New Passat GTE Launched as Saloon and Variant, Offers 50 KM of Electric Range

EVs are great and all, but they offer limited driving range. A plug-in hybrid offers the best of both worlds and in the case of the GTE, performance is also part of the equation.

Launched this week on the German car market, the GTE is a mid-size model that combines the power of a 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged engine making 156 PS with an 115 PS electric motor to deliver a combined 218 PS and 400 Nm (295lb-ft) of maximum torque.

There are cosmetic differences that will be highlighted in the photo gallery below. They include a different grille with blue accents that flow into the headlights and a U-shaped ring of LED light typical for all electrically-powered Volkswagens.

Using the electric motor and the 12.2 kWh onboard battery, the Passat GTE can travel up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) on electricity. In the hybrid model, you can expect fuel consumption to be as low as 1.6/100 km, mainly due the rechargeable battery.

As you would expect, the most technologically advanced Passat ever made is also quite expensive to buy. The model starts at €44,250 or €45,250 if you want the more spacious Variant model. That means you pay about €6,000 extra just for the green technology. Still, nobody complains that the Prius is more expensive than the Corolla.

Standard equipment is ample and includes things like LED headlights (for main and dipped beam), Driver Alert System, Automatic Post-Collision Braking, the Front Assist ambient traffic monitoring system including City Emergency Braking function, a rain sensor, ParkPilot for front and rear, chrome trim on the side windows and comfort seats.