The new Volkswagen Phideon was introduced earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show. Volkswagen endured a difficult year as a result of “dieselgate,” but it still managed to release some new models for the 2017 model year. The 2017 Volkswagen Phideon, a sedan that costs more than the VW Passat, is one of them.
The name VW Phideon is derived from Fides, the Roman goddess of trust and good faith. The name, according to Volkswagen, should emphasize the elegance and dependability that the 2017 VW Phideon represents. We know Volkswagen means well, but the name still strikes us as ironic.
Despite the fact that the 2017 Volkswagen Phideon will only be sold in China, there is an extensive review available. That’s because the Phideon gives us a glimpse of what the next-generation Volkwagen Phaeton will look like. The Phaeton is available in Europe and the United States, and we are very interested in it.
One positive aspect of dieselgate is that it forced Volkswagen to re-invent itself as a brand. That means we can expect VW to go all out with upcoming vehicle releases in order to reestablish their reputation.
Exterior design
The VW Phideon has a stable, slightly sporty, but mostly classic appearance. The car is low to the ground and has a distinct Volkswagen design. This is most noticeable at the front of the car, where the redesigned grille rests solely on the fascia. The grille, which can also be seen on the exterior of the Volkswagen Atlas seven-seat SUV, is already a success. The grille has wide horizontal slats that connect to the headlights directly. These are quite wide and angular, with full LED lights. The car itself is rather wide and low, as evidenced by the broad front end. The hood is nicely creased, and the lower air vent is quite large, connecting the foglights as well.
The car’s side is unobtrusive yet graceful. A bold styling cue is a deep crease that runs from the headlight to the rear fender. Then there’s a shallower crease on the bottom of the doors. The vehicle is low to the ground, and the side windows have a nice curved outline.
The rear of the car perfectly combines all styling cues. The back window has a lovely steep curve, and the deck lid incorporates all elements. The car’s deep crease ends in the taillights, which are a remarkable new design. The chrome strip on the rear bumper and chrome exhausts complete this successfully minimalistic sedan.
Interior design
The 2017 Volkswagen Phideon has a long wheelbase because it was designed specifically for the Chinese market. Longer wheelbases are more popular in China than shorter wheelbases. As a result, the rear seat has more legroom. As a result, the Phideon is uniquely qualified to serve as a chauffeur-driven vehicle.
The seats in the 2017 Volkswagen Phideon are also noteworthy. They can be adjusted electrically in multiple directions and are heated, ventilated, and have a massaging function. This car also includes an ambient lighting package to make the cabin a cozy place to retire to. A sunroof will be an optional extra.
The infotainment system is top-of-the-line. The digital instrument cluster can project stats onto the windscreen. This makes for safer driving because the chauffeur does not have to take his eyes off the road.
Engine specs
To begin with, the 2017 VW Phideon is the first Volkswagen to ride on the MLB platform. MLB is an abbreviation for Modular Longitudinal Matrix, and it has been used by VW Group since 2007. The chassis has been optimized for safety and driver assistance systems, as well as providing more space for future engines.
The 2017 Volkswagen Phideon will come standard with a 3.0 liter turbocharged V6 engine. It will be capable of 217 horsepower and will be equipped with all-wheel drive. A 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a hybrid will be available later. This is slightly disappointing when compared to the specifications of others in the class.
The 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor from the VW Passat GTE are most likely being used in the Phideon hybrid. The combined horsepower for that engine is 215 and the total range is 622 miles (1001 km).
Tech specs
The Phideon cabin’s infotainment screen is controlled by the Modular Infotainment System. This system is MLB platform optimized and provides numerous safety and driving assistance options. The standard software features for operating the infotainment system are Apple CarPlay and Mirrorlink. These systems enable the driver to connect a smartphone and check the car’s statistics on a regular and remote basis.
A night-vision camera that detects people and animals is a notable standard safety feature. The car also has Area View, which allows the driver to see the entire vehicle thanks to four wide-angle cameras.
Finally, adaptive cruise control and Front Park Assist with automatic steering and braking are available. The car is semi-autonomous thanks to Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist. When an emergency occurs, a pro-active occupant protection system tightens safety belts and closes windows and/or the sunroof.
Price and release date
The new 2017 VW Phideon is priced from 359,000 Yuan (around $53,000) in China. In the Chinese VW lineup, it will sit above the Passat and just below the Phaeton. The car went on sale July 2016 and may be exported to other Asian markets in the future.
The Phideon will not be available in Europe or the United States, due mainly to the poor sales performance of the Volkswagen Phaeton in the United States.