Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Passat HyMotion review

New hydrogen fuel cell tech is showcased in Volkswagen Passat HyMotion concept car - and we've driven it

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Volkswagen Passat
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

VW has been researching and developing hydrogen fuel cells since the nineties. The tech and the brand itself have advanced so much, that mass production of these cars could begin almost immediately. Sadly, the world is not yet ready for their arrival, so, right now, there’s no due date.

VW introduced its latest hydrogen-powered car technology at the LA Motor Show - but rather than this impressive new powertrain being confined to life on the show stand, Volkswagen has implemented it into a car that works in the real world. However, it’s what’s beneath the VW Passat bodywork that really matters here.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Sitting on the versatile MQB platform, the VW boasts a 132bhp fuel cell and four hydrogen tanks that provide 310 miles of range and performance that is on par with a diesel-powered Golf. The tanks can be refilled in three minutes and have also been positioned in a way so they don’t encroach on passenger space inside, too.

The Golf’s MQB architecture is so adaptable that it makes it the only vehicle in the world which can adopt every conceivable powertrain. That includes diesel and petrol engines, natural gas, electric drive, plug-in hybrid technology and now hydrogen fuel cell.

But what exactly what does this all mean? Well, when a comprehensive hydrogen refueling infrastructure is eventually put in place, VW will be able to produce hydrogen vehicles immediately. They can be built in the same factory and on the same line as conventionally powered cars, which helps minimise costs.

Although still a prototype, the Passat feels thoroughly well engineered when you get behind the wheel. It whirs into life, and like any other electric car silently pulls away with a surprising amount of urgency. There’s nothing in the cabin that distinguishes the Passat HyMotion from any other traditionally powered version either.

Performance wise, a lithium-ion battery which stores the kinetic energy recovered from regenerative braking provides a boost to maximum acceleration when you need to overtake.

You can feel the added shove, meaning a 0-62mph time of 10 seconds feels quicker than the number suggests.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,584
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,925
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025