VW Passat R-Line vs Passat Elegance: How different are the two variants?

Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia (VPCM) lineup includes several amazing models, one of which is the Passat sedan. This D-segment sedan is offered in two variants in the local market - the entry-level Elegance and range-topping R-Line. With a price difference of around RM29k, the buyers often get confused between the two versions.

The question that often arises is - what additional features do I get by spending RM29k extra, are the features worth the extra money, or buying the base model and saving the money is a smarter choice?

To answer this question and more, we decide to put the two Passat variants against each other.

Note, that both the models were updated for the 2022 model year and they will be used for comparison here.

Also Read: Volkswagen Malaysia launches the all-new 2022 Passat R-Line

So, let the 2022 Passat Elegance vs. 2022 Passat R-Line rift benign -

Passat Elegance vs. Passat R-Line: Price

The Elegance 2.0 TSI retails for RM 183,680 (inclusive of the SST exemption). The R-Line 2.0 TSI, on the other hand, costs RM212,939 (on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of SST).

There is a clear difference of RM 29,259. So, if money is the major deciding factor in your purchase, then the base model is the clear choice as the gap is a substantial one and not the one that would go un-notice on a restricted budget.

Passat Elegance vs. Passat R-Line: Engine

Both the Passat variants share a common 2.0 TSI engine, however, the unit is slightly tuned differently for the range-topping R-Line model.

In the Elegance model, the 2.0-litre four-pot engine generates a maximum power of 190 PS at 4,500 to 6,200 rpm and a peak torque of 330 Nm at 1,500-4,400 rpm.

The R-Line variant features the same unit but with a turbocharger which in turn hikes the output. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine churns out 220 PS at 4,500-6,200 rpm along with a peak torque of 350 Nm at 1,500 to 4,440 rpm.

This definitely is a hike in power and torque, however, a difference of 30 PS and 20 Nm is not that much to spend RM 29k extra. However, that being said, some people (enthusiasts) might have a different opinion.

Passat Elegance vs. Passat R-Line: Transmission

The engine in the Elegance model is paired to a fast and efficient 7-speed automatic transmission that the company claims to offer a smooth, hassle-free drive.

The R-Line variant, on the other hand, gets a six-speed automatic unit.

Both come with a direct-shift gearbox (DSG) that offers the ease of an automatic and responsiveness of a manual unit.

No major differences here as well.

Passat Elegance vs. Passat R-Line: Efficiency

The Elegance model offers excellent combined fuel consumption of 15.38 kmph, and the R-Line of 14.92 kmpl. Which roughly translates to 1000 km and 900 km respectively with the variants 66-liter fuel tank.

This might be a deciding factor, favoring the Elegance.

Passat Elegance vs. Passat R-Line: Performance/drive enhancers

Being the range-topping and more performance-oriented model, the Passat R-Line comes with Driving Mode Selection with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). So, the way the car is driven can be matched with personal driving style and current road & traffic conditions.
Further, the car’s response is improved here with the XDS tech that grips the road while the driver is cornering fast.

Both these features go missing in the Elegance model, thus making the R-Line a favorable choice for a driving enthusiast.

Passat Elegance vs. Passat R-Line: Exterior

The Elegance model feature full-LED headlights with dynamic headlight range control, automatic headlight activation with leaving home function & manual coming home function, full LED tail lights with dynamic lighting system & welcome light, LED DRLs with dynamic indicators, front & rear fog lamps, driver-side ORVM with auto-dimming and memory function, dynamic cornering lights, electrically-adjustable & foldable ORVM. The sedan stands on 18-inch Bonneville wheels with 235/45 R18 tyres and rain & light sensor.

The R-Line variant, on the other hand, benefits from the aggressive R-Line Styling while keeping all the other features the same as the Elegance model. The R-Line styling bits include 19-inch Verona alloy wheels wrapped with 235/40 R19 tyres, R-Line logo on the front grille and side, R-Line sill extension, R-Line front bumper with black accents, and R-Line rear sport bumpers with chrome.

The two models differ only on the styling grounds while keeping all the exterior features the same. So, here you pay extra for the sporty R-Line styling.

Passat Elegance vs. Passat R-Line: Interior

The Passat sedan like any VW model is packed with comforting and convenient features. Both the variants, the Elegance and R-Line come equipped with the following features -

LED Ambient lighting with multi-colour options, auto-dimming rear view mirror, leather-wrapped multi-function steering, rear air vents, shift paddles on steering, climatronic air-con system with 3 zones, driver seat with 12-way memory, massage & lumbar support, easy-open tailgate, electric sunshade, passenger electric seat, keyless entry, and Vinna leather seat.

On the tech front, both the cars get a 9.2-inch touchscreen with gesture control, VW digital cockpit with multi-configuration profile, wireless app-connect, 8-speaker sound system, Bluetooth interface, 3D navigation, 3 USB ports, and voice control.

The R-Line variant being the range-topping trim benefits from a few extra design elements and equipment. These additions we think also justify its additional cost. Part of the list are - 3-zone Climatronic air-con system with touch-sensitive panels, dark diamond decorative inserts, and driver ergoComfort seats with 14-way memory and electric lumbar support.

The R-Line specific elements include - R-Line leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering, R-Line aluminum sport pedals, R-Line Nappa Carbon leather seat upholstery, R-Line Black headliner, and R-Line front & rear aluminum scuff plates.

It also gets the 700W Harman Kardon sound system with 12 high-performance speakers including a subwoofer.

Here the R-Line variant gets a few additional features and lots of R-Line-specific styling.

Passat Elegance vs. Passat R-Line: Safety

The safety kit remains same across the Passat lineup which includes -

• 6 airbags (2 front, 2 front side, & 2 curtain)
• ABS with BA & EBD
• Anti-theft alarm system with immobilizer, interior monitoring & towing protection
• Cruise Control system with speed limiter
• Driver Alert System
• Electronic Stability Control
• Hill Hold Control
• Proactive passenger protection system
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with pressure display
• Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert

No difference, so no additional cost was added to the R-Line model from the safety department.

Conclusion

The broader picture tells us the Passat R-Line model is mostly about the ‘R-Line’ specific styling, however, it does bring along a few additional features (inside and out).

Should you buy the pricier Passat R-Line? It all depends on the buyer's requirements. If you need the aggressive styling, and a few cabin look and feel enhancing elements then go for the range-topping R-Line variant. Otherwise, the entry-level Elegance model will surface all your requirements, in every department.

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