Volkswagen Passat B9 vs ID.7 Tourer

Even in the age of the "new normal" the Volkswagen Passat managed to survive with its ninth generation but with only one twist; it's now wagon-only.

2024 Volkswagen Passat

That's right. The all-new Volkswagen Passat B9 is now offered exclusively as a five-door station wagon starting at 39,995 Euros plus additional cost. Sometimes, a painful sacrifice has to be made to keep the Passat alive and kicking amid the "new normal".

2024 Volkswagen Passat interior

Beginning with the design, the all-new Passat prefers to keep it clean and Golf-ish even in its sporty R-Line trim. While incorporating modern-day VW design standards, it's surprisingly bigger than the old Passat Variant thanks to the MQB evo platform it dons.

Step inside, the minimalist interior is getting more interesting to toy with because of the buttons of the steering wheel instead of the utterly irresponsible touch panels, not to mention two screens with the latter being the 15-inch touchscreen that controls the infotainment, navigation, smartphone connectivity, and climate control. It's a tricky job.

Getting accommodated with its ergoActive front seats with 14-way adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, the sharp increase in dimensions made it the most spacious Passat ever made and with up to 1920 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down, Volkswagen's not joking about it.

2024 Volkswagen Passat

Under the hood, the Passat B9 is offered with the choice of a 1.5L turbo eHybrid, 1.5L eTSI, 2.0L TSI, and 2.0L TDi. The eHybrid is mated only with the 6-speed DSG while the eTSi, TSI, and the TDI variants are mated to a 7-speed DSG. The 1.5L eHybrid variant is the most powerful of the range with 272PS of power and 400Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 225kph. It has 0.4l/100km of fuel economy based on WLTP standards and running on electric power alone, it's good for 118km. Not bad for a German PHEV wagon.

The Passat B9 is more interesting to drive than previous models, especially with the available Dynamic Chassis Control Pro. This system features two valves that provide more precise control of the suspension's rebound and compression. The new Vehicle Dynamics Manager controls the electronic XDS system, which provides better handling and stability.

As for safety, the Passat B9 has a long list of available ADAS such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance), adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane change assist, and more. Coupled with the Park Assist Pro, it's now the most technologically advanced Passat ever made.

The Passat B9 is proof that it's here to stay even though it's a wagon only. However, despite being all-new, it feels like its days are already numbered thanks to this.

2025 Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer

This is the first-ever Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer, it's the all-electric alternative to the all-new Passat B9. With prices starting at 54,795 Euros, this is shockingly cheaper to own than the one Passat B9 variant I know, the 2.0 TSI R-Line 4MOTION DSG.

2025 Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer interior

The ID.7 Tourer features most of the bits and bobs from its saloon counterpart but with up to 1714 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down. That's less than the Passat B9's boot space although the Tourer's dimensions are bigger than the Passat B9's.

Like its saloon version, the ID.7 Tourer is powered by the APP550 electric motor that runs the rear axles, producing 286PS of power and 545Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 6.6 seconds and a Japanese-esque top speed of 180kph. As for the driving range, it's good for 605km for one full charge.

Being aerodynamic is the top trump for the ID.7 Tourer. Despite being rear-wheel-drive, its mild driving feel is what sums up the ID.7 really well. As for safety, it comes with Travel Assist which comes with assisted lane change maneuvers and assisted parking maneuvers, among others.

If you prefer a conventional internal combustion engine or need a car with a well-established service network, the Passat B9 might be more suitable. If you're ready to embrace electric mobility and want the latest tech, the ID.7 Tourer is likely the better fit. It's the new normal, after all. Up to you.

Photo: Volkswagen AG

Volkswagen Passat B8

2015 Volkswagen Passat

No, You're not seeing things. This isn't the same Passat as the last model four years ago because what you're looking at is the all new, eighth-generation Volkswagen Passat and when I say "all new", this car really means it because everything's new inside and out as well as it uses the VW Group's breakthrough MQB platform to keep its full model change as fresh as a charter change in politics.

The previous model is nothing but a carryover just like the same thing happened with the Golf a few years ago but for this new model, the new Passat tries to shake it up the executive medium sedan market with everything from its arsenal but has it really worked?

In terms on how the new, eighth-generation, Passat looks, it's somewhat mainstream from here but on the flipside, at least it's not as bland as the previous model and when other people happened to see one cruising on the city streets, there's no denying that it really feels like a combination of being a big-shot and a family man at the same time.

2015 Volkswagen Passat interior 

On the inside, it still looks like the same as the other V-Dubs but it has lots of gadgets you can play around for fun while on a stop. It has Car-Net that gives you real time information and traffic updates, new MirrorLink that lets this car use the same app as the smartphone you've synced on it, a telephone where you can communicate other people hands-free as long as you're not driving because talking disturbs your concentration, a high-end DYNAUDIO Confidence Sound System, and so much more you can play around in the Passat.

If the future is now thanks to science, the new Passat B8 has loads of safety features that will make you noticed such as Area View, Trailer Assist, Park Assist, Emergency Assist, Front Assist, and a plethora of safety features that keeps this car technologically advanced. I know that sounds nice but with all that tech lurking around the new Passat's skin, it feels like they're in charge now. Not us.

Because the wheelbase is longer than the previous model, passengers have no problem about the rear legroom. It feels as posh as...your grandparents' birthday at a three-star hotel. Hmmm... It sure is enjoyable at first but if it gets longer, you will get bored and there's no way out to get out of the boredom until everyone, including you, to leave. Yawn...

2015 Volkswagen Passat

Now, what about how it feels to drive a new Passat? Because of such exterior design, it's more than enough to accommodate a wide range of available engines, be it petrol or diesel,  There's a 1.4 TSi petrol and 2.0 TDi engine with different powerbands. Both of these engines come with BlueMotion Technology for better fuel economy which, in the 2.0 TDi engine with 150PS of power and 6-speed manual, can get you up to 25km/L on the EU Combined Cycle scale. It's too odd why the only petrol engine in the range is a 1.4 TSi ACT with a 6-speed manual but for those diesel models, not only they come with a 6-speed manual but also a 6-speed DSG for quicker shifts than a normal manual gearbox. They're all Euro VI compliant so don't even thinking about wishing for this one to arrive in a Euro II country, especially the Philippines. You know the drill, right?

Handling wise, it's not so bad to drive because of its lowered height, clever suspension setup, and the available progressive steering which feels as accurate as your passing grade that you've got from your pop quiz at college. You can take it out on the open road and it feels very relaxed as its driving dynamics of the new Passat shows less worries on the long and winding path. It feels like I've been ventured through the roads of Everest Hills for hours.

2015 Volkswagen Passat Variant

If you're a soccer mom on a grocery shopping spree, there's also an available Passat Variant as well and for this sports tourer, it has the same feel as the sedan version but with added luggage space fit enough for your weekly grocery shopping list.

The Passat is priced at 25,875 Euros for the sedan and 26,950 Euros for the Variant tourer and these cars are more valuable than those German luxury entry-level saloons but not as valuable as the Asian rivals such as the Mazda Atenza and the Hyundai Sonata. Should you buy one? The rest is up to you.

Photo: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

Volkswagen really has a lineup that suits the category. They have the up! that competes against the Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1. Then, there was the Volkswagen Jetta that rivals against the Hyundai Accent. The Golf serves as the Renault Megane's proper rival. The Volkswagen Touareg serves as the German alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser. There's always a proper Volkswagen that suits the category of an average European customer but Volkswagen hasn't come up with a competitor that will rival against the Subaru Legacy Outback and the upcoming Peugeot 508 RXH. There hasn't been a gap, until now...

2013 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

Some say, this is a Passat B7 Variant but it isn't. Revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show last December 2011, the brand new Passat Alltrack is the crossover version of the Passat B7. Yep, you guessed it! It was made to compete against the Subaru Outback and the Peugeot 508 RXH but it takes a lot of time. So, what is it then, this VW Alltrack?

At first glance, it looks like a Passat Variant but with some crossover credentials on it to make it even more unique for this debutante. If this one is parked at a grocery store and if I was hideously drunk, I can tell that this is a Passat Variant with a different look. Anyway, how about the interior?

2013 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack interior

Yep, you still get the same Passat B7 interior and the added space to put around your BMX, canoe, surfboards, whatever you packed for your day off. What's more, you still have the analog clock, the same instrumental cluster from the Passat B7, automatic climate control, and every luxurious detail, just so you know...

The Volkswagen Passat Variant Alltrack comes with the following variants in the market launch in Europe this March such as the 1.8 TSi, 2.0 TDi BlueMotion Technology, and 2.0 TSi. Most come with either a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed DSG transmission with a flatter accelerator pedal characteristic makes it easier to meter engine power in offroad situations. On the 4MOTION variants of the Passat Alltrack, the front wheels are driven with the rear wheels only getting 10 per cent of propulsive power. This is done by an electrohydraulic all-wheel drive clutch. Don't forget that when you're out there. Also, there's this new Offroad Driving Programme in which the driver activates the programme by pressing the Offroad button on the centre console. Specifically, the settings for the safety and driver assistance systems and DSG control were modified such as anti-lock braking system, electronic differential locks, Hill Descent Assist, Dual clutch gearbox, Running gear, ESP with trailer stabilization, Front running gear, and Four-link rear suspension.

Oh, I kinda forgot about the specs! Here's how those grades stack up;

Front-wheel drive standard
1.8 TSI - 118 kW / 160 PS (6-speed)
2.0 TDI - 103 kW / 140 PS (6-speed, BMT)

All-wheel drive / 4MOTION standard
2.0 TSI - 155 kW / 210 PS (6-speed DSG)
2.0 TDI - 125 kW / 170 PS (6-speed DSG, BMT)

All-wheel drive / 4MOTION as option
2.0 TDI - 103 kW / 140 PS (6-speed, BMT)
1.8 TSI with 118 kW / 160 PS

For safety, the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack has such features as six airbags, daytime running lights and the ESP electronic stabilisation program. Additional features include fatigue detection, tyre pressure monitoring indicator (the driver is alerted if a tyre loses air) and the trailer stabilisation and countersteering support functions integrated in the ESP program. There's also the 2nd generation Park Assist that only supported parking parallel to the carriageway.

Available in seven colors; Tungsten Silver Metallic, Iron Grey Metallic, Light Brown Metallic, Tornadorot, Islandgrau Perleffekt, Night Blue Metallic, and Deep Black Perleffekt.

My Comment:

The new Passat Alltrack is all play and all work. If you want a crossover that you want to bring out in the summer and set off to visit an abbey, a pottery, an arts and crafts bungalow, and other vacation spots, this wasn't for you. There are other family carriers that can do that job better and sadly, this Passat Alltrack wasn't being a part of the crossover club. It needs some sheer evidence in order for this club to grant access for the Passat Alltrack and if that work out, this would be it. If that showed up in Tokyo Motor Show last year, would Volkswagen Japan start selling this one soon?



Photo: Volkswagen

The blockbuster Mini Vader VW commercial edited for the Passat B7

The whole world loved Volkswagen's Mini Vader Super Bowl commercial starring the US-made Passat NMS (New Midsize Sedan). Now the blockbuster ad has been edited with the use of the European-spec Volkswagen Passat B7. This edited Mini Vader commercial was aired straight at Great Britain.

Rate Ko: 4.9/5

Best Super Bowl XLV ad ever from VW USA!

NFL's Super Bowl XLV is not just more on the duel between the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, and also not just the halftime concert with the Black Eyed Peas. Its all in a powerhouse of TV commercials from pugs, misunderstanding elders about the Chevy Cruze Eco, disturbing, border patrol, classics, black beetle, tasteless Groupon ads, epic ride, post Facebook status with your Chevy Cruze, escape the old luxury, imported from Detroit, surprise appearance of the upcoming MB C-Class Coupe and SLS AMG Roadster (especially the new SLK and the new CLS) in the Mercedes-Benz Welcome ad, movie trailers, and most of it. Of all the SB45 ads I've watched, my pick goes to the Volkswagen Passat NMS (New Midsize Sedan) commercial titled "The Force" and how Lil' Darth Vader deals with not-just-your-average-household and the Passat NMS!

I LOVE THIS AD! ^_^

As always this is the new American Passat and its totally unrelated to the Passat B7 unveiled at 2010 Mondial D' Automobile in Paris, France. Sales of the Passat NMS will start this Summer and soon in Mainland China.

Volkswagen Passat B7

Most of them think that the latest Passat (in sedan and Variant wagon) was a full change, but they were wrong. Just like the Chrysler Sebring facelifted and changed its name into Chrysler 200, coming soon in North America, the Passat B7 is a massive facelift to the previous Passat B6. However, expect this B7 won't come to North America because VW USA plans a NMS (New Medium Sedan) as a replacement. I still do not know what could the NMS is but let us find out how the Passat B7 feels like.

2011 Volkswagen Passat

In the tradition of Volkswagen's new trademark design led by Walter de'Silva, the Passat B7 stays true to its fellow V-Dub models such as the Golf, the facelifted Phaeton, the second-generation Touareg, and the upcoming Jetta. However, the Passat B7 sticks to the same platform from the previous Passat B6, so nothing's untouched, except for the increased length of the wheelbase.

2011 Volkswagen Passat interior

There are some massive changes on the Passat B7's interior. It still looks more like the previous model, but modified to look at its best with the addition of the analog clock, newly improved instrumental cluster, automatic climate control, and every luxurious detail to have the Passat B7 maintain its premium status. It defines luxury in a completely new meaning.

The Passat B7 is now made into an eco car thanks to the 1.6L TDi and 2.0L TDi engine. These diesel-fed variants are now equipped with the new start-stop system and for the first time, a micro-hybrid system (similar to the e-HDi engine found on the new Citroen C4).There are also petrol engines offered such as the 1.4L TSi engine, 1.8L TSi engine, 2.0L TSi engine, and the new 1.4L TSi EcoFuel engine. What's EcoFuel? I think this is somewhat similar to Ford's EcoBoost technology. On the good side, the 1.4L TSi EcoFuel engine is twin-charged (Super Turbo?), capable of releasing a power output of 150PS/5500rpm and a torque output of 220Nm/1500-4500rpm. However, this twincharged engine is not a bigger deal for me because the most powerful Passat offered is the 2.0 TSi engine because of the power output of 211PS/5300-6200rpm and thr torque output of 280Nm/1700-5200rpm. Depending on the variant, the VW Passat B7 comes equipped with either a 6-speed manual, 6-speed DSG, or even a 7-speed DSG transmission.

There are several safety features offered on the new Passat such as the new city emergency braking function, and the new driver fatigue system (similar to the driver monitor found in most luxury Toyota models such as the Lexus LS and Toyota Crown). These new safety features keep the new Passat B7 safe and secured for the driver.

My thoughts about the Passat:

In the eyes of an North American VW fan, he/she will expect no driver fatigue system, and no city emergency braking function because there will be no Passat B7 in the North American market, but instead it will be replaced by the New Midsize Sedan coming next year. The new Passat B7 is now on sale in most European markets and soon in other markets. If I hope that Volkswagen returns in the Philippines (come on PGA Cars, give us back Volkswagen, please!), maybe we could try the most safest eco car Volkswagen has to offer. Think of Volvo S60 meets Honda Accord Inspire...

Photo: Volkswagen AG