Volkswagen’s electric Passat replacement spied on local soil

The already showcased, in prototype form, all-electric replacement for the sedan version of the Volkswagen Passat has been spied on South African soil undergoing testing.

Not a Jetta

Observed in the vicinity of Volkswagen’s plant in Kariega, formerly Uitenhage, the rear facia image of the Aero B shows the newcomer having more in common with the Jetta than the Passat, although a closer analysis divulges some differences.

These include the actual design of the light clusters, the smaller bootlid, upwards flowing shoulder line on top of the rear doors, sportier door sills and less chrome detailing on the faux diffuser.

Further differences come in the look of the door handles and the design pattern of the alloy wheels that identifies the sedan as being part of the ID family.

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What to expect

As per the ID range of models, the Aero B, its final name still to be confirmed, rides on the dedicated all-electric MEB platform and although Volkswagen declined to provide any details at the unveiling earlier this year of the ID, reports are it will have a range of around 600 km.

This means motivation will come form a bigger electric motor than the 82-kWh unit in the ID.4 that currently allows for a range of 400 km. A sporty GTX model is also likely.

Another alleged first is that the Aero B will be rear-wheel-drive, a first for a Volkswagen sedan, if you exclude the Beetle, since the Type 3 ended production in favour of the Passat in 1973, while all-wheel-drive is expected to be optional in dual electric motor models.

Should it come to South Africa?

Reportedly, the Aero B will enter production next year in the second half of next year alongside the ID.4 and ID.5 at the Emden plant in Germany that made Passat until early this year.

While also confirmed for China, Europe and North America, the Aero B, in spite of being spotted in South Africa, is unlikely to become available next year despite Wolfsburg insisting last month that it wants to speed-up electric mobility in South Africa before becoming wholly EV by 2030.