A couple of months ago, Volkswagen Malaysia was busy with the launch of the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Volkswagen Arteon R-Line. Also previewed was the 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line in white which was only opened for booking at the time.

However, the wait is over as Volkswagen has just launched the Passat R-Line in Malaysia online via Facebook Live as the top-of-the-line variant of Volkswagen’s D-segment sedan. Prices of the Passat R-Line start at RM 203,411 (excluding SST which is valid until 31-December 2020).

The Passat R-Line is locally-assembled at Volkswagen’s plant in Pekan alongside the Passat Elegance.

What's the difference?

The difference between the Passat Elegance and the Passat R-Line is the R-Line offers a sportier look with a more aggressive bumper, larger 19-inch Verona alloy wheels, and R-Line badges on the grille and the front fenders.

Inside, the R-Line looks similar to the Elegance with the obvious differences being Nappa carbon-style black leather seats with the R-Line badge stitched onto the backrest, R-Line steering wheel, and aluminium sports pedals.

The Passat R-Line shares the same features as the Elegance including a 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and gesture control.

Like the Passat Elegance, there's no ADAS on the Passat R-Line with only a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert available which Volkswagen calls Side Assist.

So, just visual additions?

The Passat R-Line isn’t just all sporty accessories though as it also comes with DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) which gives drivers the freedom to adjust the way the car handles. Arif has given a more in-depth explanation of how DCC operates here.

The Passat R-Line also comes with XDS which is an electronic differential lock for improved traction.

The 2.0 TSI engine from the Passat Elegance is carried over to the Passat R-Line, producing up to 190 PS and 320 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 7-speed wet clutch DSG automatic transmission.

The Passat R-Line is available in 6 colours which are Aquamarine Blue, Tamarind Brown, Manganese Grey, Reflex Silver, Deep Black, and Oryx White.

The Passat R-Line is backed by Volkswagen’s 5 years unlimited mileage warranty with 3 years free maintenance. Customers will also receive a complimentary Helix 300W Soundbar worth RM 2,400 fitted in their Passat R-Line.