Volkswagen has added a plug-in hybrid model – badged GTE – to its Passat range. The new car is available to order through the Volkswagen UK retailer network with prices starting at £36,525, excluding the Government Plug-In Car Grant of £2,500.

The first Passat with a state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid drive system, the GTE is designed to offer spirited performance alongside the possibility of zero emissions when driving in all-electric mode.

Available in saloon or estate body styles, the most environmentally responsible Passat to date emits 39g of CO2 on the EU Combined Cycle, equating to fuel economy of 166 mpg.  With 295 lb ft of torque and combined system power of 215 bhp, the new car can sprint from rest to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds before heading to a top speed of 140 mph. The potential range between refuelling stops is more than 660 miles.

The Passat GTE is a plug-in hybrid that can be driven up to 31 miles on electric power alone in E-Mode.  A 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine delivers 154 bhp, while the electric motor adds a further 113 bhp. The electric motor alone can provide up to 295 lb ft of torque from near-standstill.

A specially developed six-speed DSG gearbox is standard on the Passat GTE and features a third, disengagement clutch.  This decouples the TSI motor whenever possible, to allow the vehicle to make best use of kinetic energy and hence increases efficiency still further.

The Passat GTE is distinguished outside by distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights and an additional blue line across the radiator grille: design cues which are shared with the existing Golf GTE.  A redesigned front bumper and 18-inch alloy wheels also mark out the new car.

Inside, in addition to the optional Active Info Display with specific customised read-outs, standard features include blue ambient lighting, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel with blue decorative stitching, a GTE-specific gear knob with blue stitching and seats covered in Alcantara with Vienna leather side bolsters.

The Passat GTE boasts Volkswagen’s new Car-Net e-Remote app which allows a wide variety of tasks – including charging – to be controlled via smartphone.  All climate control functions can be also activated remotely, while information on the vehicle’s state of charge, recent driving data or last parking position can be displayed.  It is also possible to check whether the doors are closed and the lights turned off.

Under normal circumstances, the Passat GTE starts in pure electric E-Mode. When it reaches minimum battery charge hybrid mode is activated. Here the Passat GTE operates as a full hybrid, charging the battery under deceleration and automatically using the TSI motor and/or electric motor as required.  However, should the driver wish to conserve electric power (for example to use E-Mode in a city at the end of a journey), Battery Charge mode can be selected.  For maximum power, GTE mode can be chosen: this uses both petrol and electric motors.

The car’s lithium-ion battery is fitted in the floor area of the rear seat bench. Comprising eight modules of 12 cells each, it creates a nominal voltage of 360 V and power of 9.9 kWh, with a peak output of 85 kW.  The high-voltage battery is overseen electronically by the Battery Management Controller, which manages various functions including the battery’s liquid cooling system.

Charging is achieved either via a standard UK domestic mains outlet in around four hours and 15 minutes; or in two hours 30 minutes from a dedicated wallbox with a 3.6 kW supply.

The Passat GTE comes in two trim levels in the UK.  On top of the standard features of the Passat GT (such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, Discover Navigation, Bluetooth and parking sensors), standard items include LED headlights and tail lights, Mode 2&3 charging cables and Car-Net e-Remote.  Standard items on the GTE Advance trim also include the new Active Info Display, Discover Pro navigation (eight-inch screen), Nappa leather, Area View and LED premium headlights.