SAIC-Volkswagen is preparing to launch the Passat ePro, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sedan, in 2026. Unveiled earlier at the Guangzhou Auto Show, the Passat ePro represents a significant upgrade for the brand, leveraging a new-generation PHEV platform and its latest design aesthetics.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The Passat ePro features a redesigned front end with “Tech Smart Eye” LED headlights, an integrated LED light strip, and an illuminated Volkswagen logo. The vehicle maintains a long wheelbase proportion in its side profile, emphasizing its spacious interior. At the rear, horizontal lines and “wing-spread” LED taillights dominate, along with another illuminated logo.
The Passat ePro measures 5017mm in length, 1850mm in width, and 1489mm in height. It rides on a 2871mm wheelbase and will be available with either 17-inch or 18-inch wheel options.
Interior Tech and Features
Inside, the Passat ePro showcases a horizontal, integrated dashboard design. A 12.9-inch central touchscreen, a 10.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, and a dedicated entertainment screen for the front passenger highlight the vehicle’s technological upgrades. The interior wraps are layered to create a premium look and feel.
Powertrain and Range
The Passat ePro is powered by a hybrid system that combines a 1.5T EVO II engine (95kW) with an electric motor producing 145 kW (194 hp). A 22 kWh battery pack enables a CLTC-rated pure electric range exceeding 150km. The combined range reaches an impressive 1,300km, making it one of the most efficient PHEVs in its class.
Market Performance and Significance
The Passat has consistently performed well in the Chinese market, selling 187,807 units between January and October 2025, making it the top-selling joint-venture mid-size car. The introduction of the Passat ePro as the first hybrid model in the Volkswagen Pro family signals SAIC-Volkswagen’s commitment to electrification.
The Passat underwent a generational refresh in September 2024, rebranding its series as Passat Pro, further reinforcing its market position. The ePro model expands this position by offering a competitive hybrid option that caters to growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles.
The Passat ePro’s 1,300km range is notable because it addresses a key concern among EV buyers: range anxiety. The combination of a powerful hybrid system and a large battery allows for extended travel without frequent charging stops. This makes the Passat ePro a strong contender in the competitive Chinese automotive market.
