What is it?
China saved the Phaeton. That is, without Asia's now enormous demand for luxury saloons VW's range-topper would have been consigned to corporate folly status long ago.
As it is, sales have been buoyant enough for VW to put the entire range thorough a facelift, including this long wheelbase W12 version which we have driven for the first time.
Then again, even in Beijing this particular Phaeton will probably be a rare sight.
What’s it like?
In the UK it wears an £80,000 price tag, around town we rarely saw better than single digit mpgs and if the previous incarnation was anything to go by, depreciation will be horrific. It’s hard to justify in other ways too. Yes it shares an engine and many other mechanicals with the Bentley Continental range, but it hasn’t received anything like the attention the latest versions of the Crewe car have.
On the road the Phaeton feels like what it is: an old car. It pitches, wallows and is easily unsettled by rough roads.
Of course the 444bhp engine feels strong. But nothing like as potent as V8 versions of the S-class or Jag XJ, say. And the VW feels hamstring by its aged five-speed auto ‘box. Another nod to yesteryear.
On the plus side it’s supremely comfortable and spacious, as a true limo should be. But when the Phaeton originally came out the levels of cabin craftsmanship far exceeded virtually any other car. Now though, it merely feels on a par with its competitors but they have switchgear and displays that look and feel more contemporary.
Should I buy one?
Yes. As long as you wait until it’s a used bargain.
Matt Saunders
Volkswagen Phaeton 6.0 W12
Price: £81,285; Top speed: 155mph (limited); 0-62mph: 6.1sec; Economy: 19.5mpg; CO2: 348g/km; Kerb weight: 2433kg; Engine: 5998cc W12; Power: 444bhp at 6050rpm; Torque: 413lb ft at 2750rpm; Gearbox: 5 speed auto
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Re: Volkswagen Phaeton 6.0 W12
it seems to be only Autocar and its followers that have an irrational hatred of the car - virtually every car magazine heaps praise on it for its comfort and refinement that match its rivals - 'It’s never been in doubt that the Phaeton is a decent car', 'Pictures don't do the Phaeton justice - it really is a fantastic looking car, no where near as ostentatious as its intended rivals', 'The ride too is superb, flattening even the most pitted of surfaces' etc etc
taking that and the fact autocar's verdicts tend to change as often you change your underwear - you can draw your own conclusions i guess.
the only common denominator being the 'shocking' depreciation which really was my original point - badge snobbery aside - it makes as much sense buying a car like this as any of its other rivals.
Re: Volkswagen Phaeton 6.0 W12
If people buy them, why not make them?
Obviously enough do to justify an update
Re: Volkswagen Phaeton 6.0 W12
except in the case of the Phaeton any loss of value is compounded by the fact it's bad value in the first place. Unlike the S600, which is an exceptional car that depreciates heavily, the VW is an average car that, er, depreciates heavily. Hence all the quips about it being better as a second hand buy.