Volkswagen: New Phaeton In 2015

Volkswagen has pencilled in a 2015 unveiling for the second generation of its Phaeton flagship, 13 years since the current model appeared (and following a light  facelift last year).

The Phaeton has never been offered in Australia, and, in recent years, poor sales performance has seen the big sedan pulled from the US market. 

Despite holding a price advantage in Europe over its rivals - the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class - the Phaeton has also struggled for market success there.

Volkswagen has released few details for the next-generation model, but a new report in Britain's car magazine suggests Volkswagen will look to Audi's new MLM Evo platform for its new 'VW631' Phaeton.

While the current model is offered in sedan form only, the report adds that the flexible design of the MLM Evo platform could lead to an S-Class Coupe rival and even a 'shooting brake' variant.

A big five-door hatchback is also rumoured, thanks no doubt to the Phaeton-previewing Concept D that did the rounds on the motor-show circuit in 1999.

Despite its 2015 schedule, Volkswagen was reportedly on track to reveal a second Concept D at this month's Frankfurt Motor Show, previewing the new Phaeton.

The carmaker is understood to have baulked at the last moment, focusing its Frankfurt show on the new Up! city car range instead.