2016 Geneva: The Volkswagen Phideon is a Chinese-only flagship sedan, could hint at what’s possible for next Phaeton

Chinese car culture is quite interesting since a solid portion involves being chauffeured around in one, which is highly considered as a method of showing off one’s success. This is obvious from the huge influx of long-wheelbase variants of certain car models, with the Chinese market even getting some models made specifically for that market, and only that market.

The latest flagship from Volkswagen is no different, and it’s called the Phideon, and it was just revealed at the 2016 Geneva Auto Show

Because it’s a China-only model, it’s also being built in cooperation with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation. But that shouldn’t drop your attention immediately, just because it’s only destined to the Far East. If anything, it can actually serve as a slight teaser for things we could possibly see on the next-generation Phaeton.

The Phideon is built on Volkswagen’s MLB Modular Longitudinal Matrix, the same platform underpinning the current Audi A4, A5, Q5, A6, A7, A8, and the Porsche Macan, while the next-gen version underscores the new Q7, the next A3 and the A8. It’s also the same starting point of the wicked Bentley Bentayga. Rumors also suggest the use of the MLB platform for the next Phaeton.

Power for the Phideon starts with a turbocharged gas 3.0L V6 with 300hp and 347 lb-ft of twist, with 4MOTION all-wheel drive only, at launch. There will also be a 2.0L turbocharged gas four-banger with front-wheel drive later on, as well as a plug-in hybrid model.

By: Chris Chin

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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