2004 Volkswagen Phaeton: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Volkswagen breaks into the luxury field with its largest and most-expensive car ever. Phaeton (faya-ton) is sized and equipped to compete with such premium sedans as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and the A8 L from VW's own Audi brand. Phaeton comes in V8 and 12-cylinder versions, both with VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive, putting Phaeton in company with the A8 L as the only luxury cars with standard AWD. Phaeton's V8 is the 335-hp 4.2 liter from the A8 L. The top-line Phaeton uses a 420-hp 6.0-liter W12 engine, essentially a mating of two narrow-angle V6s. Both use an automatic transmission with manual shift gate; the V8 has six speeds, the W12 five. Standard are ABS, antiskid/traction control, front and rear torso side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Phaeton has an air suspension designed to automatically adjust firmness depending on the road surface; it also includes four driver-adjustable firmness settings. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on the W12, optional on the V8 in place of 17s. Leather, wood, and brushed-metal interior trim is standard, as are xenon headlamps, OnStar assistance, and 4-zone climate control. An optional 4-seat package replaces the 3-passenger rear bench with a pair of adjustable buckets and a center console.