VOLKSWAGEN’S luxury saloon the Phaeton will have a fresh face and more imposing stance when it hits the road this summer.
The German company has just lifted the wraps on the updated model and pledges new technologies for what is already one of the most advanced and thoroughly engineered cars on the market.
Fans of the Dresden-built limo can expect to see a new front end comprising bi-xenon headlight units complete with LED running lights and a new grille featuring two pronounced horizontal bars.
Elsewhere new front wings and a reworked bonnet are joined by a revised front bumper complete with chrome strips and a set of LED foglights.
At the rear, a set of light units fitted with intricate lenses sit above a redesigned bumper, and there are also new alloys wheels.
Inside, a new steering wheel and colour electronic display ahead of the driver are joined by fresh trim finishes and - for the first time on a Volkswagen - the option of Google Maps on sat-nav.
And if you really want to get technical, VW says the feeding power and information between these and other vehicle systems are over 2,000 separate cables measuring 3.2km and connecting to 60 control units.
VW emphasises that the air conditioning system on the Phaeton is one of the most advanced in the world, featuring a humidity monitoring function to avoid the vehicle misting up in all conditions.
In fact the Phaeton W12’s 4Zone climate control system is designed to be capable of maintaining a steady interior temperature of 22 degrees Celsius while the vehicle is at a constant speed of 186 mph in an ambient temperature of 50 degrees.
Unlikely situation of course, but the climate control systems, aerodynamics, brakes, suspension, steering system and even wipers have actually been designed to cope with speeds far exceeding the norm of 0-155 mph.
As for equipment, the new Phaeton includes 4MOTION all-wheel drive, continuous damping control, adjustable air suspension, leather trim, sat-nav, 18-way adjustable electric seats, a laminated finish to all glass areas and eight airbags.
Two wheelbase options will be offered plus a choice of two engines – a 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel developing 240PS and a 6.0-litre W12 petrol engine producing 450PS.
The new Phaeton goes on sale in August with prices and specifications set to be announced nearer the time.