Volkswagen Phideon Destined for China with Thirsty Petrol Engines

The Phaeton of old was forced to leave the USA and the UK due to very poor sales figures. Despite this, the Chinese premium segment continues to grow and the Phaeton sells enough units to survive. Its successor, the Phideon, is a result of the SAIC Volkswagen joint venture.

Developed in Germany on an all-new MLB platform, it will use a range of 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines. The top-of-the-range 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged petrol unit outputs 296 bhp and 440 Nm, getting its power down to the road through 4MOTION all-wheel-drive. There are even plans to have a plug-in hybrid model although details are scarce.

Its 5.05-metre length puts it on par with the BMW 7 Series and the Porsche Panamera. With a width of 1.87 metres and a 1.48-metre height, a long bonnet and short overhangs, the Phideon undoubtedly carries a prestigious look. These are accentuated by the bolder grille and striking LED headlights.

Inside, electrically adjustable heated and ventilated seats with massage function are not solely reserved for front seat passengers. Rear occupants are treated too. Soft close doors are a mere reminder of its lavishness.

The comfortable ride is thanks to air suspension similar to that of a Bentley. A head-up display and Area View (a combination of four wide-angle cameras) make driving the barge somewhat easier. Other technologies include active cruise control, a camera-based lane departure warning system and automatic headlights. The Phideon is even equipped with a night vision camera that sees through fog as well as darkness, and is able to alert the driver of anything that may be in his or her path. CarPlay and MirrorLink come part of the package offering foolproof smartphone connectivity.

The brand-new Volkswagen Phideon will go on sale in China in the third quarter of 2016 with pricing yet to be confirmed.