Volkswagen is expanding its stable of plug-in vehicles with the new Passat GTE plug-in hybrid. The VW Group now offers no less than ten plug-ins: the Audi A3 e-tron, Q7 e-tron and R8 e-tron; the Porsche Cayenne and Panamera S E-Hybrids; the Golf and Passat GTE plug-ins, the low-volume XL1, and the battery-electric e-up! and e-Golf.

The Passat GTE sedan and Passat GTE Variant wagon are scheduled to hit European streets this fall, and advance sales have already begun in a few countries. The new PHEV will be launched in Asia later this year.

The front-wheel-drive Passat GTE has a total system output of 160 kW, and electric range of up to 50 km. It sports a four-cylinder turbocharged gas engine (1.4 TSI) with maximum torque of 250 N·m (184 lb-ft), and an 85 kW three-phase permanent magnet synchronous electric motor with maximum torque of 330 N·m (243 lb-ft).

The electric motor, 6-speed gearbox and disengagement clutch are all integrated into one unit. When possible, the disengagement clutch disengages the powertrain from the driven front axle, allowing the car to coast.

The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is comprised of eight modules of twelve cells each, adding up to a rated voltage of 353 V and 9.9 kWh total capacity (8.7 kWh usable). It comes with a warranty for eight years or 160,000 km.

Level 2 charging happens at 3.6 kW. Time-delayed charging and cabin pre-heating/cooling can be controlled via the infotainment system or the Car-Net e-Remote app, which is free for the first year.

The Passat GTE offers four driving modes: E-Mode, Hybrid, Battery Charge and the sporty GTE Mode.

Source: Volkswagen via Green Car Congress