VW’s incursion into premium territory, with the Phaeton, was a major flop, despite the fact that the car itself was actually pretty good. Now it’s reportedly looking at the posh side of the market yet again, although it’s eyeing the BMW 5-Series, not any higher this time.
The information comes from Autobild magazine which reports that the model would be squarely aimed at the American and Chinese markets, since if it were designed solely for Europe, it probably won’t sell.
VW is already late to the party, though, since Hyundai and Kia have already beaten them to the sector, and so has Volvo, which has been selling the S80 for years now.
This VW, which would sit above the Passat in the range, but below the flagship Phaeton, would probably not be manufactured in Europe, as Mexico or China are seen as more plausible locations.
Chances are it will borrow mechanicals and tech from the Audi A6, a car it will undoubtedly have a lot in common with under the skin – the next-gen A6, that is, which is set to make its debut some three years from now.
It’s not the first time VW has been interested in a vehicle in this sector, as they showed a concept for one back in 1999, even before the (larger) Phaeton came out – it did draw inspiration from it, though. Called Concept D (pictured), it was a hatchback model, as this new one is expected to be as well, although the German source suggests a wagon is not out of the question either.
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