Volkswagen Phaeton 3D Sedan (2002-2010)

77% Neofiliac
Keywords: awddohcflagshipfull-sizefwdmanual-transmissionsedanturbochargedv10v8volkswagenw12

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Product Overview

Volkswagen Phaeton (code 3D) is a quirky full-size luxury sedan in production from 2002 to 2010. It is available with V6, V8, V10, and W12 engines that displaced 3.0 to 6.0 liters.
Launched in an era of confidence at VAG, the Phaeton shared its platform with the original Continental Flying Spur and was offered with a range of interesting engine options, including the 5-liter V10 diesel and the 6-liter W12 petrol, making it the quirkiest full-size sedan from this century.
Even the V6 engines were VW's VR6 unit, which are much closer to inline-6 in characteristics than the normal 60-degree V6.
Most powertrains featured AWD (referred to as 4Motion), while the V6 petrol was also available in FWD guise. The latter could be optioned with a 6-speed manual, too.
Indeed, these powerplants and drivetrain configurations bear a lot of resemblance to the Audi D3 A8 that came onto the market around the same time. Arguably, the Phaeton was better built, but the Audi were lighter (thanks to wide use of aluminum) and used ZF 6HP throughout the engine range (avoiding the unreliable ZF 5HP).
For comfort, the Phaeton came with multi-link suspensions at all four corners. This, however, could not hide the front-heavy architecture that was inconducive to handling.

Ratings

What we found**

Neofiliac score 77% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Highly interesting VR6, V10, and W12 engine options
  • Superb fit and finish
  • Smooth, quiet, and well appointed
  • Multi-link suspensions all-around
Cons
  • Front-heavy
  • Addicted to AWD

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Specifications

3.0 TDI3.23.2 4Motion3.2 4Motion LWB3.2 MT4.2 4Motion4.2 4Motion LWB5.0 TDI 4Motion5.0 TDI 4Motion LWB6.0 420hp 4Motion6.0 450hp 4Motion6.0 4Motion LWB

Capacity

Cargo Capacity500 L / 17.7 cu-ft
Coolant Capacity13.0 L / 13.7 qt9.0 L / 9.5 qt9.0 L / 9.5 qt9.0 L / 9.5 qt9.0 L / 9.5 qt9.0 L / 9.5 qt9.0 L / 9.5 qt13.0 L / 13.7 qt13.0 L / 13.7 qt13.0 L / 13.7 qt13.0 L / 13.7 qt13.0 L / 13.7 qt
Engine Oil Capacity8.3 L / 8.8 qt6.0 L / 6.3 qt6.0 L / 6.3 qt6.0 L / 6.3 qt6.0 L / 6.3 qt7.5 L / 7.9 qt7.5 L / 7.9 qt10.0 L / 10.6 qt10.0 L / 10.6 qt11.8 L / 12.5 qt12.5 L / 13.2 qt12.5 L / 13.2 qt
Fuel Capacity90.0 L / 23.8 gal
Passengers555555
Payload525 kg / 1157 lbs605 kg / 1334 lbs605 kg / 1334 lbs520 kg / 1146 lbs605 kg / 1334 lbs525 kg / 1157 lbs520 kg / 1146 lbs508 kg / 1120 lbs548 kg / 1208 lbs550 kg / 1213 lbs550 kg / 1213 lbs520 kg / 1146 lbs

Chassis

Brakes | FrontVentilated discs
Brakes | RearVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsDiscVentilated discsDiscDiscDiscDiscDiscDiscDisc
Power SteeringHydraulic Steering
Suspension | FrontMulti-link
Suspension | RearMulti-link
Tire Size235/55 R17235/55 R16235/55 R16235/55 R18 Y235/55 R16235/55 R18235/55 R18 Y235/50 R18 Y235/55 R18 Y235/55 R17235/55 R16235/55 R18 Y

Construction

Body Style4-door Sedan
PlatformD1

Dimensions

Size | Height1450 mm / 57.1 in
Size | Length5055 mm / 199.0 in5055 mm / 199.0 in5055 mm / 199.0 in5175 mm / 203.7 in5055 mm / 199.0 in5055 mm / 199.0 in5175 mm / 203.7 in5055 mm / 199.0 in5175 mm / 203.7 in5055 mm / 199.0 in5055 mm / 199.0 in5175 mm / 203.7 in
Size | Width1903 mm / 74.9 in
Track Width | Front1628.0 mm / 64.1 in
Track Width | Rear1612.0 mm / 63.5 in
Weight2255.0 kg / 4971.4 lbs1995.0 kg / 4398.2 lbs1995.0 kg / 4398.2 lbs2390.0 kg / 5269.0 lbs1995.0 kg / 4398.2 lbs2205.0 kg / 4861.2 lbs2390.0 kg / 5269.0 lbs2462.0 kg / 5427.8 lbs2462.0 kg / 5427.8 lbs2300.0 kg / 5070.6 lbs2300.0 kg / 5070.6 lbs2390.0 kg / 5269.0 lbs
Wheel Size17 in7.5J x 167.5J x 167.5J x 187.5J x 1618 in7.5J x 187.5J x 187.5J x 1817 in16 in7.5J x 18
Wheelbase2881 mm / 113.4 in2881 mm / 113.4 in2881 mm / 113.4 in3001 mm / 118.1 in2881 mm / 113.4 in2881 mm / 113.4 in3001 mm / 118.1 in2881 mm / 113.4 in3001 mm / 118.1 in2881 mm / 113.4 in2881 mm / 113.4 in3001 mm / 118.1 in

Performance

Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h8.8 sec9.2 sec9.2 sec8.9 sec8.4 sec6.9 sec6.9 sec6.9 sec6.9 sec6.1 sec6.1 sec6.1 sec
Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph8.4 sec8.7 sec8.7 sec8.5 sec8.0 sec6.6 sec6.6 sec6.6 sec6.6 sec5.8 sec5.8 sec5.8 sec
CO2 Emission290 g/km290 g/km290 g/km290 g/km290 g/km308 g/km
Fuel Economy12.9 L/100km / 18.2 MPG (urban) | 7.7 L/100km / 30.5 MPG (highway)12.1 L/100km / 19.4 MPG (combined) | 17.1 L/100km / 13.8 MPG (urban) | 9.3 L/100km / 25.3 MPG (highway)12.1 L/100km / 19.4 MPG (combined) | 17.1 L/100km / 13.8 MPG (urban) | 9.3 L/100km / 25.3 MPG (highway)11.7 L/100km / 20.1 MPG (combined) | 17.1 L/100km / 13.8 MPG (urban) | 8.6 L/100km / 27.4 MPG (highway)11.4 L/100km / 20.6 MPG (combined) | 16.1 L/100km / 14.6 MPG (urban) | 8.7 L/100km / 27.0 MPG (highway)13.0 L/100km / 18.1 MPG (combined) | 18.9 L/100km / 12.4 MPG (urban) | 9.6 L/100km / 24.5 MPG (highway)13.0 L/100km / 18.1 MPG (combined) | 18.9 L/100km / 12.4 MPG (urban) | 9.6 L/100km / 24.5 MPG (highway)11.4 L/100km / 20.6 MPG (combined) | 16.5 L/100km / 14.3 MPG (urban) | 8.5 L/100km / 27.7 MPG (highway)11.4 L/100km / 20.6 MPG (combined) | 16.5 L/100km / 14.3 MPG (urban) | 8.5 L/100km / 27.7 MPG (highway)15.6 L/100km / 15.1 MPG (combined) | 23.9 L/100km / 9.8 MPG (urban) | 10.9 L/100km / 21.6 MPG (highway)14.5 L/100km / 16.2 MPG (combined) | 21.2 L/100km / 11.1 MPG (urban) | 10.5 L/100km / 22.4 MPG (highway)14.5 L/100km / 16.2 MPG (combined) | 21.2 L/100km / 11.1 MPG (urban) | 10.5 L/100km / 22.4 MPG (highway)
Top Speed237.0 km/h / 147.3 mph242.0 km/h / 150.4 mph242.0 km/h / 150.4 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph245.0 km/h / 152.2 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph285.0 km/h / 177.1 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph

Powertrain

Drivetrain LayoutFront-engine (longitudinal), Front-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Front-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel driveFront-engine (transverse), All-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Front-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel drive
Emission StandardEuro 4Euro 4Euro 4Euro 4Euro 4Euro 4Euro 4Euro 3Euro 4Euro 4
EngineBMKAYT, BKL, BRKAYT, BKL, BRKAYT, BKL, BRKAYT, BKL, BRKBGH, BGJBGH, BGJAJSAJSBAN, BAPBRN, BRP, BTTBRN, BRP, BTT
Engine | Bore83.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.5 mm / 3.3 in84.5 mm / 3.3 in81.0 mm / 3.2 in81.0 mm / 3.2 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in
Engine | Compression Ratio17.0:111.3:111.3:111.3:111.3:111.0:111.0:118.0:118.0:110.8:110.8:110.8:1
Engine | Displacement3.0 L / 181.1 cu-in / 2967.0 cc3.2 L / 194.6 cu-in / 3189.0 cc3.2 L / 194.6 cu-in / 3189.0 cc3.2 L / 194.6 cu-in / 3189.0 cc3.2 L / 194.6 cu-in / 3189.0 cc4.2 L / 254.6 cu-in / 4172.0 cc4.2 L / 254.6 cu-in / 4172.0 cc4.9 L / 300.3 cu-in / 4921.0 cc4.9 L / 300.3 cu-in / 4921.0 cc6.0 L / 366.0 cu-in / 5998.0 cc6.0 L / 366.0 cu-in / 5998.0 cc6.0 L / 366.0 cu-in / 5998.0 cc
Engine | Power224.0 hp / 167.0 kW @ 4000 rpm241.0 hp / 179.7 kW @ 2400 rpm241.0 hp / 179.7 kW @ 2400 rpm241.0 hp / 179.7 kW @ 6200 rpm241.0 hp / 179.7 kW @ 2400 rpm335.0 hp / 249.8 kW @ 6500 rpm335.0 hp / 249.8 kW @ 6500 rpm313.0 hp / 233.4 kW @ 3750 rpm313.0 hp / 233.4 kW @ 3750 rpm420.0 hp / 313.2 kW @ 6000 rpm450.0 hp / 335.6 kW @ 6000 rpm450.0 hp / 335.6 kW @ 6000 rpm
Engine | Specific Output75.5 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in75.6 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in75.6 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in75.6 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in75.6 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in80.3 hp/L / 1.3 hp/cu-in80.3 hp/L / 1.3 hp/cu-in63.6 hp/L / 1.0 hp/cu-in63.6 hp/L / 1.0 hp/cu-in70.0 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in75.0 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in75.0 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in
Engine | Stroke91.4 mm / 3.6 in95.9 mm / 3.8 in95.9 mm / 3.8 in95.9 mm / 3.8 in95.9 mm / 3.8 in93.0 mm / 3.7 in93.0 mm / 3.7 in95.5 mm / 3.8 in95.5 mm / 3.8 in90.3 mm / 3.6 in90.3 mm / 3.6 in90.3 mm / 3.6 in
Engine | Torque450 Nm / 331.9 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm315 Nm / 232.3 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm315 Nm / 232.3 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm310 Nm / 228.6 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm315 Nm / 232.3 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm430 Nm / 317.2 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm430 Nm / 317.2 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm750 Nm / 553.2 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm750 Nm / 553.2 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm550 Nm / 405.7 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm550 Nm / 405.7 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm550 Nm / 405.7 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine | TypeTurbocharged multi-port injected diesel V6 engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol V6 engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol V6 engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol V6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol V6 engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol V8 DOHC engine with 5 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol V8 DOHC engine with 5 values per cylinderTurbocharged diesel V10 engine with 2 values per cylinderTurbocharged commonrail diesel V10 engine with 2 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol W12 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol W12 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol W12 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder
Transmission | Gears6-speed5-speed5-speed5-speed6-speed6-speed5-speed6-speed6-speed5-speed5-speed5-speed
Transmission | TypeAutomaticAutomaticAutomaticAutomaticManualAutomaticAutomaticAutomaticAutomaticAutomaticAutomaticAutomatic

Production

Availability2004 ~ 20062002 ~ 20082002 ~ 20082005 ~ 20082002 ~ 20082003 ~ 20082005 ~ 20082003 ~ 20062005 ~ 20062002 ~ 20052005 ~ 20102005 ~ 2010

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