Here is my 2012 B7 Volkswagen Passat. There is much more to this car then meets the eye. That is, there are many reasons I chose to pull the plug on purchasing one. It's more about what this car stands for rather than what the car has to offer. This is Volkswagen's first stab at controlling the American mid-size market. Built in the new LEED certified plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the B7 body is entirely different from its B6 European brother built in Germany. Although the cars look identical, this version is a different platform.
I wanted the best model they had to offer so I went for the 3.6 SEL Premium and ordered it directly from the factory. It exudes nationalism in the fact that it is purely American aimed at Americans. It has interesting touches such as remote start (which is illegal in Europe and Volkswagen's first and only model to offer it from the factory), rear turn signals which are red instead of amber, an American exclusive Fender Audio System, and even DRLs that switch off when the turn signals are on. These features may go overlooked by many, but they are the cool differentiations that drew me toward this car.
I have always loved the features of American cars, and their little touches such as the ones I listed above. But they are certainly not without quality issues, and longevity questionability. Not to say that all American cars are bad, but they are just not my taste at the end of the day. This car was the perfect "Americanized German Car" for me!
I love that the car has silly cool features. These include a navigation system which states the speed limit of all roads on the screen, a digital oil temperature readout (only on the V6), KESSY (Keyless Entry and Start SYstem), cornering fog lamps (which fade in and out based on the steering wheel (you can see them in the picture)), a quick-shifting DSG with paddle shifters, and a legendary 3.6 VR6 Volkswagen engine which is fast and full of torque while delivering about 25-27 mpg mixed between highway and city driving. Sure there was the TDI model to consider, but it was significantly slower around town, and to be honest my car does quite well on gas given its 280-horsepower engine.
One more notable feature of this car is its Fender audio system which I mentioned earlier. This is the first car ever to feature the system, (although the Jetta and Beetle now offer it too) and the system is very cool. Fender is an old time American guitar company, and it was all too appropriate to integrate it into the Americanized Passat. It features a nine-speaker setup with a subwoofer in the trunk, and a Blaupunkt amplifier under the driver seat. The front doors each have three speakers within to save space but have a great amount of amplification and clarity. As the commercial with Billy Joel's song says, it is "crystal clear," and I concur. The MDI iPod adapter is a nice complement to the system as well, so in the audio department this car is stellar!
In the end, the car is a great buy for anyone considering a mid-size sedan with unique features, sleek styling, and modern efficiency without compromising power. After two months and 1,500 miles, I am still smiling every time I get in and press the aluminum Engine Start button. Moral to the story, Das Auto lives on, even if it is built in a sustainable plant in the southern United States. -- George
If you want to participate in the Readers Rides blog, click here to read the submission guidelines and email your text and photos to submissions@edmunds.com -- Donna
vwestchester says:
07:25 AM, 02/21/12
A few things to note here George:
When you say "there are many reasons I chose to pull the plug on purchasing one," that means that you didn't purchase it. I think you meant "pull the trigger!"
Also, Rocket Man is by Elton John, not Billy Joel. Come on man!
Regarding the car, I think it's classy and powerful. However, that for over $30K there are no Xenons and 4Motion is not available makes no sense. The previous generation Passat's highest trim-level included the aforementioned items that should at least be options for this model (actually, I guess VW doesn't really offer options, they have a Honda-esque model scheme). I leased a 2006 VW GLI for two years and that came with standard Xenons, but you can't get them on the new one. I don't like VW's decontenting strategy as of late. All in all though, it's definitely a sweet ride. I have a feeling that you're going to go through front tires quickly with all that power!
hooklyn says:
08:30 AM, 02/21/12
Very nice buy. This is certainly a car that needs to be experienced to be truly appreciated. I have driven a 2.5 SEL and TDI SEL and they are were both fantastic. Good choice.
@ vwestchester
The B6 Passat with 4Moiton and Xenons you mention was only on the V6 model (like here) but cost about $38,000 for that combination.
$30k-$32k w/o AWD and Xenons is par for the course in this segment. There is not one car in this class that offers BOTH AWD and Xenons. Some offer AWD (Fusion, Legacy, Kizashi) and others offer xenons (Altima, Mazda6, Optima) but that is all. Cars like the Malibu, Accord, Camry, Sonata, Avenger/200, etc. don't offer either as well. And for the same/similar money as the Passat.
steviebster says:
08:45 AM, 02/21/12
I saw this very model at the Seattle Auto Show back in November. I was very impressed. Definitely felt more expensive and classier (especially on the inside) than the segment leader Camry. Congrats on a great choice. Enjoy!
VW Luvin in Seattle,
Stephen
victorminator says:
10:07 AM, 02/21/12
I agree with vwestchester, and Hooklyn: at least offer projectors on the higher end ones! They come standard on most of the cars in this segment, VW chose not to. They could've at least made them available even if not Xenons. If compact cars can offer projectors, then to me this is a cheap thing on VW's part. They aren't expensive, and would at least make his SEL model feel more in line with the classy looks it has (inside and out). I like the car otherwise, but would NEVER recommend it to family members based on that. At least not when they're getting the top trim and V6. It just doesn't feel right.
I personally hate when any modern family car doesn't come with projectors. If the Camry can get that right, so can VW. I'm fine with them decontenting the car otherwise to compete. Just don't make it feel like a 90's car's headlights.
That's my personal take.
Like I said, it's otherwise a very nice car and I'm sure the standard content is otherwise up there and the interior does look classy.
throwback says:
10:31 AM, 02/21/12
This car has an amazing price spread from the entry level car with the 2.5 (Really VW, the 2.5?) up to the 4 motion V6. That's an unusual spread for what is pitched as a mainstream mid sizer. I saw one of these in black and immediately thought Phaeton.
bassrockerx says:
10:46 AM, 02/21/12
I don't see why a car not offering xenons is really that big a deal considering it is just a bulb you can put xenons on any car for between 50 to 80 dollars I even have them on my girlfriends 96 Buick. As far as 4motion they put it as an option on the Volkswagen cc now wich next to the jetta sportwagen and taureag is my favorite vw car.
This car has tons of features but I think if I was spending over 30k for a car I would be looking at either the Chrysler 300 with the 300 hp pentastar v6 and new 8 speed transmission. Or I would eat romen and save my pennies for a Buick regal gs.
But I'm not hating on your car clearly it is the perfect car for you and you can afford it clearly and it looks like it has everything you want from a car wich is awesome. Glad to see someone who is not persuaded by the promise of cuvs.
victorminator says:
10:51 AM, 02/21/12
Oh and I do believe the design will age gracefully, because it's so inoffensive now. That profile looks very classy and will likely last that way over time. I never minded that they changed their designs to become so simple, though I hope they don't ruin the CC's sexy style and keep it the premium Passat throughout the years. I think it'd be a great strategy in keeping the previous Passat owners who liked the idea of the premium sedan they had. Seeing as though the CC now has 5 seats instead of 4, I can see they're intending to do just that. Again, great strategy.
Bassrockerx: IMO stock setups will almost always look better than tacked on ones. Few exceptions do exist.
cardrvr says:
10:53 AM, 02/21/12
Nice car, with a good exterior and great interior (the interior design is miles above anything made by Toyota, Honda and especially Ford/GM).
subytrojan says:
12:30 PM, 02/21/12
bassrockerx, that is the wrong way to go Xenon in my opinion. The headlight assemblies are not designed for that kind of light output and you will increase the glare that other motorists have to deal with. Please read the article at the URL below.
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/Hid/conversions/conversions.html
vwestchester says:
01:46 PM, 02/21/12
@ hookyln
I hear you regarding the $38K price of the B6 Passat, but all I'm saying is if VW is going to get back into the $30K+ VR6 territory, which I believe had been absent from the lineup past MY2008, then they should go all in and offer a higher content model. Offer this SEL and then maybe an SEL Executive and then a 4Motion.
@victorminator
I completely agree with you. I HATE that my 2007 328xi doesn't have Xenons, let alone even projector halogens. It just looks so cheap, but I couldn't find another Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, 6spd that had them, so I had to go with what I could find. If I want to upgrade to OEM Xenons, I'm looking at over $2grand which is ridiculous.
I think that I may go back to VW, this time for a Golf R. Then I get everything in one nice and tidy package.
victorminator says:
02:16 PM, 02/21/12
Heh, vwestchester, sadly when I see someone with your type of car (luxury vehicle without xenons) on the road, I would prejudge them as a person driving a BMW solely for the status symbol, and thus chose the cheapest setup (halogen reflectored luxury cars) they could pay for to get that name.
I guess there are exceptions after all as to why someone might drive with them, like you. ;)
I wonder beside BMW, what shops offer retrofits as faithful to the stock ones as can be, and how to tell they will do the right job, but still cheaper than the factory cost. Subytrojan might know more?
Oh and personally the 4Motion is less an issue if it's not available, since it's almost inexistent in high-end trims of other mass-market sedans. But I can see how people coming from the previous 4Motion Passat might be quite disappointed.
autoboy1 says:
02:25 PM, 02/21/12
I don't understand everyone's fascination with Xenons. I've had plenty of cars with Xenons and I seriously don't miss them at all. The Halogens on my GTI are well aimed and bright. My GMC Acadia has projector beam Halogens and they are fine as well. Besides the color difference of the light, I don't see much difference in the drivability of the Halogens vs Xenons. I actually prefer Halogens because they project a little light beyond the aiming point so its not complete darkness beyond the range of the lights. All i hear on the VW forums are a bunch of babies crying about Xenons. Meanwhile, the Jetta and Passat fly off the lots. Obviously the general public didnt' care. There ARE Xenons available for this car in China, and some people are working on importing them. Maybe if you're patient they'll be available on a premium trim (wolfsburg?) in the next few years.
And as for AWD? This is a mainstream Passat. The AWD take rate on the old Passat was abysmal so they dropped it. The new chassis probably won't even take AWD. But, the new Passat is on average $7000 cheaper than the old model. Did you hear me? 7 GRAND. That's a lot of cash left in your pocket. The Passat may not be your next budget A6 for snowbound folks, but it's a damn fine car for the price. Get used to it. VW re-aimed at the mainstream and hit a bulls eye.
typesh says:
02:27 PM, 02/21/12
As for Xenons, remember this car is designed specifically for the US market (and perhaps a few other big sedan loving markets like China, where this car will see chauffeur driven use). If I had to guess, VWoA did the math and realized the take rate for HIDs would be pretty low and while they could offer an SEL Executive or what-have-you at a higher price, it wouldn't move enough units to justify the cost to develop a 2nd set of headlight assemblies with HID. Furthermore, by offering just one set of headlights, it reduces the number of SKUs for the parts department at the dealer. I can understand the argument for projector beams, but again, if they don't add much value, forgoing them can reduce costs in a way that doesn't affect function.
Same thing goes for the 4Motion. Probably didn't even make sense to include that on this chassis. Remember, these cars don't sell in Camry or Accord numbers just yet.
300zxguy says:
04:04 PM, 02/21/12
that's a cool photo of your Passat parked nose-to-nose with a Chevy Impala. Ha ha, just kidding. The new Passat and Jetta designs are growing on me. At first I thought VW went too conservative, but they have simple, clean but well executed styling without any trendy design elements that will date the car in a few year. And you can't argue with the sales numbers, they certainly are appealing to buyers as a good value. If there's any knock on the Passat, it is that is looks too similar to the Jetta. I like the size and proportions of the Jetta, but I think the details are nicer on the Passat, they probably do that on purpose to make the more expensive car look more expensive.
redgeminipa says:
05:51 PM, 02/21/12
Very nice car, but I just can't get past the grille.
finn4723 says:
10:00 PM, 02/21/12
The DRL's turning off when the turn signal is on isn't so much a "feature" as it is a regulation. NHTSA's FMVSS 108 states that when an active turn signal bulb is within a certain distance of an illuminated DRL, the DRL must turn off to make the turn signal more visible. Either way, I think it looks cool when the DRL's "wink" if you will. It's a two-page regulation believe it or not.
jbooo says:
02:59 AM, 02/22/12
hey victorminator, it actually is kind of sad that you have a perception that someone driving the cheapest setup of a BMW is only paying to get a name. That basic setup, is still more dynamic to drive than most (if not all) other cars in this class. Now if you are a person that cares less about how a car drives as long as it gets you from point A to point B, then you would have no reason to buy a BMW or VW because an Impala or Camry would fit the need quite well. Then, and only then, could I understand the perception that someone is just buying a name.
jbooo says:
03:03 AM, 02/22/12
Nice car George. Good choice!
victorminator says:
06:05 AM, 02/22/12
jbooo I know, I know, it's a snap judgement. But really, if you look at most of the drivers of these base ones, it rarely is other than just a family/young woman/young guy, which is easy to then make that assumption of image being the driving factor.
That being said, I never said driving the cheapest BMW only, I was hinting at pretty much any luxury car being driven that way, and even then it wasn't that it's the basic setup but rather the one without even the Xenons. Basically, as vwestchester said himself, it LOOKS cheap.
I know many enthusiasts prefer the most basic trim in a BMW (as an example brand) because they prefer lightweight driving pleasure. I'm not judging that at all.
And I think we can agree the MAJORITY of BMW customers are not in it for the BMW driving experience at all, and as such it's why I tend to have that snap judgement when I see one without even the right kind of lighting setup.
No offense meant. :)
victorminator says:
06:07 AM, 02/22/12
Oh and I probably should have rewritten my first paragraph to be included with the last one. Don't wanna plunk young males and females on this site into the image conscious ones I was referring to in that paragraph. Stupid missing edit button. Whoever programmed this site and approved this commenting system needs to be reprimanded. Seriously. I'm a web dev and find this lazy and unacceptable.
gtrguy2012 says:
08:20 AM, 02/22/12
A good decision in this segment, I rarely ever see 3.6R passats on the road. Much much better than any Toyota Camry/Honda Accord.
ptcdawg says:
01:20 PM, 02/22/12
How do you know they are much much better than Accord/Camry on the road? I've sat in the new de-contented Jetta and I was not impressed. Hopefully, this Passat is better.
lime679 says:
03:25 PM, 02/22/12
victorminator, I'm with you.
Having experience in a BMW dealer and people running in just to get the name and no packages has made me a little sore. I personally would never buy a vehicle without HIDs especially a premium brand.
Nice Passat by the way. I've always thought they were a nice car but this one is a bit big for me.
300zxguy says:
03:25 PM, 02/22/12
after seeing a new Passat on the street yesterday, it occurred to me how few Passats I've seen compared to Jettas (I see lots of new Jettas). Before, I had figured I just couldn't tell the difference at a glance, since the cars look pretty similar, but seeing the Passat in person I see the taillights are quite easy to tell apart, and the lower front fascia, too. I wonder if the Passat is selling well, too, as I know the Jetta is.
zeniff says:
06:52 PM, 02/22/12
I'm with virtorminator on this one. A decontented luxury plate is still decontented.
@ bassrockerx - that idea to put xenons in a stock headlight setup is a terrible one. It's not only illegal and can cause aggravating glare for other drivers, but it also looks cheesy. I've never seen a car that had them on which it was immediately apparent that it was poor man's approach to xenons.
As for the car, I do like the Passat. I've always liked VW's, but the lack of reliability has me holding out across the board. It's interesting to see what VW is doing with 'dummying down' their offerings compared to previous generations (the Jetta is a perfect example of this). But some people don't seem to mind. Such as the owner's comments about the taillights being all red (no amber lenses). That might seem like it's for style, but in the end it's just a cheaper form of injection molding (single shot instead of double shot).
tjpark01 says:
06:04 PM, 03/ 1/12
"a legendary 3.6 VR6 Volkswagen engine"
That's a good one. Legendary on what planet?