2019 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT: NEW TRIMS ADD VALUE TO THE MIDSIZE SEGMENT
09/17/2018
Volkswagen
The 2019 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize sedan that is designed for the American lifestyle and assembled in Volkswagen's state-of-the-art factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It features a winning combination of sophisticated design, advanced driver-focused technology and road-holding feel that makes the Passat unique among American mid-size sedans.
New for 2019
The 2019 Passat is offered in two trims-Wolfsburg Edition and SE R-Line(R)-both equipped with a 2.0-liter TSI(R) engine. Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert are now standard on every Passat.
The Wolfsburg Edition replaces the outgoing S trim and upgrades 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels to 17-inch wheels and trades the entry-level Composition Color infotainment system with a 5-inch touchscreen for Composition Media infotainment with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Volkswagen Car-Net(R) App-Connect, SiriusXM(R) radio, and Voice Control. Other upgrades include KESSY(R) keyless access with push-button start, leatherette seating surfaces, leather steering wheel, heated front seats, and heated side mirrors. An optional Wheel & Roof package ($1,000) offers 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof.
The SE R-Line(R) model features the sporty exterior and interior treatments of the outgoing R-Line model, plus LED lighting, including LED headlights, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and taillights. It also adds standard features previously only found in the top Passat trims: Discover Media infotainment with navigation, ambient lighting, Easy Open trunk, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (Lane Assist), Park Distance Control, and Fender(R) Premium Audio.
Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat starts at $25,295. The destination charge for all Passat models is an additional $895.
Exterior
The 2019 Passat shows off a timeless mix of eye-catching design elements. The substantial fully-chromed four-bar grille and the muscular hood all work together to give the Passat a wide, planted stance from the front. Available chrome window surrounds add to the premium nature of the design, as does available LED lighting.
At the rear, the bumper and trunk lid help to shape the 2019 Passat's look. The car has a premium European-style, flush rear license plate area and an available chrome strip on the trunk that connects the trunk lid to the taillights, making the rear lights appear lower and enhancing the grounded appearance.
The 2019 Passat remains a generously-proportioned four-door sedan. Nose to tail, it measures 191.9 inches and features a stretched 110.4-inch wheelbase and 72.2-inch width, which allows for an exceptional 39.1 inches of rear-seat legroom.
The Passat Wolfsburg Edition rides on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and offers a Wheels & Roof package that upgrades the wheels to 18-inch aluminum-alloys and adds a sunroof. The Passat SE R-Line features standard 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, as well as a stylized front bumper with contrasting black accents, grille badging, a modified rear diffuser, and a sunroof. The Passat has seven available colors, including a new color for 2019, Terra Brown Metallic.
Interior
Tailored for the U.S. market, the Passat delivers ample space for five adults. The large trunk can accommodate 15.9 cu-ft of luggage.
Inside the 2019 Passat, the dashboard and center console, along with integrated two-piece decor panels, are first to catch the eye. The top of the dashboard is structured with sharp contours and a sculpture line, acting to frame the elements underneath. Chrome trim pieces-including the bezels around the air vents, upper door trim, cupholders, and shift lever-help to add to the premium feel of the interior.
The SE R-Line adds stainless steel pedal caps, a multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters and R-Line specific door sill plates and carbon-look dash inserts.
Both trims feature Volkswagen's perforated V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces as standard, and three interior colors are offered-Titan Black, Moonrock, and Cornsilk Beige. The power driver's seat adjusts eight ways, including lumbar.
MIB II Infotainment. All 2019 Passat models feature Volkswagen's innovative MIB II touchscreen infotainment system. The display utilizes a capacitive-touch sensor (as in smartphone and tablet technology) rather than the more common resistive touchscreens that require pressure, enabling gesture controls like swiping and even pinch-zooming.
All Passat models are equipped with a 6.3-inch capacitive touchscreen display-Wolfsburg Edition models with the Composition Media unit; SE R-Line models with the Discover Media system with navigation.
Composition Media units offer one USB port and Discover Media units offer two. Both units feature Bluetooth(R) technology for compatible devices, SiriusXM(R) radio for a three month trial period, and HD Radio. Both units also have the ability to send and receive SMS text messages with Bluetooth with compatible phones and pair two phones simultaneously. The Discover Media unit offers 2.5D navigation, featuring one-shot voice destination entry, destination entry with search and auto-complete, and predicts possible destinations based on often used routes.
Volkswagen Car-Net(R). Volkswagen is committed to driving the development of more connected and intelligent vehicles, and the Car-Net connectivity system is a major element in achieving that goal. Features available through Car-Net are divided into three key areas: "App-Connect," "Security & Service," and "Guide & Inform."
Car-Net App-Connect smartphone integration for compatible devices is standard on all Passat models. App-Connect offers users the ability to run select smartphone apps directly on the vehicle's display through services such as Apple CarPlayTM, Android AutoTM and MirrorLink(R).
Equipped on SE R-Line models, Car-Net Security & Service is a suite of elements that provides security features and also allows owners to access their VW remotely through vw.com/carnet as well as a smartphone app.
Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with VW Car-Net Security & Service will receive a six-month trial subscription from Verizon Connect Inc. that starts on date of your Volkswagen purchase for no additional charge. To extend the benefits of this system after the trial, customers can choose from a number of payment options: One year for $199 and two years for $378, or month-to-month for $17.99, plus applicable taxes and fees. App-Connect can be used free-of-charge and is not included as part of the subscription-based services.
Available Car-Net Security & Service features include Automatic Crash Notification, which can help automatically notify an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of a collision; Manual Emergency Call, a feature that allows for quick access to customer specialists at the touch of a button; Roadside Assistance, for added peace-of-mind in the event of trouble on the road; and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, which uses Car-Net Security & Service to assist law enforcement with locating your vehicle in the event that it is stolen.
In addition, Car-Net Security & Service offers remote vehicle access, remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash of lights, last parked location information, and remote status check (doors and windows). Consumers will also be able to send a location from their connected smart device to the factory-installed compatible navigation system on select models. For consumers who prefer a more personal touch, Agent Destination Assist is also available.
Car-Net Security & Service also includes Family Guardian, which offers features such as: speed alert, which notifies you when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded; boundary alert, which lets you know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary; curfew alert, which notifies you if your vehicle is driven while curfew alert is on; and valet alert, which lets you know if your vehicle is driven more than 0.2 miles from the valet drop-off location.
Diagnostics and maintenance information is also available through Car-Net Security & Service. In addition to the vehicle's warning and indicator lights, a Vehicle Health Report provides customers easy access to diagnostic information. When it's time for scheduled service, Car-Net Security & Service not only notifies the customer, but provides a simple way to schedule a dealer visit.
The available VW Car-Net app for smartwatch (supports select Apple Watch(R) and Android WearTM operating systems) allows VW customers to control a host of Security & Service features and functions available through the iPhone(R) and AndroidTM apps and Customer Web Portal, directly from their wrist. Smartwatch wearers can keep tabs on their vehicle from afar, remotely locking and unlocking doors and viewing the status of doors, windows and sunroof (open or closed). These consumers can also find a parked vehicle more quickly, with a map of the current vehicle location, and get walking or driving directions to the vehicle. Drivers can check their fuel level and receive alerts with a compatible smartwatch.
Equipped on SE R-Line models, Car-Net Guide & Inform offers an enhanced navigation and infotainment experience for VW consumers. Volkswagen has incorporated technologies that enhance existing navigation offerings while adding an additional level of information that empowers consumers. The in-vehicle navigation system features fuel prices, sports scores, movie information and weather data as part of the three-month SiriusXM Travel Link trial. VW customers will also enjoy real-time traffic information and a complimentary three-month SiriusXM Traffic trial.
Powertrains
All 2019 Passat models are powered by Volkswagen's most advanced EA888 engine ever. For the 2018 model year, the engine capacity was increased from 1.8 to 2.0 liters and incorporated the so-called Budack cycle for improved combustion efficiency. The upshot is 174 horsepower that kicks in at 4,400 rpm, and is maintained until 6,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 184 lb-ft is achieved at 1,600 to 3,940 rpm. All models are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and the EPA-estimated fuel economy rating is 25 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined.
Chassis
The Passat has been designed to feature the kind of dynamic handling and precise steering that drivers have come to expect of a Volkswagen. Its front suspension features damper struts with robust lower control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, there's a sophisticated four-link independent layout with telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar. The electro-mechanical power steering is weighted to provide a balance between precision at highway speeds and lower steering weight at parking speeds.
Safety
To help protect occupants, the Passat provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features six airbags as standard (front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
A standard feature on the 2019 Passat is Volkswagen's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact-the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this, in certain crash scenarios, by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus potentially reducing residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.
The Passat also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
All Passat models feature a standard rearview camera.
Driver-Assistance Systems
To meet the demands of American drivers, the 2019 Passat offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology. Available features include: Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist); and Park Distance Control.
Front Assist, standard on all Passat models, is intended to warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases provide automatic braking assistance (Autonomous Emergency Braking).
Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning warns the driver of potential critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster if the car is traveling above 18 mph. Furthermore, an automatic jolt of the brakes can warn the driver of the danger. If the driver fails to brake, or if the car is traveling below 18 mph, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system (Braking Support).
Blind Spot Monitor is standard on all Passat models. Blind Spot Monitor uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and is intended to warn drivers of potential danger in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors. Even if the driver does not use a turn signal, the LED symbol in the mirror will illuminate if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor do vehicles more than one lane across away from the vehicle.
If combined with Lane Assist (SE R-Line models, see below) the system not only warns the driver with the flashing LED symbol if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, but within system limits, it can also countersteer to help keep the car in the lane even if the turn signal is on. If the driver still tries to steer out of the lane, the system will warn with an additional vibration of the steering wheel.
The Rear Traffic Alert system, standard on all models, is intended to detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. It offers a sizable range of about 65 feet on either side of the vehicle, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning, if a potential collision with a crossing vehicle is detected. If the driver does not react, the system can apply the brakes to help mitigate and, in the best case, can help prevent a collision. The system is activated by putting the car in reverse.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), standard on SE R-Line models, uses a forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can further use those buttons to adjust and cancel the ACC function while the accelerator can be used to override the ACC function. Pressing the brakes always cancels the ACC function. All ACC-related system messages appear in the central multifunction display.
Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist) is standard on SE R-Line models. When driving above 40 mph, if there is an indication that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane without using a turn signal, Lane Assist actively countersteers to help keep the vehicle in the lane. The system's camera recognizes visible lane markings and, using a special algorithm, calculates the risk of the car leaving the lane. If the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over.
The system is designed to work in the dark and/or in fog, but it will not engage if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Assist system will not engage or give a warning. The driver can "override" the system at any time by applying minimal force to the steering wheel.
Park Distance Control, equipped on SE R-Line models, uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to approximately five feet in front or behind the vehicle. The system is activated when reverse gear is engaged or below a speed of 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight spaces. The system has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects from the front or rear.
Warranty
For the 2019 model year, Volkswagen Passat models in the United States will come with the People First Warranty, a six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty, the remainder of which can be transferred to a subsequent vehicle owner throughout its duration.
The six-year/72,000-mile People First Warranty includes powertrain coverage for engines, transmissions and optional 4Motion(R) all-wheel-drive systems. Additionally, all the elements of the remaining warranty coverage can be transferred to a subsequent owner.
Most mainstream competitors to the Volkswagen brand in the United States such as Honda, Toyota and Ford offer only a three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty on their cars and SUVs. While Hyundai and Kia offer a five-year/60,000 mile basic warranty and a higher time and mileage limit on their powertrain limited warranties, if the vehicle is sold to a second owner, the powertrain limited warranty is not transferable beyond five years or 60,000 miles from the date it was first sold new.
Competitive Set
Ford Fusion
Honda Accord
Hyundai Sonata
Toyota Camry
Assembled in the U.S.
The Atlas is assembled alongside the Passat at the Volkswagen Chattanooga assembly plant, the result of an additional $900 million investment by Volkswagen in the facility. The Chattanooga plant is the only automotive manufacturing facility in the world to receive Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state -of-the- art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Atlas, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, e-Golf, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, and Tiguan Limited vehicles through more than 650 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.