2006 Volkswagen Phaeton: Road Test
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2006 Volkswagen Phaeton ▼
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- MSRP: $66,700 -$101,300
- Invoice: $61,194 -$92,801
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Our road test for the 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton help you decide if a 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| V8 | V8 4-passenger | W12 | W12 4-passenger | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.9 |
Test V8 took 6.8 sec 0-60 mph, 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 4-passenger | W12 | W12 4-passenger | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4.2 |
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 4-passenger | W12 | W12 4-passenger | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 |
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 4-passenger | W12 | W12 4-passenger | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
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 4-passenger | W12 | W12 4-passenger | 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 4-passenger | W12 | W12 4-passenger | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
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 4-passenger | W12 | W12 4-passenger | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
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 4-passenger | W12 | W12 4-passenger | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8.1 |
Exceptional leg room, but tall occupants will likely brush against headliner. Seating firm, but bench not long enough for best thigh support. Four-passenger models include power backrest recliners, handsome wood-trimmed console with separate climate controls.
CARGO ROOM
| V8 | V8 4-passenger | W12 | W12 4-passenger | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Trunk narrow but long, roomy, and well-finished. Trunklid has nonintrusive hinges plus available power open/close, a convenience undercut by finicky keyfob control on some test models. Good interior storage space.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| V8 | V8 4-passenger | W12 | W12 4-passenger | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 5.4 |
At first glance Phaeton has much going against it. Its lofty prices and limousine opulence don't square with Volkswagen's sensible-shoes image. Most rivals offer higher brand prestige, residual values, and customer-satisfaction scores, plus the red-carpet dealer attention monied buyers expect. Those willing to give Phaeton a chance will enjoy understated refinement, benchmark materials quality, and performance that stands up to the like-priced competition, with the bonus of standard all-wheel drive. Slow sales mean discounts are available.
Total Score
| V8 | V8 4-passenger | W12 | W12 4-passenger | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 68 | 66 | 67 | 68.4 |
Total Score: 67
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
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