Which Volkswagen Passat model has round taillights?

[VanNorah]

Passat with round taillights refers to the Passat Lingyu. Comparison of taillight styles between Passat and Passat Lingyu: The Passat features square-shaped taillights with horizontal headlights and two reverse lights. The Passat Lingyu has circular taillights. Key differences between the two models: The main distinction lies in their model variations. The Passat is a mid-size sedan designed by Volkswagen AG in Germany. The Passat Lingyu has slightly increased dimensions in length and width compared to the Passat. In terms of interior features, the Lingyu adds a fuel tank cover on the left front door (while the B5 design placed it near the handbrake) and a remote trunk release button.

[ElisaAnn]

Speaking of Passats with round taillights, the models that left the deepest impression on me were the classic generations before 2005, such as the fourth-generation Passat B5 and early B5.5. The taillights back then featured a perfect circular design, exuding a strong retro vibe. By the time the seventh-generation B7 launched in 2011, the taillights adopted a semi-circular shape with a pointed tip at the top—still rounded but less pure in design. Nowadays, newer Passat models have long switched to slim, elongated taillight designs. To experience true round taillights, you'd have to look for models from 15 years ago. Here's a fun fact though: the overseas Passat CC (now called Arteon) retained a B7-style rounded taillight design until 2019.

[McOwen]

Recently, while flipping through old car magazines, I noticed that the Volkswagen Passat models with purely circular taillights were mainly the domestically produced B5 versions from 2000 to 2005. Back then, the taillights looked like two red mooncakes stuck on the rear of the car, offering exceptional recognition at night. Starting with the 2006 facelifted Lingyu model, transparent lamp covers and horizontal stripes were added to the circular lights. Later, with the 2011 B7 model, although circular elements were retained, the light clusters evolved into irregular dart-shaped designs. If you're looking to buy, I'd recommend focusing on the 2004 1.8T manual transmission models. Not only do these cars feature classic taillights, but they also boast solid mechanical quality. Occasionally, you can still find well-maintained examples in the used car market.

[SanSophia]

Actually, the round taillights should be considered in the context of generations: The fifth-generation Passat (B5 series) is the most iconic, with full circular taillight clusters used from 1996 to 2005, creating a particularly beautiful halo effect when lit at night. Later models retained the circular outline but incorporated more angular elements, such as the facelifted Lingyu in 2009, which adopted rounded rectangular lights. One easily overlooked detail is that the reverse lights on the round-light versions were positioned on the inner side, while post-facelift models relocated them to the outer side. These classic cars are now great candidates for modifications—there are specialized replica circular LED taillight assemblies available online. Just remember to replace the trunk lid trim strip during installation.