The Chattanooga-built Passat raises the bar in the midsize segment, offering new styling inside and out as well as a host of available new connectivity and driver assistance features
- Striking new front and rear design
- New interior with updated instrument panel and center stack for a more premium feel
- Standard MIB II infotainment system includes USB connectivity
- Available VW Car-Net® App-Connect offers compatible smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®
- Energy-efficient LED headlights available for the first time on a VW sedan
- New driver assistance systems are standard features on select trim levels
- First-ever R-Line® trim on a Passat offers sportier styling
- Pricing starts at $22,440 for the 1.8T S model with automatic transmission
- Two engine options at launch: 1.8 TSI® gasoline and powerful VR6®
- Revised trim lineup provides enhanced value throughout the Passat range
- Built in America, at the world’s only LEED Platinum-certified manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Herndon, VA – Volkswagen of America, Inc, today announced pricing of the new 2016 Volkswagen Passat, a midsize sedan that is designed for the American lifestyle and built at Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. For 2016, the Passat combines striking new interior and exterior design elements with a greater variety of available driver assistance, connectivity, and convenience features than ever before. Pricing for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat starts at $22,440—the same as the outgoing base model when equipped with an automatic transmission. When new content is factored in, this represents a $1,315 value enhancement over the base 2015 Passat.
“The 2016 Passat builds upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor and offers more aggressive styling, a more premium interior, and a host of newly available driver assistance, connectivity, and convenience features,” said Michael Horn, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We are pleased to announce that our customers will get all these new features and standard equipment for the same price level as the previous model.”
At launch, the 2016 Passat lineup features two engine options: the 1.8-liter TSI® turbocharged and direct-injection four cylinder or a powerful 3.6-liter VR6®. The 1.8-liter engine offers 170 horsepower and a stout 184 pound-feet of torque. The EPA estimated highway fuel economy is 38 mpg, an improvement of 2 mpg over the 2015 model.
The 2016 Passat features Volkswagen’s second-generation “modular infotainment platform”, also known as MIB II. The system features touchscreens as standard equipment on all models. On most models, the display utilizes a capacitive touch sensor (similar to smartphone and tablet technology) enabling gesture controls like swiping and pinch-zooming rather than the resistive touchscreens that require pressure and have slightly longer response times. Most MIB II units also feature a proximity sensor, which detects when a hand is nearby and automatically switches its display to allow easier selection of specific features. USB and Bluetooth® connectivity for compatible devices are standard on all 2016 Passat models.
The MIB II system also serves as the foundation for the available Volkswagen Car-Net® system, one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry today. VW Car-Net App-Connect technology allows integration with three major smartphone platforms—Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®. This allows seamless integration for compatible smartphones.
Volkswagen also offers new safety features in the 2016 Passat. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—which can cause additional collisions. The system helps address this by applying the brakes after a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping to reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, reduce the chance of additional damage.
Depending on trim level, Passat models come equipped with the following advanced driver assistance systems: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Active Blind Spot Monitor with corrective steering; Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), which actively steers the car back into its lane; and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist). All 2016 Passat models have a rearview camera as standard equipment.
The 1.8T S model with a six-speed automatic transmission has a starting MSRP of $22,440 and has a high level of standard equipment, including 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; Climatronic® dual-zone climate control; MIB II Composition Color touchscreen infotainment system with 5-inch color display, CD player, aux-in, and Bluetooth® and USB connectivity; a rearview camera; and the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. A Lighting Package, which includes LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED taillights, and front foglights is available for $1,245.
For the first time, Volkswagen is offering an R-Line version of the Passat for the U.S. market. This sporty model features unique rocker panels, a stylized front bumper with contrasting black accents, a modified rear diffuser, and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels shod with 235/40 all-season tires. Pricing starts at $23,975. The R-Line Comfort Package, which adds V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, power driver seat, heatable front seats with seat-back map pockets, heatable exterior mirrors, and heated washer nozzles, is available for $775. The R-Line Lighting Package, which includes LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and LED taillights is available for $1,095.
Starting at $26,280—the same price as the 2015 model—the SE adds the following desirable standard features to the 1.8T S: 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; tilt-and-slide power sunroof; SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with 3-month trial period; second USB port in the rear of the center console; MIB II Composition Media with 6.3-inch color display, voice control, and VW Car-Net App-Connect and Security & Service features; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; power driver seat; and heatable front seats. The Lighting Package, which includes LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED taillights, and front foglights is available for $1,245.
The SE w/Technology, starting at $28,410, includes the 1.8T SE features, plus: Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert with braking; KESSY® keyless entry with push-button start; Easy Open hands-free trunk; MIB II Discover Media navigation system; frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror; rain-sensing wipers; stainless steel door sills; and heatable rear seats. The Lighting Package, which includes LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and LED taillights is available for $1,095.
The 1.8T SEL is even more luxurious and adds 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, the Fender® Premium Audio system, stainless steel pedal caps, Vienna leather seating surfaces, rear-seat pass-through, and power front seats with power lumbar and memory settings for driver’s side. This trimline starts at $30,495. The Lighting Package, which includes LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and LED taillights is available for $1,095.
At the top of the 1.8T range, the SEL Premium starts at $34,270. This trim level has standard LED headlights with LED DRLs and LED taillights, remote start, and even more driver assistance features. These include Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist) with active steering; Active Blind Spot Monitor; front and rear Park Distance Control (Park Pilot); and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist).
The flagship model in the 2016 Passat lineup is the V6 SEL Premium, which features the 3.6-liter VR6 engine that makes 280 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque (achieved with premium fuel); new for 2016, regular gasoline is recommended for the VR6. This model has a starting MSRP of $36,835 and adds the VR6 engine with six-speed DSG® automatic transmission and paddle shifters, dual trapezoidal chrome exhaust tips, and Hill Hold Control to the 1.8T SEL Premium’s long list of standard equipment.
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Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.
All prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and exclude transportation, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges.
Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are EPA estimates. See www.fueleconomy.gov for details. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition.
Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.