The new Phaeton - International Driving Presentation in Sanya, China

An entirely new front end was developed for the new Phaeton. In keeping with the current Volkswagen Design-DNA, horizontal lines dominate its styling. Different than on any other Volkswagen based on this new DNA so far, the radiator grille on the Phaeton is not a glossy black; instead a completely new chrome element is used here. The styling of the new Phaeton is essentially defined by this radiator trim together with a new headlight design, and it underscores the car's uncompromising and independent character. Clear, elegant, stretched out and powerful are properties defining the side profile of the Phaeton with its roof placed far forward. The unique layout of the third window and coupe-like C-pillar that sweeps to the rear are characteristics of a very aristocratic design.

Phaeton was designed for 300 km/h top speed

The four-door body of the Phaeton, whose steel parts are fully galvanised, fulfils the highest standards when it comes to rigidity, vibration behaviour, passive safety and long life qualities. Like the running gear and powertrain, all body components are designed for a top speed of up to 300 km/h as well. Two of the many positive aspects of this basic construction layout: maximum solidity and maximum acoustic comfort. Besides using high-strength steels, Volkswagen also uses lightweight materials in the car body. The doors as well as the front and rear bonnets are made of aluminium, while the front wings bridge the gap to Racing: They consist of a highly durable plastic.

New front end design with high-tech features

Back to the styling. As mentioned, the team led by the Volkswagen Group's Head of Design, Walter de Silva, and the Head of Design for the Volkswagen Brand, Klaus Bischoff, designed a completely new front end for the Phaeton. Specifically, the new grille is more upright and more distinctive with its tighter geometry, and it shines in the interplay of its materials – between polished and brushed chrome. The horizontal connection of the grille and headlights follows the "Volkswagen Design Criteria" defined by Walter de Silva, and it impressively emphasises the vehicle's width. As a model-specific characteristic in its class, the Phaeton also displays three-dimensional sculpting of the grille and front bonnet. And indeed with precise edges that communicate a strong expression of high quality from the grille to the body sculpture. At the centre of the grille, there is once again the classic VW logo, which – despite the integration of ACC radar sensors (adaptive cruise control) – is now styled with a new surface look.

Joining the left and right sides of the grille are the new standard bi-xenon headlights with integrated cornering lights. This is a completely new generation of headlights – not only in their visual appearance, but also from a technological perspective. First: The narrow strip of turn indicator lights and cornering lights was designed with extremely visible, stylish and distinctive LEDs. Second: After the new Touareg, the Phaeton will also be available with optional Dynamic Light Assist. The complex technology "recognises" other vehicles in traffic thanks to a camera integrated in the area of the rearview mirror, and it controls illumination of the roadway (see separate section on Dynamic Light Assist).

The new bumper was designed to complement the radiator grille and headlights. Here too, horizontal lines form the virtual common thread running through the design. Even the front fog lights were conceptualised as narrow, horizontally oriented strips in LED technology. Last but not least, the lower section of the bumper is now also painted in body colour. Compared to the previous model, this makes the new generation of the Phaeton even sportier and gives it a greater street presence.

Modified rear and side profiles show timeless elegance

The similarly modified rear section highlights this impression. In this area, the design team decided not to change the long-standing classic, clear and powerful basic styling, and chose instead to develop new LED rear lights. Besides dot-shaped lights, a band of LEDs in the form of an "M" was also designed. The results: an unmistakable and high-end day and night-time look. Integrated horizontally as narrow bands of LEDs at the bottom of the rear lights is the reversing light. Also new: the VW logo now also designed in a 3D contour on the rear bonnet.

The rear bumper was also redesigned, similar to the front end. The rear bumper has a new three-piece chrome strip, which provides a visual parallel to the LED strips of the reversing light. At the rear, the bumper trim nearest the road is now also painted in body colour. Also distinctive in side profile are the modified side trim strips, the narrow-styled LED indicator lights in the outside mirrors and the new, optional 18-inch "Experience" type alloy wheels (standard on the V6 and V8: 17-inch "Impression" alloy wheels, and on the W12 the 18-inch "Innovation" alloy wheels). A total of ten alloy wheel styles are being offered on the new Phaeton; they range up to a dimension of 9J x 19.

Optional 120 millimetre longer wheelbase

The Volkswagen flagship is offered with two different wheelbases. In the standard configuration (wheelbase: 2,881 millimetres), the overall length is 5,059 millimetres. The version with a longer wheelbase (increased 120 to 3,001 millimetres) has an overall length measuring 5,179 millimetres. Both body versions are 1,903 millimetres wide and 1,450 millimetres tall.

Notes:
All features, data and prices contained in this press packet apply to models offered in Germany. They may differ in other countries. All information is subject to change and correction.
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