Although Volkswagen’s Phaeton flagship hasn’t exactly been a smash success, the German automaker is moving full-speed ahead with the next-generation of the big sedan. The current phaeton is no longer offered in the United States, but the next version could be set for a return appearance.
According to Car Magazine, VW will launch the next-generation of its Phaeton in 2015. Although that may seem like a long ways off, VW is taking its time with the car in order to guard against another market flop.
Known internally as the VW631, the next Phaeton will ride on VW’s all-new MLM Evo platform. Engineered by Audi, the new platform promises much more flexibility than the Phaeton’s current platform and has been designed from the onset to accommodate a plug-in hybrid option.
In order to steer clear of Audi’s A8 flagship, the Phaeton will be moving slightly down-scale in its next iteration. The MkII Phaeton will be position between the Audi A6 and A8 and carry a price tag below the current car.
The Phaeton’s interior has always been a strong point, and that will be true for the next version. The VW631 will offer an interior up to Bentley standards, but with a much more modern feel. An upgrade in electronics is also expected.
The current Phaeton is offered exclusively as a sedan, but that could change come 2015. VW is reportedly considering a five-door hatchback version of the Phaeton that could arrive in the form of a sleek shooting brake.
The next Phaeton will also evolve underhood, switching from eight and 12 cylinder engines to a range of four- and six-cylinder powerplants. Forced induction should ensure top-level models don’t lose much in terms of performance.
VW nearly introduced a Phaeton concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show, so it remains possible we could see that show car in the coming months.
References
1.’VW Paheton…’ view
