We had previously bought you the news of Volkswagen working on a new Phaeton, which will be based on the German automaker’s grand ML (Modular Longitudinal) platform. Unveiled at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, Phaeton was a motoring sensation, with features that would set chills to top-of-the-range premium class Mercs.
Sharing its platform with the iconic Bentley Continental Flying Spur, the VW sedan offered space, luxury and phenomenal engineering standards. However, the car was meant for suits who like to own luxury without making a hue fuss about it.
Which is why it failed to make a statement in India. It is rather sad to see this fine car, being a flagship of Volkswagen India, going out on massive discounts. Nevertheless, in neighboring China, the Phaeton has a different story to tell. China is the largest car market for Phaeton in the world, with the VW sedan being the top selling luxury saloon in the nation. Following this, the German luxury carmaker has announced the next generation Phaeton to arrive by 2015. It will share Volkswagen’s grand ML platform with the A8.
We also expect VW to offer the same power plant choices from petrol and diesel for the next-gen Phaeton. The German automaker might also evaluate chances of a turbocharged small capacity engine having cleaner and greener output figures. While the gasoline motor is tipped for European market, the diesel motor might make its way to US and Chinese market.
German rivals, BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-class will offer hybrid power option in next-gen models, and it is apt for Volkswagen to keep up to the competition. With the successful running of Polo, the cylinder de-activation technology will also debut in the 2015 Phaeton.
The pricing is going to be crucial for positioning this luxury saloon. We will bring you more from the VW Phaeton as the launch approaches.
