Volkswagen’s next-gen Phaeton will rival the Mercedes S550 hybrid in form and function

By Miles Branman June 25, 2015

VW-Phaeton-rendering-2017 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Volkswagen’s Phaeton was initially a pet project of Ferdinand Piech, designed to challenge Germany’s best luxury sedans at a relative bargain. It filled an interesting role alongside the VW Group’s other luxury halo sedan, the Audi A8. The Phaeton may have been powered by a 6.0-liter W12 engine, but it was ordained as a luxury cruiser, not a sport sedan.

Now, Volkswagen is developing the next generation of the sedan, and after a long hiatus from the U.S. market (where it didn’t sell all that well), the 2017 Phaeton will return to the states. New details about the model are emerging, including information about its powertrain options.

The most significant bit of news is that the Phaeton will have a plug-in hybrid version for the first time. Previous generations had diesel engine options for the European market, but a hybrid drivetrain will help the Phaeton rival models like the Mercedes-Benz S550 Hybrid.

In the Phaeton’s most important markets: the U.S. and China, hybrid versions of luxury sedans seem to be more about status symbols that outright efficiency. That said, if fuel efficiency really doesn’t matter to the buyer, then VW Group’s new twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine with over 600 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque is the way to go. Even with that kind of power, the new W12 will average 22 miles per gallon combined.

As with the first generation of the Phaeton, Volkswagen plans to compete with the Mercedes S class and Lexus LS, while its Audi A8 will take on the BMW 7 Series. What remains to be seen is if the new Phaeton will sell any better than its predecessor, which, even at a discount compared to its rivals, didn’t quite have the pedigree to lure $100,000 sedan shoppers.

Look for some trend-setting technology and styling to set the Phaeton apart from the rest of the Volkswagen lineup when it goes on sale towards the end of 2016.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.

Cars

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan gets new face, bigger battery

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan front-quarter view.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan arrived during the 2022 model year as the flagship of Mercedes' EV fleet. But now that it's been on sale for a few years, it's time for this flagship to get a refit so that it can stay competitive with other six-figure electric sedans like the BMW i7, Lucid Air, and Tesla Model S. The updated EQS sedan is scheduled to reach dealerships later this year as a 2025 model.

One of the most controversial features of the EQS has been its unorthodox streamlined shape, which makes the EQS one of the most aerodynamic sedans around, but also means it doesn't look much like a traditional Mercedes. For 2025, the EQS takes a step closer to that traditional look with a new grille featuring chrome bars like on the Mercedes S-Class. It also sports the brand's trademark hood ornament.

Cars

Best electric car charger deals: $100 off home charging stations

The handle of the Grizzl-E EV charger plugged into a vehicle.

A few years ago, electric vehicles were pretty rare or cost a fortune, but with more and more of the larger car brands getting into the game, there are a lot of excellent and even budget-friendly choices nowadays. That said, the electrical network for charging your cars might not be that widespread, so instead you'll have to rely on charging your car at home. Luckily, there are a lot of excellent car chargers at a discount, so if you've just bought an EV or want to upgrade your current charging solution, be sure to check out our favorite deals below.
Shockflo EV charger — $205, was $220

This EV charger by Shockflo is a Level 2 EV charger, which offers six times faster charging than a standard charger. It delivers 24 miles with just one hour of charging, and it can act as a mobile charger you can throw in the trunk or be mounted to a wall. It has an LCD display with useful information like charging rate, voltage, and charging time, as well as LED indicator lights that lets you know charging progress and errors.