2000 Volkswagen Passat (B5.5) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Volkswagen Passat B5.5 spans from 1277 kg to 1764 kg (2815 to 3889 pounds), depending on trim levels, engine options, and equipment. This weight range influences several aspects of the car's dynamics: lighter variants may offer more agile handling and better fuel efficiency, while the heavier versions provide additional features and potentially enhanced safety due to greater mass. Overall, the balance of weight ensures a combination of comfort, performance, and fuel economy suitable for its segment.

The luggage capacity of the Volkswagen Passat B5.5 is between 400 and 475 liters (14.1 to 16.8 cubic feet) with the rear seats upright, offering sufficient trunk space for everyday cargo such as groceries or luggage for a small family. When folding the rear seats down, the available cargo space expands to between 725 and 800 liters (25.6 to 28.3 cubic feet), significantly increasing versatility for transporting larger or bulkier items. This flexibility makes the B5.5 a practical choice for both city driving and longer trips requiring more gear.

The Volkswagen Passat B5.5 has a maximum roof load capacity of 100 kg (220 lbs). This rating indicates the maximum safe weight that can be supported on the roof, including roof racks, boxes, or luggage carriers. Staying within this limit is essential to maintain vehicle stability, handling, and safety. It allows owners to carry extra cargo such as bicycles, skis, or rooftop storage boxes, provided the total weight, including the rack equipment, does not exceed 100 kg.

The Volkswagen Passat B5.5 offers a range of rim sizes from 6J x 15 inches up to 7J x 17 inches, accommodating different driving preferences and styles. Corresponding tire sizes include 195/65 R15, 205/55 R16, 225/45 R17, and 205/60 R15, providing options that balance comfort, handling, and performance. These variations allow for customization depending on the market, trim, or personal preference, enabling owners to select setups that optimize ride quality or sporty driving characteristics while adhering to manufacturer recommendations.

With its length of approximately 4703-4704 mm (185.2-185.3 inches), width near 1745-1746 mm (68.7 inches), and height around 1461-1463 mm (57.5-57.6 inches), the Passat B5.5 comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. Most standard garages are designed to accommodate vehicles up to about 2.0 meters in width and around 5 meters in length, so this model falls well within those limits. It's important, however, to consider extra space for opening doors and maneuvering inside the garage, but overall, typical home garages will suit this sedan without difficulty.

The Passat B5.5 is essentially a facelift and refinement of the original B5 generation rather than a complete redesign. While the exterior dimensions between the B5 and B5.5 are very similar, with minor adjustments in length and styling, the B5.5 often features slight improvements in interior space optimization, materials, and equipment levels. Overall, the B5.5 maintains the same footprint, making it comparable in size but more modern and refined in terms of features and aesthetics.

The Volkswagen Passat B5.5, measuring roughly 4703-4704 mm in length and about 1745-1746 mm in width, positions itself comfortably within the mid-size sedan category among its early-2000s competitors such as the Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord, and Mazda6. Its luggage capacity ranging from 400 to 475 liters is competitive, providing ample space compared to rivals. Slightly narrower than some American counterparts but comparable in overall length, the Passat B5.5 offers a European approach to mid-size sedans with an emphasis on balanced size, refined design, and efficient use of space.

The Passat B5.5 introduced several updates over the original B5, including refreshed front and rear styling with new headlights and taillights, updated bumpers, and interior improvements such as upgraded materials and electronics. Engine options were refined for better performance and efficiency, and enhanced safety features like improved airbag systems were added. These changes aimed at modernizing the model and extending its competitiveness while retaining the overall shape and size that had proven popular in the preceding generation.

Despite its mid-size exterior dimensions, the Passat B5.5 offers a spacious and comfortable interior for driver and passengers. Its length of approximately 4.7 meters (15.4 feet) and width near 1.75 meters (5.7 feet) provide a balanced cabin space allowing generous legroom and headroom, especially for front occupants. Rear seating can accommodate adults comfortably for medium to long trips. The thoughtful layout, combined with quality materials and ergonomic design, contributes greatly to passenger comfort and usability in this segment.