European version of the Passat, this model has a longer wheelbase.
- It is the replacement for the Magotan, which is closely related to FAW-Volkswagen.
Volkswagen’s new-generation Passat may only be a Variant in Europe, but Chinese buyers can’t live without the traditional sedan. So the Volkswagen Passat Pro, which debuted at the Chengdu Auto Show, has a longer wheelbase, sleeker looks and more premium cabin features than the European Passat Variant.
Passat Pro is a joint venture product of SAIC Volkswagen and is a replacement model for the FAW-Volkswagen Magotan of the same size. In terms of appearance, it borrows the front face design of European station wagons, but the side of the body uses unique sheet metal and the rear end has also been redesigned.
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The model is available in two different trims – Pioneer and Star – with an optional Black Samurai package to make it look sportier. There is no mention of R-Line, suggesting that Volkswagen has adopted a different naming scheme in China.
The Volkswagen Passat Pro is quite generously sized, measuring 5,006 mm (197.1 in) long, 1,850 mm (72.8 in) wide, 1,489 mm (58.6 in) tall, and with a wheelbase of 2,871 mm (113 in). In other words, the sedan is 89 mm (3.5 in) longer and has a 30 mm (1.2 in) longer wheelbase than the EU Passat Variant. The Chinese Magotan has the same wheelbase, but is 16 mm (0.6 in) shorter.
Volkswagen Passat PRO
SAIC Volkswagen
Inside, the digital cockpit includes a 10.3-inch instrument panel, a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an 11.6-inch front passenger display. Volkswagen has also equipped the model with an augmented reality head-up display, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and an advanced driver assistance system (L2++ IQ. Pilot) developed by drone maker DJI.
Another cool feature is the extra foam in the “cloud-sense” seats, which are electrically adjustable and offer ventilation, heating, and massage functions in both rows. Finally, 30-color ambient lighting and an in-car fragrance system improve the passenger experience.
The MQB-based sedan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 217 hp (162 kW / 220 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels only via a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.
Earlier documents from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology show that the Volkswagen Passat Pro will also be equipped with an entry-level 1.5 TSI engine with 158 hp (118 kW / 160 PS). Unlike the mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems in Europe, there is no word on an electric version.
Volkswagen has opened pre-orders for the Passat Pro in China, with pricing to be announced later. SAIC Volkswagen said the existing China-spec Passat, which was launched in 2019 and facelifted in 2022, will continue to be sold alongside its new model. Below is a photo of the Volkswagen Magotan, which is closely related to the Passat and is produced locally by FAW-Volkswagen.
Volkswagen Magotan
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