2015 VW Passat – Official Photos Leaked

It may be America’s birthday, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the world has the day off. That seems to be especially true in China, apparently, where German carmaker Volkswagen just released official photos of the new-for-2015 VW Passat sedan and wagon.

In a word: it’s gorgeous.

2015 VW Passat – Super Pretty on the Outside

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The new 2015 VW Passat uses the Volkswagen/Adui Group’s MQB modular platform, which (in other recent MQB models) has meant a similarly-sized car that’s 85 kg lighter than the outgoing model.

Under the hood, the new Passat’s engines are new or renewed versions of existing turbocharged engines. The new engines will all, reportedly, feature stop-start technology and range in output from 120 to 280 HP, and were selected in a bid to have the 2015 Passat run more efficiently – and more cleanly – than the current generation mid-size sedan, wagon, and CC “coupe”.

Gas, diesel, hybrid, and even CNG powered versions of the 2015 VW Passat sedan and wagon are expected (depending on the markets the car is sold in), and, while pricing hasn’t been announced for the US, it doesn’t seem likely that VW is going to move the car “up market”.

2015 VW Passat – Super Pretty on the Inside

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Inside the new Passat, however, the atmosphere is decidedly up market. Horizontal lines dominate the interior styling, and – along with squared-off seats and accents/details – create an atmosphere that’s just as nice (if not as sporty) as what you’d find in the Passat-based Audi A6 line.

That “squared off” interior should also help the Passat wagon’s interior cargo volume, too. Based on my own recent comparison of that car against a Volvo XC70 (which is a generation or so behind the Passat, in terms of chassis design), the last Passat wagon needed all the help it could get.

What do you guys think? Is this new 2015 VW Passat as good-looking as I think it is, or do I just like it because it looks like an old Volvo? Let us know what you think of the new-look mainstream option from Wolfsburg in the comments, below. Enjoy!

Source | Images: Volkswagen, via Motorpasion.