Top 10 major differences between VW Passat Elegance and Passat R-Line

Volkswagen Passat is one of the incredible sedans available in the Malaysian automotive market. It comes in two variants - Elegance and R-Line, both of which feature elegant styling, the latest tech, and the same 2.0-litre turbo mill delivering outstanding performance. 

The standard kit includes LED headlights, LED DRLs, LED tail lamps, electric tailgate, digital cockpit, multifunctional steering wheel, keyless entry with push-button start/stop, three-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 9.2-inch touchscreen Discover Pro infotainment system with Wireless AppConnect system and gesture control, eight speakers, reverse camera, side assist with rear cross traffic alert, proactive passenger protection system, and more.

However, there are a number of things that differentiate the two trims. Today, we are going to tell you about the ten big differences between the Volkswagen Passat Elegance and Passat R-Line.

1. Bumpers and side skirts

The front and rear bumpers of the Passat Elegance and R-Line are different. The latter gets specially tailored aggressive bumpers for a sportier appeal. A striking tornado line running from the front panel to the rear and the chrome detailing on the lower doors lower front and rear bumpers further add to its sporty stance.

2. Wheels

The Passat Elegance runs on 18-inch Liverpool multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 235/45 tyres. However, the R-Line differentiates itself with the larger 19-inch Verona alloy wheels shod with the 235/40 tyres.

3. R-badges

Just like other typical Volkswagen R-Line models, the Passat R-Line also features R-Line badges here and there. On the exterior, we can see the R-Line tags on the front grille and fenders while inside the R-Line badge is positioned onto the seats’ backrest.

4. Interior trimming

The interiors of both Passat variants are welcoming that impress customers with striking aesthetics and high-quality touch-and-feel. The Passat Elegance features ‘Brushed Aluminium’ decorative inserts while the R-Line is one step up with more elegant ‘Dark Diamond Flag’ decorative inserts. In addition, a Black R-Line Headliner and aluminum scuff plates spruce the R-Line interiors.

5. Steering wheel and sports pedals

Both Passat trims are fitted with a digital cockpit featuring multiple information themes, which is teamed up with a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. But a slight difference lies here. The R-Line has a thicker flat-bottomed R-Line leather-strapped steering wheel. Not just this, but the sportier Passat kit also has aluminium pedals on board. 

6. Seat upholstery 

With the Volkswagen Passat Elegance, the customers get ‘Vienna” leather seat upholstery, whereas the R-Line buyers enjoy seat upholstery made of “Nappa” leather. 

7. Driver seat functionality

The driver seat of the Elegance is 12-way powered with memory and lumbar support, while the R-Line driver sits on an ergoComfort seat with memory and lumbar support, which is electrically adjustable in 14 ways.

8. Dynamic Chassis Control

Despite the visual additions mentioned above, the two models also have some mechanical differences. The Passat R-Line is equipped with a Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system, which lets the drivers adjust the characteristics of the steering and the damping system as they like.

9. Driving Mode Selection

The Passat R-Line also gets a Driving Model Selection that along with the DCC enables the driver to adjust the car drive according to the personal driving style and the current road and traffic conditions. The preset modes of this system are comfort, normal, and sport.

10. Electronic Differential Lock

Another mechanical difference between the two trims is the Electronic Differential Lock (XDS), which we can find on the Passat R-Line. This technology lets the driver grip the road at sharp corners and thus ensures an even safer drive.  

Price

On account of the visual and mechanical differences between the two cars, their prices are also different. The Volkswagen Passat price for the Elegance starts at RM 182,878, while for the Passat R-Line, the customers need to shell out an amount of RM 204,433. The mentioned prices are on the road, without insurance and inclusive of SST rebate.

So, that was all about the Volkswagen Passat Elegance and R-Line different highlights. Which one would you like to pick? Let us know in the comments.

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