2015 Volkswagen Passat Revealed for Europe

You won’t have to wait until the Paris Motor Show to check out the all-new Volkswagen Passat.

The German automaker revealed its eighth-generation Passat, at least in European form, with new sleek styling found in recent concepts such as the T-Roc and NMC. A narrow, three-slat radiator grille is accented by a rippled hood and angular headlights that is modern, yet Volkswagen.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Volkswagen Passat Previewed in Sketches

Overall, the body of the vehicle looks similar to the current model, but the rear end has also been overhauled with LED tail lights and a rounded bumper. Most importantly, the new Passat will weigh up to 187 lbs lighter than its predecessor as the German automaker has incorporated aluminum and high-strength steel to the body. In terms of dimensions, the Passat will actually be smaller but will have a more spacious interior and larger trunk.

Inside, expect a 12.3-inch TFT screen that will replace the traditional instrument cluster on the higher-end models, which will also receive a head-up display. Naturally with every new generation, the interior will also benefit from higher-grade materials and new-generation technology such as Side Assist with Rear Traffic Assist, Trailer Assist, Front Assist System with Emergency Braking and Traffic Jam Assist.

Under the hood, the 2016 Passat’s powertrain will range from 118 hp to 276 hp. The TDI model will benefit from a 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel with 236 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission. The company will also add a plug-in hybrid variant with a 1.4-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor for a total system output of 201 hp and will have an all-electric range of 31 miles.

The European Passat will go on sale across Europe later this year, possibly as a 2015 model year. The redesign is expected to arrive North America as a 2016 model year.