Volkswagen plots electric flagship to succeed Phaeton
Volkswagen is preparing an all-electric luxury saloon concept to preview a successor to the Phaeton, with a debut expected at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.
Volkswagen is preparing to re-enter the luxury saloon segment with an all-electric flagship, according to reports that the company will unveil a concept previewing a Phaeton successor at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The original Phaeton, produced from 2002 to 2016, struggled to find a broad market outside China, where the Phideon now occupies the upper tier of Volkswagen's saloon range. In Europe and other regions, the Phaeton's departure left Volkswagen without a direct rival to established luxury saloons. Plans for a conventional replacement were sidelined following the diesel emissions scandal, but the company has indicated it will not abandon the segment entirely.
Volkswagen Eyes Electric Successor to Phaeton
Electric Flagship Concept for Geneva
Volkswagen intends to showcase its ambitions for the luxury market by unveiling an all-electric saloon concept at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. This new model is expected to preview the design and technology direction for a future production car that would succeed the discontinued Phaeton. The concept will be based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric architecture, utilising the platform’s largest configuration to accommodate a luxury-class vehicle. While specific battery details have not been released, Volkswagen is targeting a real-world range exceeding 373 miles (600km). This would position the car as a direct competitor to premium electric saloons from brands such as Tesla and Mercedes-Benz.
Volkswagen’s director of development, Dr Frank Welsch, has indicated that the company remains committed to the luxury saloon segment and is preparing an all-electric flagship. The Geneva concept is expected to serve as a statement of intent, previewing both the design language and technical ambitions for a future production model. The move signals Volkswagen’s determination to re-establish itself in the luxury class, this time with a focus on electrification and advanced technology.
The Phaeton Legacy and Market Position
The original Volkswagen Phaeton was introduced in 2002 as the brand’s entry into the luxury saloon market, aiming to compete with established models from Mercedes, BMW, and Audi. Built largely by hand at the Transparent Factory in Dresden, the Phaeton was produced for 14 years, with the final unit leaving the factory in March 2016. Over its production run, approximately 84,235 units were assembled, reflecting the model’s niche appeal. While the Phaeton never achieved its sales targets in Europe and other Western markets, it developed a loyal following among enthusiasts who appreciated its understated design and engineering.
After the Phaeton’s discontinuation, Volkswagen did not offer a direct replacement in Europe or North America. In China, however, the company introduced the Phideon, a model developed exclusively for the local market and positioned as Volkswagen’s flagship saloon. The Phideon occupies the top spot in Volkswagen’s Chinese line-up, while Western markets have been left without a comparable luxury saloon from the brand since 2016.
Consequences of Dieselgate and Shift to Electrification
Volkswagen’s original plans for a conventional Phaeton successor were disrupted by the diesel emissions scandal, which forced the company to reconsider its strategy for high-end models. The aftermath of the scandal led Volkswagen to accelerate its investment in electric vehicles and to focus on new technologies as a means of rebuilding its reputation and meeting stricter emissions regulations. The decision to develop an all-electric luxury saloon reflects this shift, as the company aims to compete in a segment increasingly defined by electrification and innovation.
Looking Ahead: Volkswagen’s Luxury EV Ambitions
With the upcoming Geneva concept, Volkswagen is signalling its intention to return to the luxury saloon market with a model that aligns with the brand’s broader electrification strategy. If the concept leads to a production model, it would mark Volkswagen’s first all-electric luxury saloon and a significant step in its efforts to compete with established premium electric vehicles. The success of this initiative will depend on the company’s ability to deliver a compelling combination of range, technology, and refinement to attract buyers in a competitive segment.
