Test drive the new Volkswagen Passat. Communication

New generation of infotainment and sound systems from a German manufacturer

More digital, more connected, and more intuitive. Volkswagen has largely digitized functions and information management in the new Passat, which is the brand's first model to feature the third generation Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3). At the same time, the Passat has the latest evolution of the Digital Cockpit - it's only natural that the MIB3 digital controls and infotainment systems could be combined into one. At the request of the customer, the MIB3 systems in the Passat can also be permanently connected to the global network using the OCU Online Connection Module (Online Connection Module), which has its own eSIM card. The mentioned OCU also connects the car and everyone on board with Volkswagen We services, opening the way to a new world of mobility and standard equipment connected to the Internet, with numerous online mobile services.

Digital cockpit

Much easier to use. The new Passat also offers as an option the second generation of Volkswagen's well-known Active Information Display, the new Digital Cockpit. The digital display has been greatly improved over the previous system, the on-screen graphics are crisper and with higher image quality, and the feature set has been taken to a whole new, much higher level. The new 11,7-inch Digital Cockpit delivers better graphics, higher pixel density, improved brightness and contrast, and higher color intensity. The driver can quickly and easily switch between the three main graphic profiles on the screen using the browse button on the multifunction steering wheel:

Profile 1 / classic dials. The tachometer (left) and speedometer (right) are displayed interactively on classic round dials. The information fields in the outlines of the dials can be freely configured. In the middle between the tachometer and the speedometer is an additional screen with the possibility of individual configuration

Profile 2 / information fields. By pressing the View button, the driver can switch to digital instrument readings, in which the round dials are replaced by information fields with the possibility to configure according to preferences. The place in the middle is again assigned to the screen with the possibility for individual selection of the displayed information.

Profile 3 / display with function. With another press of the button and the entire display behind the wheel, the navigation map is displayed. Additional information such as the speed of movement is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Third generation of the modular entertainment platform MIB3 (Modular Infotainment Matrix)

Option to be always online. The third generation of the MIB3 (Modular Infotainment Matrix) modular entertainment platform is distinguished by expanded functionality in several areas. After the market premiere, the model will be offered with the MIB3 platform-based audio navigation systems “Discover Media” (8.0-inch screen) and “Discover Pro” (9.2-inch screen). Part of the audio navigation range of the new model is the "Composition" system (6,5-inch screen). The most important distinguishing feature of the new systems is the online connectivity module OCU (Online Connectivity Unit), which also includes a built-in eSIM card. This means that if the owner wishes, the Passat can be online permanently – all that is required is registration in the Volkswagen system. Online connectivity is indicated on the system display by a small globe image that changes color when the system is in active mode. Using OCU has several advantages. First of all, it enables the Passat to use mobile online services, including “We Connect”, “We Connect Plus” and “We Connect Fleet” (see the “Volkswagen We” section for more details). In addition, access to many other mobile online services as well as music streaming services is generally provided in the car without the need to connect a smartphone or additionally install a SIM card. In doing so, Volkswagen bears the data transfer costs (with the exception of data transfer costs for streaming services).

New Home screen. The ability to intuitively manage the menus of the systems from the new MIB3 platform further developed and partially redesigned. For example, thanks to the changed home screen, with Discover Pro the driver can control virtually all functions of the infotainment system only with the help of two clear, concise and logical levels of the menu structure. They include the following menu items - "Ambient lighting", "App-Connect", "Applications and services", "Auxiliary heater", "Images ”(“ Images ”),“ e-Manager ”(Passat GTE),“ Assistive Systems ”(“ Driver assistance ”),“ Basic Vehicle Systems ”(“ Vehicle ”),“ Help ” driving time), “Air conditioning”, “Sound”, “Media Control”, “Media”, “Navigation” ( (“Navigation”), “User / User Management”, “Radio”, “Setup” and “Telephone”. The driver can easily choose the number and order of all these functions just like in the applications on the screen of your personal smartphone - that's all! Thanks to this approach, the function management in the new Passat is simpler and easier than ever. To date, Volkswagen specialists have transferred much of the new technology from the Touareg to the Passat, and the design and structure of the on-screen menus is also borrowed from the latest generation of the flagship in the SUV range of the brand. It is now possible to individually configure and arrange the items in the main menu.

New navigation menu. The configuration of the navigation function control menu has also been changed. The main purpose of the changes is to create the most intuitive menu structure possible, so on the left side of the screen there are now four small characters that the driver can get instant access to - Destination Import, Last Destinations, Overview of the trip (Trip Overview) with an interactive map and Favorites with saved destinations. The Trip Overview is a completely new feature - with the navigation system on and the map full view on the screen, the trip overview can be seen on the left of the screen in the form of a stylized route (vertical bar). Traffic status and POI information is displayed based on online real-time traffic data and along with expected delays. When the driver touches the symbol of a POI on the screen (for example a restaurant), the relevant details are displayed automatically, so you can, for example, call directly to reserve a table.

Streaming services. For the first time, the driver can connect to their accounts for streaming services such as "Apple Music" or TIDAL, for example, directly from the infotainment system in the new Passat. In terms of Apple Music, the Passat infotainment system is the first non-Apple device to allow the use of Apple Music with access to playlists and favorite songs after logging in with the Apple ID. The amount of data required for the use of streaming and Internet services can be purchased directly through the infotainment system from the partner of Volkswagen Cubic Telekom or be provided via Wi-Fi connection (tethering) with a smartphone.

Online radio stations and Wi-Fi internet access point. In addition to the well-known FM, AM and DAB stations, the Internet Radio service also provides access to online radio stations, which means that the driver and his companions can now listen to their favorite radio programs from around the world. Passengers can also connect their smartphone, tablet, e-reader or other similar device to the Internet via the Wi-Fi access point on board the new Passat. Thanks to the online connection, voice control with natural phrases has been further improved. Another convenience is important for business users - if there is a paired smartphone on board, the text messages can be dictated and the received messages can be read aloud by the infotainment system.

App-Connect Wireless. For the first time in Volkswagen «App Connect» (providing access and use of various smartphone applications through the infotainment system) the wireless integration of «Apple CarPlay» becomes possible. Apple CarPlay Wireless switches on automatically as soon as the driver takes his seat in the Passat with his smartphone - only the smartphone and the infotainment system need to be paired once. Compatible smartphone models can also be charged inductively, ie. wireless only by placing in the new compartment with a mobile phone interface in the center console.

Voice control with natural phrases. Just say "Hello Volkswagen" and the Passat will start responding to your naturally spoken voice commands. The model confirms its readiness with "Yes, please?" and all the basic functions of the navigation, phone and audio system can now be operated easily, simply and safely with your speech. Voice control with natural phrases is thanks to the ability to flash processing and recognition of incoming voice signal from powerful servers in the "cloud". Of course, voice control continues to work in a slightly simpler mode even when the car is offline. Thanks to the online connection, the driver and passengers in the new Passat can access up-to-date information and intelligent navigation guidance via voice commands. Voice control in this case is just as easy, natural and intuitive as with all other modern electronic devices and smartphones.

Dynaudio sound system - specially adapted for Passat

Perfect sound. The new Passat is available as an option with Dynaudio Confidence - one of the best sound systems in this car category, which can be combined with the infotainment systems Discover Media and Discover Pro. Dynaudio specialists have used a complex process to further adapt the 700-watt sound system to the Passat's interior, with the ultimate goal of achieving a superior audio experience regardless of the type of music source.

Professional sound from Denmark. The loudspeakers of the sound system have been specially developed, thoroughly tested and adapted to the specific requirements of the Passat's interior at the Dynaudio plant in the Danish city of Skanderborg, where the very speakers used in the new Passat are manufactured. They use elements including the Magnesium Silicate Polymer (MSP) developed by Dynaudio engineers, which the Danish brand uses worldwide in its top hi-fi studio speakers. A total of twelve Dynaudio speakers are built into the interior of the new Passat. Ten low-resonance speakers are mounted in the doors – one woofer, one mid-range speaker and one tweeter in the front door panels, and one woofer and one tweeter in each of the rear doors. The sound system is complemented by a central speaker in the dashboard and a subwoofer located in the luggage compartment. Dynaudio's development engineers have developed a special version of their digital 16-channel amplifier for the new model. The system uses a built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to use each speaker according to its ideal power level. Thanks to DSP, it is also possible to use sound optimization regardless of the seat occupied by the passengers.

Volkswagen We is the new brand, uniting all products and services for the brand's mobility

MIB3 and Volkswagen We as a whole. Modern mobility solutions are changing extremely fast - they are becoming more closely connected in a network, more and more oriented to new forms of services, more and more personalized and more and more focused on people. The new Passat demonstrates entirely new standards in this regard. Based on the third generation of the modular entertainment platform MIB3 (Modular Infotainment Matrix), it offers new hardware and software solutions for online connectivity with the interactive world of new information offers and services. Volkswagen We is the latest development of the company - a modern digital platform that offers and delivers easily and conveniently for consumers package products for mobility. Volkswagen We is an open environment that is constantly evolving and as a complete ecosystem combines different areas of application - in and through the car, between the car and the smartphone, as well as in the interaction between vehicles, consumers and the world of information and services, in which all move together. Once logged in, customers receive their Volkswagen ID identification number, which they can use to centrally access all online services, including We Connect and We Connect Plus.

In-Car Shop. Users can now book or renew their subscription plans for mobile data needed to use streaming services or a Wi-Fi hotspot in the car directly from the new Passat's infotainment system. The plans are provided by Cubic Telekom - an innovative startup technology company from Dublin, which Volkswagen has chosen as its partner in the field of mobile telephony. In the same way, applications such as We Park and We Experience can be downloaded in this kind of "In-Car Shop", which can be used as extended functions of the infotainment system in the future. Updates to a number of applications, as well as additional features for the car, will be available at a later download. In addition, the We Connect Plus extension can be purchased in the new In-Car Shop.

We Connect in the new Passat. The number and variety of online services provided through We Connect are growing. The We Connect service is part of the standard equipment of the new Passat and is activated for an unlimited period of time. Among the functions of the service in Passat are the mobile key (depending on the equipment, unlocking and starting Passat can be done via smartphone), call for roadside assistance, call for information and inquiries, emergency call service, information on the current status of the car , information on the condition of the doors and lights, automatic accident notification, report on the technical condition of the car, travel information, location data, parking schedule, service schedule, customization options, applications downloaded in the infotainment system (in- car apps) from In-Car Shop, as well as a mobile Wi-Fi internet access point. We Park and We Experience services can be purchased directly and installed as in-car apps through the infotainment system.

We Connect Plus in the new Passat. We Connect Plus is available as an optional, car-related premium equipment package and reveals even more choices. In Europe, as part of the standard equipment for a limited period between one and three years, the We Connect Plus service is also available, and depending on the equipment, the period can be extended. In addition to the services offered within We Connect, depending on the vehicle's equipment, We Connect Plus also includes obstacle warning functions near the vehicle Area Alert, Speed Alert, Horn and emergency light function, online control of the anti-theft alarm system, online control of the additional heating, lock and unlock function, as well as start-up time, air conditioning and charging (control via e-manager) at Passat GTE. Features included in We Connect Plus also offer online traffic information, accompanied by route hazard information, online route calculation, gas station and refueling location, online navigation map update, parking spaces, online voice control , internet radio, Apple Music, TIDAL and Wi-Fi hotspot.

We Connect Fleet in the new Passat. For business users with their own fleet, Volkswagen specialists have developed “We Connect Fleet” - a digital fleet management system that includes functions such as the Digital Logbook, the Electronic Refuelling Log, the economical driving indicator, and GPS tracking. and route information, Consumption Analyzer, and Service Manager. This reduces the cost of periodic maintenance and saves time and money. In Germany, the preparation of the Passat for fleet-friendly online services can also be ordered as a factory option, so that the car is fully prepared to take advantage of We Connect Fleet's benefits and services as soon as it is first activated.

Individual settings in the cloud. Combined with We Connect, the smartphone becomes a remote control and a real mobile information center. Locking your car remotely with your personal smartphone, accessing useful information such as remaining mileage, and locating your car or vehicles in your fleet can all be done easily, quickly and efficiently with your smartphone. . Whether We Connect or We Connect Plus is used - the user sets and regulates access to all services and information in this network architecture only once via his personal Volkswagen ID and thus guarantees access to all possible online services. The Volkswagen ID even allows for future user identification in various other vehicles thanks to individual settings stored in the cloud. In such cases, the Passat will automatically activate all saved individual settings.

Mobile key. In the future, the classic car access key will be replaced by the personal smartphone. We Connect gives this opportunity to the owners of the new Passat already today – with its help, the necessary settings for the performance of this task are made in the smartphone, after which the device is authorized through the infotainment system and entering a one-time password. The mobile dongle will be compatible with most Samsung devices, and mobile network coverage is not required to use the smartphone as a mobile dongle. It is enough to place the smartphone near the door handle in the same way that the current keyless entry and start system provides access to the Passat. In order to start the car, the authorized smartphone must be placed in the new compartment with a smartphone interface in front of the gear lever of the new Passat. In addition to these conveniences, you can also send the mobile key to friends or family members so that they too can use their smartphone as a key to access and start the car.

We Park. We Connect in the new Passat changes the look of mobility in everyday life. The We Park online service, in turn, means that drivers no longer need to drop coins into the parking meter once they have found a free space. For the first time, the We Park service in the new Passat enables the payment of parking fees to be made directly through the infotainment system in the new model. In this way, the parking machine is practically on board the Passat - as well as the smartphone application We Park. The parking fee is now calculated to the nearest minute and penny and is paid cashless on a monthly basis. The staff that checks the payment of parking reports the users of the online service We Park through the registration number and the sticker "We Park". If the parking time starts to run out, the We Park smartphone app sends the driver a timely reminder and also guides him by showing exactly where the car is parked. With the We Park service, parking fines are certainly a thing of the past. We Park is currently available in 134 German cities, and the first cities in Spain and the Netherlands will be added within this year.

We Deliver and We Experience. Thanks to We Deliver, the new Passat becomes a convenient place to receive deliveries and perform various services. For example, ironed shirts from the dry cleaner (service provider Jonny Fresh), bouquet from the florist or purchases from the online store can be delivered directly to the car. For this purpose, service or shipment providers receive GPS coordinates to locate the Passat, as well as temporary access to its luggage compartment. Similarly, it is now possible to have the Passat cleaned in the place where it is parked by the relevant service provider (MyCleaner for example) and save you the time of a trip to the car wash. The future We Experience service, in turn, will show that the analog world of the past and the digital future can merge into one to create a new present. We Experience is installed in the infotainment system and, on request, offers various useful tips such as suggestions for restaurants, shops or gas stations along the route, tailored to the individual preferences of the users. However, the range of potential services is extremely wide and can range from fuel discounts to restaurant recommendations and good deals on various services such as car washes. These recommendations are provided to users based on an intelligent and context-sensitive set of vehicle data, GPS coordinates and past preferences. Among the service's ten current commercial partners are brands such as Shell, Tank & Rast, Domino's and MyCleaner. The range of We Experience and We Deliver services will initially be available at the Passat's market launch in Germany and Spain.

We Deliver and We Experience external partners are welcome. Volkswagen We is looking forward to working with larger and smaller local partners who want to develop their new offerings. One thing is for sure - this is just the beginning. With the impressive sales volume of the new Passat and the brand's other bestsellers in this class, Volkswagen We has the potential to attract a growing number of sales partners and thus become even more beneficial to customers of the Volkswagen ecosystem. We »