The next generation of Volkswagen Passat to offer partial automated driving

The 8th generation Passat will make its trade fair debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Pre-sales will start in the first countries in May. The market launch will take place in September (Germany).

“Travel Assist” is celebrating its world premiere in the Passat. Making a parallel debut with saloon and estate versions, the Passat will be the first Volkswagen that is capable of partially automated driving at any speed (0 to 210 km/h) with this new IQ.DRIVE system.

IQ.DRIVE is the new umbrella brand for Volkswagen assistance systems. From now on, the technologies involved in autonomous driving will be bundled under the IQ.DRIVE label. An example is the new Travel Assist. Along with its assistance system, the Passat represents the most advanced version of IQ.DRIVE yet seen.

Capacitive steering wheel. Volkswagen builds on intuitive operation and technologies that function largely automatically. The new Passat will be the first Volkswagen worldwide with a capacitive steering wheel. It detects touch by the driver, providing an interactive interface to systems such as Travel Assist.

Emergency Steering Assist also sees its début in the Passat. The system improves safety during sudden evasive manoeuvres via braking intervention. In addition, the lane guidance with Lane Assist has been optimised with a new multifunction camera. The new IQ.LIGHT - LED matrix headlights also enhance safety and comfort.

The Passat will now be permanently online as the new Infotainment system also comes with an integrated online connectivity unit (OCU) complete with SIM card as standard. As well as improved navigation-related services with real-time information, this encompasses new technologies and offers, music streaming services, Internet radio, the use of updatable web app technology, natural voice control enriched with online content, the seamless use of online services provided by Volkswagen We, and future cloud-based portable vehicle settings. Smartphones (compatible Samsung models) also become a mobile key for opening and starting the Passat.

The new Passat GTE starts 2019 with a considerably extended electric range. It is now up capable of covering approximately 55 km in the new WLTP cycle, corresponding to around 70 km according to the NEDC. As before, the Passat GTE can be temporarily used as a zero emission vehicle and is not currently liable for road tolls in major cities such as London.