Volkswagen Passat Variant (B5.5) 2.5 TDI V6 (180 Hp) 4MOTION


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety 3.0 / 5
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Volkswagen Passat:

The Volkswagen Passat is a nameplate of large family cars manufactured and marketed by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen since 1973 and also marketed variously as the Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat — in saloon, estate, and hatchback body styles.
A "four-door coupé" variant of the Passat with a lower roof was released in the North American market in 2008 as the Passat CC, which was then renamed to Volkswagen CC. The CC was succeeded by the Arteon in 2017....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Variant (B5.5) Overview:

Volkswagen Passat (Variant (B5.5)). With 370 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1758 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.9 s). The top speed reaches 223 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.5 TDI V6 (180 Hp) 4MOTION Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Excellent blend of strong V6 diesel power and all-weather traction, providing confident and capable performance.

Fuel Economy

Good fuel economy for a powerful AWD V6 diesel, making it a capable long-distance cruiser.

Best Use Case: Performance-oriented diesel drivers, towing, challenging weather conditions, long-distance travel.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Wide range of engines, from highly economical diesels to the powerful W8.
  • • Refined ride quality and comfortable, spacious interior, especially for long journeys.
  • • High-quality interior materials and solid build quality for its era.
  • • Excellent practicality with a large boot space in Variant form.
  • • Available 4MOTION all-wheel drive for enhanced traction.

Cons:

  • • Some engines (e.g., W8, 2.5 TDI V6) can be expensive to maintain and repair.
  • • Fuel economy for petrol V6 and W8 models is very poor.
  • • Older automatic transmissions can be slow and less efficient.
  • • Steering can feel a bit numb compared to more driver-focused rivals.
  • • Euro NCAP safety rating (3 stars) is dated by modern standards.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(B5.5: 2002 - 2004).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Passat
Generation:Variant (B5.5)
Modification (Engine):2.5 TDI V6 (180 Hp) 4MOTION
Start of production:2003
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:180 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:72.1 Hp/l [21mm less]
Torque:370 Nm @ 1500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:BDH, BAU More details about the engine BDH, BAU
Engine displacement:2496
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:5 l
Coolant:10 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:78.3 mm
Piston Stroke:86.4 mm
Compression ratio:19.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):7.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):10.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):6.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.9 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.9 sec
Maximum speed:223 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.8 kg/Hp, 102.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.8 kg/Nm, 210.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1758
Max. weight:2250
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:492
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1545 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:450 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):2000 kg
Fuel tank capacity:62 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Size:
Length:4682 mm [21mm less]
Width:1746 mm [Same width.]
Height:1498 mm [36mm more]
Wheelbase:2702 mm [1mm less]
Front track:1515 mm
Rear (Back) track:1515 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.4 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/55 R16
Wheel rims size7J x 16
Front suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionDouble wishbone, Transverse stabilizer

Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Passat. How does it handle on the road?