Two screens, a new gearshifter and capacitive touch buttons.
Volkswagen is currently testing the next generation Passat with its production body. It is still heavily disguised. We have a chance to see the interior of the beloved family vehicle in Europe, and we have a set of new spy photos.
As you can see, the interior of the Passat has been completely redesigned. It will have a new dashboard that is cleaner and includes more digital gadgets. The center console features a large tablet-style display, similar to that found in Volkswagen’s ID models. The HVAC controls are integrated within the same module, and most likely have a capacitive touch function. Although this is not the best way to control your cabin temperature, it appears that this technology is being used across nearly all Volkswagen Group brands in order to reduce costs.
The gear shifter is another major improvement over the old Passat. The current model has a traditional lever on the center console, right next to the front armrest. However, the new model will have a column-mounted shifter. These early photos show a controller that looks similar to the Mercedes-Benz model. It’s hard to see what lies beneath the bolt-on cover on the center console.
Although the steering wheel is different from the European Passat, it looks similar to the Volkswagen model. It has capacitive-touch buttons that control the volume, phone control, as well as the cruise control functions. The steering wheel has a fully digital instrument cluster.
The Passat’s B9 generation will increase in size. It will be made in Slovakia along with the next-generation Skoda Suprab. It will be the last Passat powered by combustion and it will only be available in wagon form. The Aero B will be an all-electric version, tentatively called the Aero B. It will be offered in the same segment but not as a sedan.