2011 Volkswagen Phaeton unveiled at Beijing Motor Show

Volkswagen has today unveiled its revised Phaeton at the Beijing Motor Show.

Sporting a new look and new technologies, the new Volkswagen Phaeton features a new front end, comprising bi-xenon headlamps, LED fog lamps and LED daytime running lights, a new grille with two pronounced horizontal bars, revised front bumper bar and reprofiled bonnet.
Up back, the Phaeton scores a redesigned bumper bar and a new set of tail lamps fitted with intricate lenses. New alloys wheels complete the car’s exterior changes.

Inside, a new colour electronic display, new steering wheel and new trim finishes are joined for the first time by Google Maps on Volkswagen’s new RNS810 satellite navigation system. The complexity of the car’s on-board systems is now such that over 2000 separate cables measuring 3.2km connect the 60 different control units.
An advanced new air conditioning system controls humidity automatically while on the Phaeton W12 model, a four-zone climate control system is designed to be capable of maintaining cabin temperature at 22 degrees Celsius while travelling at 186mph (300km/h) through an outside ambient temperature of 50 degrees Celsius.

Like the climate control systems, the new Phaeton’s aerodynamics, brakes, suspension, steering system and even wipers have been designed to cope with speeds “in excess of 155 mph (250km/h)”.
Available with two wheelbase options (120mm differentiating the two), all new Phaeton models receive a very high level of standard equipment including 4MOTION all-wheel drive, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adjustable air suspension, leather trim, satellite navigation, 18-way adjustable electric seats, a laminated finish to all glass areas and a total of eight airbags.

The new Phaeton, which goes on sale in Europe this August, is available with a choice of two engines – a 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel developing 176kW, and a 6.0-litre W12 petrol engine producing 331kW.
Pricing will be announced closer to the Phaeton’s launch. At this stage, Volkswagen has no plans to introduce the Phaeton in Australia.