Volkswagen has unveiled the facelifted Phaeton flagship. The sedan hasn’t been sold in the United States since 2006 and it was recently axed in the United Kingdom, but it’s still relatively popular in China in spite of its age.
For the next model year, the Phaeton gets new bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, an extra dose of chrome trim on the grille and on the lower bumper as well as updated LED tail lamps.
More significant updates are found in the cabin, where the Phaeton now boasts a rear seat entertainment system with a pair of 10.2-inch screens, an eight-inch touch screen that runs the infotainment system and a Dynaudio sound system. Additional wood trim on the dashboard, the center console and the door panels helps create a more premium ambiance.
In China, the entry-level Phaeton is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 FSI engine that makes 246 horsepower and 229 lb-ft. of torque. The next engine up is a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 276 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque, while the range-topping offering is a 4.2-liter V8 that provides 329 ponies and 317 lb-ft. of twist. A six-speed automatic transmission an Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system come standard regardless of what’s in the engine bay.
The updated 2015 Volkswagen Phaeton is on sale now across China. Volkswagen has not indicated if the Euro-spec version will undergo similar updates.
What’s next?
An all-new Phaeton is expected to land before the end of the decade, and Volkswagen has all but confirmed it is being designed with the U.S. in mind. It will ride on the same MLB platform as the next-gen Audi A8, and it will make extensive use of aluminum in order to keep weight in check.
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