With a suffix being derived from the designation, New Midsize Sedan, and which different from the B8 sold on the Old Continent, the NMS finally joins its sibling in being based on the MQB platform for the first time, with the new underpinnings being complimented by a fastback-like appearance taken from the Arteon, and a front-end clip sporting a grille similar to that of the new Touareg.
Measuring 4 933mm in overall length with a wheelbase of 2 871mm, height of 1 469mm and width of 1 836mm, the NMS is 60mm longer than its predecessor and 160mm up on the B8, with the added rear legroom being vital in a market where most cars are chauffeur driven.
Along with the additional space, the NMS comes with unique quilted leather upholstery and wood inserts, as well as the 10.25-inch Active Info Display digital instrument cluster, Adaptive Cruise Control, heated and ventilated seats, Park Assist and LED headlights.
Up front, the NMS will offer the option of a single petrol engine, the 2.0 TSI producing 137kW or 162kW, teamed to a seven-speed DSG. Later on, Volkswagen will also add a plug-in hybrid that marries a 1.4 TSI with an electric motor for a total system output of 155kW/400Nm.
While the Chinese bound Passat NMS is made as a result of a joint partnership between Volkswagen and SAIC-VW, the North American NMS is expected to be less spacious and not as well equipped when it reportedly bows at either the Los Angeles Auto Show next month, or in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
It will however come with more power in the form of the 3.6 VR6 used in the sporty Passat GT and Atlas SUV, which produces 206kW/350Nm. Production will take place at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga Plant in Tennessee, but given that a facelift version of the B8 Passat is due out later this year, don’t expect NMS to become available locally anytime soon.
