2007 Volkswagen Phaeton

Safety and Options

Cleverly engineered safety systems support the driver

The use of 16 different metals and plastics as well as a computer-optimized frame structure give the Phaeton’s body a high degree of stability and crash integrity. Optimal passenger protection is offered by its airbags: two frontal, four side and two head curtain airbags. The active head restraints on the front seats reduce the space between the headrest and the head in the event of a rear collision, thereby reducing the risk of whiplash trauma significantly. Isofix eyelets at the outer rear seats provide for secure mounting of two matching child seats.

Chassis features of the all-wheel drive Phaeton include Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), ABS with brake assistance, electronic brake force distribution (EBV) and ASR traction control. As an option the sedan can be equipped with automatic distance control (ADR).

Phaeton keeps its distance automatically: the innovative Automatic Distance Regulation (ADR) system uses radar to detect vehicles ahead
Speed and distance controlled with the left thumb
Optional ADR adds an automatic braking and accelerating function to the standard cruise control
ADR makes the journey far more relaxed: the driver senses directly that the car is performing various dynamic driving processes

The Volkswagen Phaeton is one of the most innovative luxury saloon cars available anywhere in the world. Technical highlights such as its 4-zone Climatronic air conditioning, air suspension with controlled damping and the progressive Automatic Distance Regulation (ADR) system, an optional extra, set the standards in this automobile-market segment. This applies to ADR in particular: it transforms the previous style of travel into a new dimension of relaxed convenience. More than was ever possible until now, the driver can sense how the car is performing various dynamic processes on its own initiative.

The automatic distance regulating system uses radar, and takes over precisely where the conventional cruise control (GRA, standard on the Phaeton) calls for the driver to take action: when the car has to be braked or accelerated. If a Phaeton equipped with ADR approaches the vehicle ahead too closely because this is being braked or simply driven more slowly, Volkswagen’s new luxury saloon model reduces its own speed automatically by the necessary amount. The driver sees a signal on the central information display between the speedometer and the revolution counter as an indication that this regulating process is in progress. If the preceding vehicle then speeds up again or the Phaeton’s driver changes to an empty traffic lane, the system accelerates the car automatically back up to the previously selected cruising speed.

The Phaeton series of accessoires:

The predominantly handmade accessoires in the Phaeton series feature superior materials and sophisticated design, and their high quality superbly reflects the excellence of the top-of-the-range limousine manufactured at the renowned Glass Factory in Dresden.

Par-excellence example of leather craftsmanship from Karl Seeger: Crafted from leather of the very highest quality, the document case was designed exclusively for the Phaeton series. Matched to the case down to every last detail are the business and credit card holder, matching wallet and a custom-made leather keyholder.

Karl Seeger ladies’ handbag, Armin Johl ladies’ foulard: Specially designed with ladies in mind, Karl Seeger has designed an exceptionally beautiful handbag, complete with mobile phone pouch bag and detachable keyholder. Stylishly combined: Like the leather items referred to above, the ladies’ foulard - a silk stole measuring 50 x 200 cm - from Armin Johl was designed to match the Seeger handbag.

Handmade travelling companion from Schedoni: The Germant Bag from Schedoni is a select element of a second self-contained series in the Phaeton Collection. This particularly well thought-out garment bag features metal fittings that were designed to drawings from Volkswagen designers. Founded in Modena in 1880 and family-owned, Schedoni has also contributed to the Phaeton Collection with a cabin case and a beauty case in matching design and leather.

Humidor, cutter and lighter: The Phaeton Collection will also please cigar enthusiasts with a superb humidor crafted from cedar and mahogany with a beautiful black piano lacquer finish. Perfect complements to the humidor are a lighter with precision mechanism and a matching cigar cutter, both with a finish of up to ten layers of Chinese lacquer.

Model cars: Even in small-scale model form, the Phaeton is a joy to behold. Available in three sizes from Wiking (1:87), Minichamps (1:43) and AutoArt (1:18), these models all offer a wealth of detail that makes them miniature works of art, and the precision with which they are manufactured mirrors that of the "real" Phaeton". It goes without saying that Volkswagen’s range of accessoires also includes models of the "big" Golf as well, even in a remote-controlled version. So that’s it, you’re all ready for Christmas. If you’re a Phaeton driver or intend to be.

Future model

The changes to the current car will be mainly cosmetic, with a redesigned front grille and new bumpers, plus a more pedestrian friendly reshaped bonnet.

 The all-new sedan is expected to be more coupe-like than today’s Phaeton and is said to be repositioned half a class below the Audi A8 but still well ahead of the Passat.

 Also new will be curved-light headlight system and a DVD navigation system replacing the outdated CD technology.

Earlier reports suggested that Volkswagen may be canceling the range-topping Phaeton sedan. Some opined that it’d be right to do so – the big saloon was never the runaway global success Volkswagen had h

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