For me, the only flaw (other than with the price) with the B8 Passat is the passenger space and the high hump transmission tunnel. In terms of everything else such as cargo loading (boot space), it's actually one of the best in its class.

Performance and handling wise - also among the best in its class.

The Camry, Accord, Nissan Teana or Peugeot 508 isn't going to match this car anytime soon in terms of power or handling. Arguably only the Ford Mondeo Ecoboost and possibly the Mazda 6 are the only cars that may equal or better it in terms of handling but not power.

The B8 2.0 EA888.3 engine has been known to produce easily 220 to 230PS of power on an actual dyno - which is exactly what is stated on paper or more. The same can't be said for the other cars listed above.

To put that power in context -

It has higher horses compared to the F30 320i facelift and about the same figure as the F30 330i facelift
It has higher horses compared to the A/CLA/C/E200 and A/CLA/GLA/C/E250

This is a car really for the performance junkies.

No. The high hump is for AWD, as you can order the Passat with AWD and thus there needs to be space for the propshaft.

Yes, in Deutchland there is even a B8 variant that comes loaded with the Golf R engine and 4motion. That's by far the most desirable car in the VW line of sedan cars - a Golf R with a boot.

But of course if you don't mind paying a bit more then the B9 A4 Quattro is also essentially the same car but with a nicer badge. Or perhaps just go for the RS models.

I think most conti's cars have the high hump at the back, say BMW 3/5 series, Mercedes C class and more.

The hump takes away the comfort of the rear middle passenger, but if there's wider legroom at the back, and if the hump is high but not wide, it shouldn't be too much of a problem.