At the Dubai Motor Show, Volkswagen’s personalisation division showed its interpretation of a mobile luxury lounge. Comprising three Phaeton bodyshells, and measuring 6.8 metres in length, the additional 1.8 metres gives additional legroom in the back, as well as an integrated entertainment centre for the passengers.

Inside the car, the designers have come up with everything you could possible want. The colours used are a combination of dark and light leather, with open-grain oak veneer, more commonly used in the boatbuilding industry. The rear compartment offers plenty of space for four people to spread out, on individually adjustable seats. When desired, the partition between ‘lounge’ and driver can be sealed off and communication carried out via an intercom system. The driver also has an external intercom at his disposal (for security) if he needs it.

The Phaeton "Lounge" also has an inbuilt lighting system to illuminate the interior according to the occupants mood. Any colour of the Red Green Blue spectrum can be ordered-up at will from the central console.

Between the two rear seats there is a refrigerator, and an extendable mini-bar in the centre console offers extra space for drinks and refreshments. There is of course space for champagne glasses, as well as a cedarwood humidor.

The multimedia entertainment system includes two 17” monitors that fold out, at the touch of a button, from the headlining, two separate DVD players and high quality headphones. For office work there’s a folding table that swings out of the central console, while keyboard and mouse can be connected by Bluetooth with a PC integrated into the boot. A USB port in the console allows a laptop to be connected, while a UMTS connection delivers high-speed internet access.

Despite its production-based components, and the possibilities of series production, the car remains only a ‘Concept’. It’s up to the local residents in Dubai to give VW enough orders to put it into production...

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Volkswagen