The fifth and sixth Volkswagen Passat generations had already left conventional class boundaries behind and bridged a path to the next higher segment with their high-end features. The seventh generation VW Passat emphatically continues this trend. A completely new styling configuration was created; its front-end styling follows that of the Phaeton which was restyled mid-year. It simultaneously guides the Volkswagen Passat’s independent design into the future. Without leaving the mid-class in terms of pricing, the Passat approaches the top segments even more powerfully with its upgraded comfort, convenience, quality and safety properties as well as in its assistance systems. In fact, the Volkswagen Passat – available in Trendline, Comfortline and Highline equipment levels – now offers more value thanks to its optimised features. For example, standard equipment on all turbodiesel models of the base Trendline version now includes the energy-saving Stop/Start system and battery regeneration. All other petrol and natural gas engines have a battery regeneration system as well. For the smallest petrol engine, battery regeneration and the Stop/Start system are available as options.