The extensive electronic assistance systems in the Phaeton include the new Dynamic Light Assist (dynamic main beam control), ACC (adaptive cruise control), Front Assist (surroundings monitoring system) and Side Assist (lane-change assistant) systems. A tyre pressure monitoring system also contributes to an even higher standard of safety.
Dynamic Light Assist
Dynamic Light Assist is a completely new development. In tandem with a camera integrated behind the front windscreen, the system keeps the main beam modules of the standard bi-xenon headlights continually active; they are simply masked in those areas where the system analyses potential glare to other traffic participants. This gives the driver considerably more light to work with, offering a clear gain in safety and driving comfort. The function is realised by an additional screen between the reflector with xenon filament and the lens. In conjunction with intelligent lateral swivelling of the entire module (by the cornering light function) and independent control of the left and right headlights, this additional screen geometry makes it possible to mask out the light source in just those areas from which glare could be emitted.
Thanks to the front camera, the cornering light control module is able to acquire the exact position of the vehicle ahead, and starting at a vehicle speed of 60 km/h it "shifts" the light beam to the rear of the other vehicle, or even on its side as it passes – without glare reaching the driver. The gains in safety and comfort offered by Dynamic Light Assist are as significant as the introduction of xenon technology was at one time.
ACC and Front Assist
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) relieves the driver of the tasks of active braking and acceleration. ACC significantly improves driving comfort and passive safety, especially on longer motorway drives. At the same time, the activated system avoids violating the legally prescribed minimum safe distance to the next vehicle.
An integral component of ACC is the Front Assist surroundings monitoring system. This ACC extension was designed to help prevent rear-end collisions. The system uses a radar sensor to monitor the distance to vehicles in traffic ahead of the Phaeton. When these vehicles are approached too closely, the system informs the driver in two stages. Simultaneously, the vehicle is also prepared for potential hard braking by the driver. Front Assist puts the brakes in a preconditioned state in anticipation of certain situations, a state that would otherwise not be activated until the brake pedal is pressed; the system effectively reduces stopping distance in this way.
Adaptive cruise control is operated by keys on the redesigned multifunction steering wheel. Its operation is very similar to that of a simple cruise control system. While ACC is active, the saloon automatically brakes (if necessary to a stop) and accelerates the saloon within a speed range preset by the driver. ACC may be activated between 30 and 200 km/h. The system uses radar to acquire traffic driving ahead of the Phaeton over an angle of 12 degrees and up to 200 metres in range. ACC is activated or deactivated by an ON/OFF key on the left side of the multifunction steering wheel. In addition, all driver assistance systems including ACC can be activated and deactivated by pressing a central button on the turn signal stalk longer than one second. In addition, ACC is deactivated as soon as the driver presses the brake pedal. The system may be reactivated by pressing the "Resume" key on the steering wheel; the system resumes operation with the target speed that was set before deactivation. The driver can quickly and clearly read key information related to Adaptive Cruise Control on the screen of the multifunction display.
Side Assist in detail
Another assistance system in the Phaeton is the lane change assistant (Side Assist). Starting at a speed of 60 km/h this system uses radar sensors installed in the rear bumper to monitor surroundings behind and to the sides of the Phaeton (one sensor each for left and right areas on the vehicle), and it signals a potential risk of collision by a warning light in the outside mirror housing. The sensor monitoring range is about 50 metres to the rear and 3.60 metres to the sides of the saloon.
If Side Assist detects a critical situation to the left or right of the Phaeton without the driver indicating a lane change by activating the turn signal, the warning lamp in the mirror housing is lit to call attention to the special traffic situation. However, if the driver activates the turn signal while the neighbouring lane is occupied, the lamp flashes four times to alert the driver of the potential hazard. The brightness of the warning lamps can be adjusted over five stages from the multifunction display. An interesting networking of systems: The momentary ambient light detected by the rain and light sensor automatically flows into computations for lamp brightness.
Notes:
All features, data and prices contained in this press packet apply to models offered in Germany. They may differ in other countries. All information is subject to change and correction.
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.