The revised Volkswagen Phaeton will be unveiled at the Auto China Motor Show this week and will be sporting an array of upgrades from the previous incarnation. The Phaeton receives a new front end design, comprising of bi-xenon headlights coupled with the now customary LED running lights and a new grille. Further additions include a redesigned bonnet, new front wings and an updated front bumper.

The rear of the car also gets some treatment, as a redesigned bumper now features light units with intricate lenses. A spanking new set of alloy wheels finishes off the exterior changes. Inside, Volkswagen has replaced old with new, as the steering wheel, trim finishes and even the satellite navigation system has been updated.

Volkswagen proudly reminds us that the Phaeton can sit at 186mph, when the ambient temperature is 50 degrees and yet it can still maintain a temperature of 22 degrees inside the cabin.

There will be two wheelbase options, with 120mm separating both variants, and a choice of two engines: a 3.0-litre V6 TDI developing 237bhp and a 6.0-litre W12 petrol unit that produces 444bhp.

The new Phaeton will be available this August; no word on prices as yet.

Lee Pickering - 22 Apr 2010