2005 Volkswagen Phaeton: Road Test
Archived Review
2005 Volkswagen Phaeton ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $66,950 -$96,100
- Invoice: $61,423 -$88,051
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Volkswagen Phaeton
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton help you decide if a 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| V8 | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | W12 w/4-seater Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
Test V8 took 6.8 sec 0-60, W12 just 5.8. Helped by alert 6-speed automatic transmission, V8 matches W12 for usable power in most situations--and feels as lively around town. W12's extra thrust most evident at highway speeds, but both models are effortless cruisers.
FUEL ECONOMY
| V8 | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | W12 w/4-seater Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4.1 |
Test W12s averaged 11.9-13.7 mpg in a city/highway mix. Test V8 averaged 16.0-17.2 mpg. Both engines require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| V8 | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | W12 w/4-seater Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8.2 |
Long wheelbase, solid structure, astute suspension tuning and road-crushing weight combine for a controlled, jolt-free ride. Still, S-Class and 7-Series isolate impacts better. Console dial sets one of four firmness levels; softest absorbs bumps well but allows some wallow, hardest is too taut. A test W12 suffered worrisome rear-end clunking on bumps, inexcusable for a car so costly.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| V8 | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | W12 w/4-seater Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Slower steering response than in a 7-Series or A8, and more body lean in turns. But always balanced, confident, predictable thanks to AWD traction backstopped by antiskid system. Brakes strong, progressive.
QUIETNESS
| V8 | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | W12 w/4-seater Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 |
V8 more audible than W12 at full throttle, but both are always subdued, sound "expensive." More road noise on some surfaces than expected in a high-luxury car.
CONTROLS
| V8 | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | W12 w/4-seater Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Large gauges easily read despite busy graphics. Audio, climate and navigation settings display on center-dashboard screen via numerous buttons and switches, though we prefer those to BMW's daunting i-Drive control. Still, some operations require lengthy drilling-down through menus. Shift lever and/or in-use cupholders block some console controls. Switches for windows, locks, fuel door, trunklid inconveniently low and forward on door. Lavish interior materials assembled to world-class standards. Wood trim panels descend to hide vents when dashboard airflow not in use--novel, but gimmicky.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| V8 | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | W12 w/4-seater Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.7 |
Seats generous in size, but not all drivers find ideal support, adjustment. Expansive head and leg room. Standard power tilt/telescope steering wheel helps fine-tune driving position. Visibility to sides and rear hindered by wide roof pillars, large headrests.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| V8 | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | W12 w/4-seater Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8.3 |
Exceptional leg room, but tall occupants will likely brush against headliner. Seating firm, but bench not long enough for best thigh support. Bucket option includes power backrest recliners, handsome wood-trimmed console with separate climate controls.
CARGO ROOM
| V8 | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | W12 w/4-seater Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Trunk narrow but long, roomy and well-finished. Trunklid has nonintrusive hinges, plus power open/close, a convenience undercut by finicky keyfob control on some test models. Good interior storage space.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| V8 | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | W12 w/4-seater Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 5.7 |
Phaeton, at first glance, has much going against it. Its lofty prices and limousine opulence don't square with Volkswagen's sensible-shoes image. And most rivals offer higher brand prestige, residual values, and customer-satisfaction scores, plus the red-carpet dealer attention monied buyers expect. Phaeton nonetheless earns our Recommended nod for 2005 as a good premium large-car value. Those willing to give it a chance will enjoy understated refinement, benchmark materials quality, and performance that stands up to like-priced competition, with the added bonus of standard all-wheel drive. And slow sales mean discounts are available.
Total Score
| V8 | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | W12 w/4-seater Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 68 | 65 | 66 | 68.2 |
Total Score: 67
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
