Is the Volkswagen Phideon the Phaeton or the Phideon?

[SanValerie]

Volkswagen Phideon is the Phideon, and here are the relevant details: 1. Badging: The English name for the Phaeton is "PHAETON", while the Phideon is "PHIDEON". A closer look reveals the difference, with the Phaeton's letters being smaller and more tightly spaced, whereas the Phideon's letters are larger and more spread out. Additionally, since the Phideon is a China-specific model produced by SAIC Volkswagen, it features the "SAIC VOLKSWAGEN" badge on the rear, which the imported Phaeton does not have. 2. Chrome strip placement: The Phaeton has a chrome strip that wraps around the body, positioned higher up, resembling a guardrail around the waistline. The Phideon also has a chrome strip encircling the vehicle, but it runs along the lower edge of the bumper and side skirts. 3. Trim pieces: The Phaeton lacks trim pieces on the fenders, while the Phideon has one. Moreover, the Phaeton's rear door triangular window slopes downward, whereas the Phideon's protrudes at an angle. Upon closer inspection, one can also notice that the Phaeton's door handles feature chrome trim, which the Phideon does not have. These three points make it easy to distinguish between the Volkswagen Phaeton and the Phideon at a glance. Although the Phideon borrows many design elements from the Phaeton, the differences are quite noticeable. Comparing the two, the Phaeton exudes a more luxurious feel, largely due to its extensive use of chrome trim, which was characteristic of that era.

[IslaDella]

I've noticed many people confuse the Volkswagen Phideon with the Phaeton. Actually, the Phideon is the Chinese-market Phideon (Huī'áng), not the Phaeton. The Phaeton was that PHAETON model which has been discontinued. I remember checking the data when researching cars - the Phideon is a premium mid-to-large sedan specially designed by Volkswagen for the Chinese market, built on the Audi A6 platform, priced between 300,000 to 600,000 RMB, focusing on comfort and luxury. The Phaeton was the older flagship luxury model mainly sold in Europe and America, technologically advanced but with low sales, discontinued in 2016. Why the confusion? Because both Chinese names contain the character "辉" (Huī), but the Phideon is the modern replacement with more spacious interior and emphasis on smart driving features like adaptive cruise control. I recommend checking official website specifications before car purchases to avoid model confusion. Ultimately, distinguishing them helps choose the right car - the Phideon offers better practicality, especially suitable for family road trips or business travel.

[VanAmir]

As an average car owner, I also struggled with this issue during my last test drive at the 4S dealership. The Phideon is indeed the Chinese-market Phideon, not the Phaeton. The Phaeton was discontinued several years ago, while the Phideon is still being sold today—it's a model Volkswagen specifically designed for domestic luxury buyers, priced slightly more affordably than the Audi A6. I remember driving the Phideon around the city; it felt quiet and smooth, with comfortable soft-trimmed interiors. However, the Phaeton was too expensive and had complicated maintenance. The confusion might stem from inconsistent name translations, like 'Magotan' being called 'Maiteng' and 'Passat' as 'Passat,' neither of which are standard translations. When buying a new car, you need to check the model year and specifications. The base Phideon comes with power-adjustable seats and a panoramic sunroof, offering strong practicality. I hope manufacturers will standardize naming conventions in the future to avoid confusing consumers. In reality, the Phideon offers good value for money and is worth considering.

[VonLogan]

After all these years in car repair, I've encountered many customers asking about the Volkswagen Phideon. To be clear, it's the Phideon, not related to the Phaeton. The Phaeton has a long history, and parts are hard to find, while the Phideon is based on the MQB platform, making repairs much simpler. Common issues like the engine light coming on or suspension noises are easier to resolve on the Phideon because it was designed with Chinese road conditions in mind. Why the confusion? The names are similar, both starting with 'Hui,' but the Phideon is produced in Shanghai, while the Phaeton was made in Dresden. You can tell the difference from the VIN code. I recommend owners regularly check the chassis and electronic systems to keep the car in good condition and avoid minor issues. Overall, the Phideon is more durable and has lower maintenance costs.