VW Debuts Plug-In Hybrid Passat Wagon, Sedan

Volkswagen AG will publicly present plug-in hybrid versions of its redesigned Passat sedan and wagon at the Paris auto show later this week. The Passat GTE will use the same plug-in powertrain previously introduced by Volkswagen in the Audi A3 e-tron and VW Golf GTE small five-door hatches. The Passat models will go on sale in Europe in the second half of 2015.

2016 VW Passat GTE plug-in hybrid

The plug-in system combines a 1.4-liter gasoline engine that makes 154 hp, and electric motor rated at 15 hp and a 9.9-kWh lithium-ion battery. The system delivers maximum output of 215 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed dual clutch transmission modified for hybrid applications. VW says the Passat GTE can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in fewer than 8 seconds and reach a top speed above 136 mph. The powertrain is rated at about 45 g/km of carbon dioxide and 117 mpg on the New European Driving Cycle. The plug-in Passat sedan and wagon will come with several hybrid-specific features. They include four increasingly energy-efficient driving modes, a remote charging activation system, range monitor, energy flow indicator, regenerative charging indicator and a "360 range" map showing the vehicle's current range in any direction from its current location.