Geneva 2019: New Passat Will Be First Volkswagen With Partially Autonomous Driving Ability

Volkswagen has revealed the facelifted B8 Passat which will be making its global debut at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show.

The new Passat will be the first Volkswagen to feature Travel Assist, a system which enables partially automated driving at any speed between 0 and 210 km/h.

The third generation Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3) will also debut in the new Passat.

App Connect, the interface for integrating smartphone apps, offers wireless integration of iPhone apps via Apple CarPlay for the first time at Volkswagen.

If desired, the Passat can be permanently online via MIB3, because the new Infotainment systems come with an integrated SIM card as standard.

Besides improved navigation-related services with real-time information, this encompasses new technologies and offers, music streaming services, Internet radio, natural (online-based) voice control, seamless use of “Volkswagen We” online services, and future cloud-based portable vehicle settings.

It will also be possible to use the first smartphones as a “mobile key” for opening and starting the Passat with the MIB3 infotainment system.

The MIB3 is closely integrated with the new Digital Cockpit. The digital instruments have been considerably enhanced compared to the previous system (Active Info Display). The enhanced high-contrast graphics display is clear and high-quality.

The range of functions has been lifted to a whole new level. Three different display configurations can now be customised via the new multifunction steering wheel with just one button.

Speaking of the steering wheel, the new Passat will also be the first brand model worldwide with a capacitive steering wheel.

This detects touch by the driver, providing an interactive interface to systems such as Travel Assist. Another new feature in the Passat is “Emergency Steering Assist”, which increases safety when performing evasive manoeuvres by means of braking interventions.

Powertrain options include 1.5 and 2.0-litre TSI petrol engines, 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines, as well as a petrol plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and a 115 PS electric motor, where Volkswagen has updated its system with a new battery that boasts a higher energy content of 13 kWh instead of 9.9 kWh.

All variants will come with the same electromechanical brake servo previously found only in the plug-in hybrid GTE variants. 

Design wise, the new Passat comes with new, slimmer LED headlights, redesigned bumpers, new grille, redesigned tail lights, and also a new wheel design.

Inside, the overall layout of the dashboard remains, but there are a few minor tweaks, such as the new steering wheel, clearer Active Info Display, and the repositioned hazard light button, and the parking assist related controls.

Having said that, the new Passat will take centre stage at the VW booth in this year's Geneva Motor Show, which is all set to take place from the 7th to 17th of March.