Volkswagen has premiered its new Passat estate, which will deliver more onboard space and two new plug-in hybrid versions with up to 62 miles of EV range.

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Now in its ninth generation, the new model also ups the ante through its sleeker new looks, increased quality and latest technical features.

Due on sale in Q1 2024, it’s the first generation of the premium family car to be sold exclusively in estate guise after production of the saloon stopped in January 2022.

It’s built on a revamped version of the brand’s MQB Evo platform also being used for the new Tiguan and mechanically identical Škoda Superb. This has been given a series of significant upgrades while also delivering extra space thanks to a 50mm longer wheelbase. Legroom grows by 50mm in the rear and boot room rises by 40 litres to 690 litres (when loaded up to the height of the rear seat backrests), and by 140 litres to 1,920 litres with the rear bench seat folded down.

The interior has also been heavily revised and includes a revamped dashboard and revised infotainment system using the new fourth-generation version of VW’s MIB operating system, designed for easier use and with larger screens, standing at 10.25 inches for the driver’s display and 12.9 inches for the infotainment, while an upgraded 15-inch display is available for the latter. The menu structure has been developed to be self-explanatory following feedback from Volkswagen customers. Options include a new head-up display and ergoActive front seats with a massage function.

The new platform also enables all popular engine types to be catered for and the line-up includes diesel engines, petrol engines, mild and plug-in hybrid systems.

The specific UK engine line-up hasn’t been revealed but the full range includes a 148hp 1.5-litre petrol 48V mild hybrid, two 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines delivering 204hp and 265hp, and three versions of the current 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 122, 150 and 193hp outputs.

The line-up also includes two completely new eHybrid plug-in hybrids, which use a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol, instead of the previous 1.4-litre unit, along with a new 19.7kWh battery, giving expected EV-only ranges of up to 62 miles. The new battery can now also be charged at AC charging points with 11kW instead of the previous 3.6kW and eHybrid models can also take up to 50kW at DC fast charging stations.

All engines bar the plug-in hybrids come with a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox as standard, while the latter get a six-speed DSG. All are front-wheel drive bar the highest-power petrol and diesels which come as standard with 4Motion permanent all-wheel drive system, able to accommodate trailer weights of up to 2,200kg.

Four grades will be available – Passat, Business, Elegance and R-Line – all developed to offer significantly more equipment than before. Gadgets available include latest-generation IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, Park Assist assisted parking and Travel Assist for partially automated driving.

It has big shoes to fill; previous generations have sold more than 30 million units worldwide, making it the top-selling Volkswagen of all time after the Golf and ahead of the Beetle.

Prices and full details will be announced closer to the launch.