Used Volkswagen Passat GTE for sale: everything you need to know

The GTE badge originated in the Volkswagen Golf range, but VW soon applied it to the Volkswagen Passat too. It’s less sporty here but the idea is still the same, with a small engine, hybrid drivetrain, and plug-in battery combining decent performance with some very impressive economy figures.

It’s a suitable alternative to the diesel models in the Passat range, particularly for anyone who has a regular commute that might be rendered much cheaper by topping up a battery rather than a fuel tank. One of its few downsides when new was a high price, but that’s no longer a problem on the used market.

The Skoda Superb iV is the Czech brand’s equivalent to the Passat GTE, with the same drivetrain underneath, while more premium-badged options include the BMW 330e and the Mercedes-Benz C300e.

Should you buy a Volkswagen Passat GTE?

The Volkswagen Passat is a solid all-rounder and a very easy car to recommend in almost any form, be it an entry-level workhorse, the rufty-tufty Alltrack, or the frugal Passat GTE you’re looking at here. Not only that, but with a pretty reasonable EV range by plug-in hybrid standards, it also makes a sensible transitional vehicle for anyone considering going electric.

The GTE is the only plug-in hybrid variant in the 2015-2023 Passat range, and pairs a relatively small 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and 13kWh battery pack. Some plug-in hybrids have a meagre EV range, but in ideal conditions the GTE can do nearly 60 miles on a charge, so it’s a great option if you want to cut down on fuel use when commuting, but still have hundreds of miles of petrol power for longer trips.

GTE badging might imply a GTI-style sporty drive as it does on the smaller Golf GTE, but the Passat GTE is more relaxed than that. It’s comfortable and composed, and easy to drive - just don’t expect any more thrills than you’d get from one of the more powerful diesel models.

The GTE came in both saloon and estate formats and in two trim levels, the higher GTE Advance feeling… well, more advanced thanks to its extra kit, though it doesn’t drive any differently. The handsome and well-made cabin is a Passat highlight though, and GTEs feel suitably upmarket inside too.

You’ll mainly need to look at premium brands and models like the BMW 330e and Mercedes-Benz C300e for plug-in alternatives to the Passat, with the BMW in particular offering the sporty drive the Passat doesn’t quite deliver. The Skoda Superb iV is similar to the Passat under the skin, while you could even consider the Tesla Model 3 if you’re prepared to go all the way to an electric car - it’s saloon-only, but has strong performance and cutting-edge tech on its side.

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What’s the best used Volkswagen Passat GTE model to buy?

There’s not a great deal of choice here, with all Passat GTEs getting the same engine and hybrid setup, and performance and economy varying only slightly depending on trim level, and whether you’re looking at the GTE saloon or estate. The GTE Estate is appealing in itself, with the Passat Estate already being one of the best larger estates on sale, and one of the most practical too. In terms of trim level, the extra features of the Advance are welcome, but it does knock the estate (which cost more than £40,000 brand new in Advance form) into a higher tax bracket for a hefty yearly bill.

Used Volkswagen Passat GTE fuel economy and performance

• Volkswagen Passat GTE: The GTE’s power comes from a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor combination, for 218PS combined and a 7.4-second 0-62mph time. Combined economy in hybrid mode alone is up to 45.6mpg, but thanks to as much as 59 miles of EV range in saloon form, combined economy can be as high as 235.4mpg.

What used Volkswagen Passat GTE trim levels are available?

Volkswagen offered the GTE in both standard and Advance trim levels. As the GTE was already towards the top of the range its basic level of equipment was quite high (it built upon SEL trim in the standard car), while Advance models got extra features such as matrix LED lights, larger displays, and keyless entry.

• The Volkswagen Passat GTE gets 17-inch alloy wheels, blue brake calipers, C-shaped LED daytime running lights, a blue stripe in the radiator grille, blue ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, GTE-focused driving modes, dark tinted rear glass, leather seats, heated front seats, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and heated and folding door mirrors.
• The Volkswagen Passat GTE Advance upgrades to 18-inch alloys, matrix LED headlights, a larger 9.2-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver display, keyless entry, and a power boot.

Used Volkswagen Passat GTE dimensions and boot size

The Volkswagen Passat GTE’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4775mm
• Width: 1832mm (without mirrors), 2083mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1483mm (1516mm Estate)

The Volkswagen Passat GTE’s boot size is:

• 586 litres (650 litres Estate)
• 1152 litres with the rear seats folded (to roof, 1780 litres Estate)

Used Volkswagen Passat GTE road tax

Most of the Passat GTE range will set you back £170 a year in tax, which includes the £10 discount for being an ‘alternative fuel vehicle’, in this case a plug-in hybrid. The exception is the GTE Advance in Estate form, which cost more than £40,000 when new, and attracts a tax bill in years two to six of a hefty £560.

How much is it to insure a Volkswagen Passat GTE?

The GTE range begins in group 26 (out of 50), while the GTE Advance is in group 28 whether saloon or estate. The mechanically similar Skoda Superb iV also starts in group 26, so insurance costs should be similar too.

Read our full Volkswagen Passat GTE review