Volkswagen Working on New Phaeton With Groundbreaking, Zero-Emission Propulsion Technology

The original Phaeton, introduced to great fanfare at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show and produced until 2016, was a bold statement of Volkswagen's engineering prowess and ambition at the beginning of the third millennium. Ferdinand Piech, then chairman of the Volkswagen Group and Ferdinand Porsche's grandson, spearheaded the development of the full-size sedan, wanting a car that would surpass the German market leaders in the luxury segment, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7 Series.

A few years after its introduction, the VW Group used the Phaeton's underpinnings to develop the twice-as-expensive Bentley Continental GT and Continental Flying Spur, which was even briefly built alongside its VW brother in the state-of-the-art 'Transparent Factory' in Dresden. Despite the high level of craftsmanship and luxury it exhibited in higher-priced versions, the Phaeton was never a sales success and failed to dethrone the S-Class or the 7 Series.

Now, after a decade-long hiatus, Volkswagen is ready to once again challenge the established luxury marques with a vehicle that embodies the pinnacle of its technological capabilities. Like before, the new Phaeton will provide the basis for the Group's future ultra-luxury offerings from Bentley, as well as presumably Bugatti.

Dr. Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG and Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, told autoevolution's source that "The return of the Phaeton represents our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in automotive design and technology. This new model will showcase Volkswagen's vision for the future of luxury mobility."

If those sound like fighting words, wait until you hear what our German insider, who goes by the pen name Hofnarr Witzbold, has discovered about the technical details encompassing the upcoming Volkswagen Phaeton II.

Design and Exterior
According to Mr. Witzbold, the new Phaeton's design is a mix of the classic elegance found on the original model and futuristic aesthetics inspired by the ID lineup of electric cars. The exterior, penned under the watchful eye of Volkswagen's Head of Design Andreas Mindt, features clean, flowing lines that give the car a sense of motion even when stationary. The front fascia is dominated by a wide, illuminated grille that seamlessly integrates with the LED headlights, creating a light signature that should be unmistakable day or night.

One of the most innovative features to be found on the new Phaeton is its AAA (Automatically Adaptive Aerodynamics) system. This groundbreaking technology allows the car's body panels to subtly reshape themselves at various speeds, optimizing airflow and reducing drag. Apparently, this system can improve the model's aerodynamic efficiency by up to 50 percent at highway speeds.

The sedan's dimensions have been chosen to provide maximum interior space without compromising on design or maneuverability, which will be helped by all-wheel steering and torque vectoring. At over 209 inches (5,300 mm) long, 77 inches 1,950 mm) wide, and 57 inches (1,460 mm) tall, the new Phaeton will only be available in a long-wheelbase version, going against models like the BMW 7 Series  and i7 G70, which are also LWB only.

Despite models like the Arteon or the ID.7 going the fastback route, the new Phaeton will keep the classic three-body sedan shape. It also features a wide C-pillar harking back to the original. The rear end will get an ID-style wide taillight design.

Interior and Technology
Mr. Witzbold got the chance to step inside a pre-production prototype of the new Phaeton as well, and he says that he was greeted by a cabin that completely redefines automotive luxury. As expected from most vehicles in the luxury segment, high-quality materials such as hand-stitched leather, real wood veneers, and brushed aluminum accents create an atmosphere of refined opulence.

What is definitely not expected is what comprises the centerpiece of the interior. After taking flak for the way it slowly replaced all physical buttons and switches inside new cars with touchscreens, Volkswagen will introduce a revolutionary infotainment control system called 'Holographic Haptic Center' (HHC) on the new Phaeton. This cutting-edge system projects a three-dimensional interface in the air above the center console, allowing the driver and passengers to control various vehicle functions with simple hand gestures. The HHC can apparently be customized to display different information and controls based on individual user preferences.

Complementing the HHC is a state-of-the-art augmented reality heads-up display that projects navigation instructions, vehicle information, and even potential hazards directly onto the windshield. This system works in tandem with the Phaeton's advanced driver assistance features, which will also provide Level 5 Autonomous driving functions.

The new Phaeton's Adaptive Comfort Seating system reaches another new level of luxury and comfort. Each of the standard four-passenger seats is equipped with over 100 individual pneumatic cells that can adjust in real time to provide optimal support and comfort for each occupant. On top of it, the system even incorporates biometric sensors that can detect stress levels and adjust the seat's massage functions accordingly.

Similar sensors are fitted to the adaptive seat belts, which not only feature airbags but can also use those sensors to detect the heartbeat of each passenger. On top of it, if the sensors detect that a passenger is going into cardiac arrest or is chocking, the electronically controlled seat belts can automatically either perform CPR or the Heimlich maneuver while the car is autonomously driving to the nearest hospital.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the new Phaeton will offer a range of powertrain options to suit different markets and preferences, with China and the U.S. being the biggest markets it wants to conquer. TDI engines are not making a comeback though, nor is ill-fated W12. The flagship version will feature a revolutionary "Quantum Drive" system, which Volkswagen claims is a breakthrough in electric propulsion technology.

The Quantum Drive utilizes principles of quantum mechanics to create an electric motor that's significantly more efficient and powerful than conventional designs. While the exact details of this technology are closely guarded, Volkswagen states that the system can produce around 1,000 horsepower on the new Phaeton, while achieving a range of over 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) on a single charge thanks to a solid-state battery. There are no details about its net or gross capacity, but the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in less than a minute.

For those who prefer traditional combustion engines, the new Phaeton will also be available with a range of highly efficient hybrid gasoline powerplants. These include a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 plug-in hybrid with around 700 horsepower, shared with other VAG products from Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche, and a plug-in hybrid V6 with 464 horsepower as the entry-level version.

The two ICE-based powertrains are each mated to an advanced 16-speed automatic transmission created by fusing two ZF 8HP transmissions together and Volkswagen's next-generation 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. A standard torque vectoring system using magnets instead of differentials should ensure that the new Phaeton delivers exceptional performance and handling in all driving conditions.

Chassis and Suspension
The new Phaeton will ride on a brand new platform, which has been specially created by a skunkworks team ran by Bugatti-Porsche's Mate Rimac to accommodate the vehicle's large size and diverse powertrain options. The use of advanced materials such as carbon fiber and high-strength aluminum alloys has allowed Volkswagen to create a structure that's both incredibly rigid and relatively lightweight. Despite its large size, it will not weigh much more than the first-generation Phaeton, no matter the powertrain choice.

Its suspension system is equally impressive, featuring an advanced air and magnetic suspension setup with predictive damping control. Similar in scope to the old Mercedes-Benz Magic Body Control, this system uses a combination of cameras and sensors to scan the road ahead and adjust the suspension before the tires hit the bump, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride even on rougher driving surfaces.

Like all its major rivals, the new Phaeton is also equipped with a four-wheel steering system for ultimate handling and maneuverability. As with other similar systems, at low speeds, the rear wheels turn opposite to the front wheels, reducing the turning circle and improving maneuverability. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, enhancing stability and responsiveness. What makes it different from other systems is that the rear wheels will be able to turn to the exact angle as the front ones, giving the new Phaeton a turning circle smaller than a Golf's.

The new 4Motion all-wheel-drive system includes a revolutionary front and rear limited-slip differential design that uses electronically controlled magnets instead of gears. This should also ensure that real torque vectoring occurs when needed without using the brakes or increasing weight and complexity.

Safety and Driver Assistance
Mr Witzbold told us that one of the most innovative safety features in the upcoming luxury sedan is the POP (Predictive Occupant Protection) system. This advanced technology uses artificial intelligence to analyze data from all the various sensors on the car and predict potential collision scenarios. Like in other cars of this caliber, in the event of an imminent impact, the system can automatically adjust the vehicle's suspension, seatbelts, and airbags to provide optimal protection for occupants.

As expected, the vehicle features a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking. These systems are powered by a huge array of cameras, lasers, radar sensors, and lidar units that provide a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings.

Depending on the legislation, Level 5 autonomy will be available in certain markets, as the car will be equipped with the sensors and technology for it as standard. Where legislation permits it, the self-driving feature will be called JTW (Jesus, Take the Wheel).

Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
In line with Volkswagen's commitment to sustainability after the Dieselgate debacle a decade ago, the new Phaeton incorporates numerous environmentally friendly features. The Quantum Drive powertrain, of course, produces zero direct emissions. For the combustion engine variants, Volkswagen has even prepared for future Euro 8 legislation by developing a groundbreaking exhaust after-treatment system. Similar to a particulate filter, the system uses microbes and enzymes to ensure that emissions are kept well below regulatory requirements. Instead of topping a separate tank with Adblue from time to time, like on modern TDI engines, the new Phaeton with combustion engines will require regular visits to medical waste centers, where those special microbes and enzymes can be found in large numbers.

The model's construction also emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendliness, with a significant portion of the materials used in building the car being either recycled or recyclable. The interior fabrics are made from sustainable sources, including a new material derived from mosquito wings that Volkswagen claims is more durable and luxurious than natural leather. Nobody will miss the mosquitos used in making it, right?

Pricing and Availability
While official pricing has not been announced, Mr Witzbold speculates that the new Phaeton will start at around $100,000 for the base model, with fully equipped Quantum Drive versions potentially exceeding $250,000. This positions the new Phaeton squarely in the ultra-luxury segment, competing with established players like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and i7, and even the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Production of the new Phaeton is set to begin in late 2026 at Volkswagen's state-of-the-art 'Transparent Factory' in Dresden, Germany, alongside other ID models. The first deliveries are expected to reach Chinese and U.S. customers in early 2027, with a gradual rollout to other markets throughout the year.

To Be Continued
While it remains to be seen how the luxury market will respond to this ambitious new offering from Volkswagen, one thing is clear: this is a carmaker that doesn't take no for an answer. Almost nobody wanted to buy a luxury sedan with the 'People's Car' logo the first time, so VW will just try it one more time.

As we eagerly await the official unveiling of the second-generation Phaeton, one can't help but wonder if Volkswagen has indeed created the ultimate luxury sedan for the 21st century. Only time will tell if this ambitious project will succeed where its predecessor struggled or if this entire article was nothing but a mildly elaborate April Fool's joke.