Volkswagen Phideon
The VW Phideon is a large sedan, made in China for the local market, as a replacement to the German-built Phaeton, which was only popular in China. The Phideon is a bit smaller than its predecessor, being based on Volkswagen’s stretched MLB platform, which also underpins the Audi A6L. It was introduced at a press event before the Geneva Auto Show in March 2016, but will remain a China-only model, available with either a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 225hp or a 3-liter turbocharged V6 with 300hp, both paired to a 7-speed double clutch gearbox and the V6 with standard 4-MOTION four-wheel drive. The line-up may be expanded with a hybrid powertrain later. Dimensions are 5.074/1.893/1.489mm with a wheelbase of 3.009mm. The interior is typically Volkswagen: nice quality of materials, but the design is very unsurprising, not frivolous or advanced and definately not setting any new trends.
Prices range from 359.000 Yuan (€ 48.500,- / US$54,100) to as high at 670.000 Yuan (€ 90.500,- / US$101,000), which is nicely between the Passat/Magotan (190.000-340.000 Yuan) and the Phaeton (760.000-1,88 million Yuan). For comparison, an Audi A6L with a 272hp 3.0 TSI costs 520.000 Yuan.
