The VW Phideon has been revealed, previewing a new design line VW says it plans to incorporate onto future high-end saloon models. The Phideon is a Chinese market luxury saloon based on the same platform as the Audi A6.
The 5050mm long Phideon will go on sale in China in October, filling a niche previously occupied by the first-generation Phaeton.
Conceived to offer a number of advanced functions not previously available on any VW model, it will be positioned above the Chinese-market Magotan, a car closely related to the US-market Passat.
VW design boss Klaus Bischoff says the distinctive front end styling of the Phideon will heavily influence the look of future luxury models from the German car maker, including the second-generation Phaeton.
Boasting a characteristically restrained but highly technical appearance similar to the latest European market Passat, it was designed at Volkswagen’s main styling studio in Wolfsburg expressly for the Chinese market.
“The new Phideon, with its flowing and yet precisely drawn lines, exudes the highest presence. The progressive design corresponds to the high level of its technical innovations,” said Bischoff.
At 5050mm long, 187mm wide and 1480mm tall, the Phideon is a mere 5mm shorter, 35mm narrower and 30mm higher than the standard wheelbase Phaeton.
Power for the four-wheel-drive Phideon on show in Geneva this week comes from a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine delivering 296bhp and 295lb ft of torque.
As with the Audi A6 produced and sold in China, though, production versions of the new Volkswagen luxury saloon will also offer the choice of front-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
Join the debate
Klein
Let's call it a Passat Carat
Klein
Let's call it a Passat Carat
Norma Smellons
Phideous
Losing $3bn on the last giant Passat has taught VW nothing. They think that they're right and reality is in error; a peculiarly German trait.
Worked with the 911, worked with the Golf, works with football. Didn't work with the last two World Wars, the Euro and won't work with this. But that won't stop them trying.
They'll lose billions again and return in 2030 for another crack with - you've guessed it - another giant Passat. But people don't want giant Passats. Not even the Chinese. Deal with it.
Cyborg
Teutons
You're right on there.
abkq
This certainly looks more
Cyborg
VW
5wheels
@ Norma
5wheels
Time to wake up.
275not599
I am carrying a torch for
bezor Ta
reality is in error; a peculiarly German trait???
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