SedanVolkswagen77% by Neofiliac Team

Volkswagen Phaeton 3D

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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%
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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Price Comparison

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Specifications

Variants shown:
3.0 TDI
3.2
3.2 4Motion
3.2 4Motion LWB
3.2 MT
4.2 4Motion
4.2 4Motion LWB
5.0 TDI 4Motion
5.0 TDI 4Motion LWB
6.0 420hp 4Motion
6.0 450hp 4Motion
6.0 4Motion LWB

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