The Volkswagen Passat Variant (B5.5) 4.0 W8 32V with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a Tiptronic automatic transmission represents a unique and relatively rare offering within the B5.5 Passat lineup, produced between 2001 and 2004. This variant aimed to combine the practicality of a station wagon (estate) with the performance of a high-displacement, naturally aspirated W8 engine. Positioned as the top-of-the-line Passat Variant, it catered to buyers seeking a blend of luxury, space, and all-weather capability. The B5.5 generation itself was a significant refresh of the B5 Passat, introducing revised styling, improved interior materials, and updated technology.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat |
| Generation | Passat Variant (B5.5) |
| Type (Engine) | 4.0 W8 32V (275 Hp) 4MOTION Tiptronic |
| Start of production | 2001 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 19.5 l/100 km (12.1 US mpg, 14.5 UK mpg, 5.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg, 30.1 UK mpg, 10.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 314 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) – Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.5 kg/Hp, 153.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm, 206.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 275 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 2750 rpm (272.9 lb.-ft. @ 2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | BDN |
| Engine displacement | 3999 cm3 (244.03 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | W-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.17 mm (3.55 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.3 l (8.77 US qt, 7.3 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt, 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1789 kg (3944.07 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2360 kg (5202.91 lbs.) |
| Max load | 571 kg (1258.84 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 450 l (15.89 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1545 l (54.56 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal, 17.6 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4682 mm (184.33 in.) |
| Width | 1746 mm (68.74 in.) |
| Height | 1497 mm (58.94 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2702 mm (106.38 in.) |
| Front track | 1511 mm (59.49 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). Internal Combustion engine. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Passat Variant is the 4.0-liter W8 engine, designated as the BDN engine code. This engine is notable for its unique W configuration, essentially combining two narrow-angle VR4 engines onto a common crankshaft. This design allows for a shorter engine length compared to a traditional V8, aiding in packaging. The W8 features a 72-degree bank angle and utilizes four valves per cylinder, operated by a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine produces 275 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque at 2750 rpm. The engine is longitudinally mounted, directing power to all four wheels via Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. The 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission allows for both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection, offering drivers some control over the gear changes.
Driving Characteristics
The 4.0 W8 Passat Variant offers a distinctly different driving experience compared to the more common four-cylinder or TDI-powered versions. The W8 provides smooth and effortless acceleration, with the Tiptronic transmission offering relatively quick shifts. While not a sports car, the combination of the W8 engine and 4MOTION provides confident handling and traction in various conditions. The automatic transmission, while convenient, can feel slightly less responsive than a manual gearbox, particularly during aggressive driving. The gear ratios are tuned for a balance of performance and fuel economy, but the W8’s inherent thirst for fuel means that achieving good mileage is challenging. Compared to the 1.8T or 2.0 TDI variants, the W8 offers significantly more power and a more refined driving experience, but at the cost of substantially higher fuel consumption and potentially increased maintenance costs.
Equipment & Trim Levels
As the flagship Passat Variant, the W8 4MOTION Tiptronic typically came well-equipped. Standard features often included leather upholstery, wood trim, automatic climate control, a premium audio system, and power-adjustable front seats. Optional extras could include navigation systems, sunroofs, and upgraded wheels. The interior generally featured a more luxurious and refined ambiance compared to lower trim levels. The exterior often featured unique badging and styling cues to differentiate it from other Passat Variants.
Chassis & Braking
The Passat B5.5 utilizes an independent multi-link suspension at the front and a double wishbone suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The W8 variant typically featured upgraded brakes compared to lower trims, with ventilated discs at all four corners. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. The suspension tuning was geared towards providing a balance between comfort and handling, rather than outright sportiness.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Passat Variant 4.0 W8 4MOTION Tiptronic was not a high-volume seller, largely due to its high price and relatively poor fuel economy. Critics generally praised the engine’s smoothness and power, as well as the all-wheel-drive system’s capabilities. However, the fuel consumption was a common point of criticism. Compared to the more popular 1.8T and TDI variants, the W8 offered a more luxurious and powerful experience, but at a significant premium in terms of both purchase price and running costs. The TDI models were favored by those prioritizing fuel efficiency, while the 1.8T offered a more affordable balance of performance and economy.
Legacy
The W8 engine, while short-lived in the Passat lineup, remains a unique and interesting piece of Volkswagen engineering. The BDN engine, when properly maintained, can be relatively reliable, although it is more complex and potentially more expensive to repair than the four-cylinder engines. Today, the Passat Variant 4.0 W8 4MOTION Tiptronic is a relatively rare and sought-after vehicle among enthusiasts, particularly those looking for a unique and well-equipped station wagon. Its rarity and distinctive engine contribute to its collectibility, but potential buyers should be prepared for higher maintenance costs and fuel consumption compared to more common Passat variants.
