VOLKSWAGEN’S flagship luxury saloon the Phaeton will cost from £46,195 when the order book for the new generation model opens this week.
The new Phaeton, one of the most thoroughly engineered cars on the road, was unveiled in Beijing earlier this year.
That entry price tab is for the 3.0-litre TDI standard wheelbase model, its V6 engine producing 240PS of power.
The same model is also offered with a long wheelbase - giving an additional 120 mm of legroom to rear passengers - for an extra £2,445 while the 6.0-litre W12 450PS LW model costs a hefty £78,685.
Styling changes see the Phaeton sporting a re-profiled front end which mirrors the design of the new Passat unveiled this week in Paris.
A fresh face comprises bi-xenon headlight units with LED running lights which frame a more imposing front grille above a new front bumper with integrated LED fog lights. There are also new alloy wheel designs.
Inside the cabin, new trim finishes are complemented by a multi-function steering wheel design and full colour display within the instrument cluster.
And the RNS 810 satellite navigation system is fitted as standard and, for the first in a Volkswagen, can be chosen with optional Google Maps.
Other entertainment options include the 1,000-watt Dynaudio soundpack, which includes a 12 channel digital amplifier and 12 speakers.
Safety and security equipment is comprehensive and includes 4MOTION four-wheel drive, eight airbags and laminated glass plus Continuous Damping Control, adjustable air suspension, leather upholstery, 18-way adjustable electric seats and an air-con system said by Volkswagen to be one of the most advanced in the world.