Comparison: length VW Passat vs. competitors 2025

Through the generations, this vehicular chameleon has shifted shapes like a fashion model changes outfits. Every new incarnation brought with it a few more millimeters, stretching ever longer. From the initial B1 that could barely contain a packet of crisps in the back, we’ve seen this metal monster grow to the B9, offering a cavernous 1920 mm of trunk space with seats folded, presumably for those who feel the need to transport their sofa on a regular basis. It's not just a length increase; it's a lifestyle statement.

In the vast carpark that is the Volkswagen lineup, the Passat plays a rather intriguing role. It’s like the middle child who's grown a bit too tall for the family hatchback but isn’t quite ready to take on the challenges of full-sized SUV adulthood. With the B9’s length making it a noticeable presence, the Passat asserts itself among siblings like the VW up!, Polo, and even the Tiguan, showing them how stretching out is really done. Yet, it glances admiringly (or is that enviously?) at the Arteon and Touareg, dreaming of the day it might just outgrow them all.

But how does it fare against the competition, you ask? Oh, it’s like putting a professional wrestler in the ring with a bunch of schoolchildren. The Passat dwarfs rivals like the Lynk & Co 01 and the Mazda 2, making them look like they’ve been left in the wash for too long. Even the chunky Nissan Pathfinder and the stately Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse, at 4740 mm and 4818 mm respectively, must concede defeat in this length-obsessed showdown. Volkswagen's German masterpiece plays in a league of its own, straddling the line between premium comfort and practical necessity, all wrapped up in a beautifully elongated package.