In the era shaped by Ferdinand Piech, Volkswagen welcomed the underperforming Phaeton into its lineup. Sharing the D1 platform with the Audi A8 and Bentley Continental Flying Spur, this luxury sedan bowed out of the US market in 2006 and exited other markets in 2016.
Charging a premium for a Volkswagen-badged luxury sedan proved to be an ill-fated endeavor. Nevertheless, Volkswagen persists in producing a Phaeton-inspired model exclusively for the Chinese market – the Phideon.
Based on the MLB platform shared with the Audi A4 through A8, the Phideon receives periodic updates, with a notable facelift unveiled at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2020.
Indications of a second-generation Phideon are emerging, evidenced by a lightly camouflaged prototype spotted during testing in Sweden. Despite Sweden’s renown for winter testing, Volkswagen’s absence of facilities in this sparsely populated sovereign state underscores the significance of this prototype’s development.
Based on observed features, the prototype aligns closely with the outgoing first generation, retaining characteristics such as the elongated wheelbase and Audi-inspired taillights.
Distinctive design elements, including chrome trim and a shark fin-style antenna, differentiate the next-gen Phideon. Comparable in length to the rear-biased 5 Series and E-Class, the Phideon spans over 5 meters long.
Expectations regarding the powertrain anticipate a four-cylinder turbo configuration, maintaining consistency with previous iterations. Priced at 343,000 yuan for the 380 TSI variant, the Phideon aims to deliver a balance of performance and luxury. Front-wheel drive and equipped with 8.1 seconds acceleration to 100 kilometers per hour, the Phideon caters to discerning consumers seeking refined automotive experiences.
With production aligning closely with Auto Guangzhou 2024, anticipations mount for Phideon’s market entry in the fall. Despite modest sales of fewer than 3,500 units in China last year, the Phideon’s refined allure and performance offerings position it as a contender in the luxury sedan segment.
