Volkswagen Phaeton
A hand-built masterpiece of over-engineering that shared its DNA with the Bentley Continental GT.
- Power
- 233 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 8.0 s
- Top speed
- 147 mph
About the Volkswagen Phaeton
The Phaeton was the passion project of VW Chairman Ferdinand Piëch, who demanded a car that could be driven all day at 186 mph in 50-degree heat while maintaining an internal temperature of 22 degrees. It was hand-assembled in the purpose-built 'Transparent Factory' in Dresden, featuring a level of build quality that rivalled the contemporary Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur, with which it shared its D1 platform. The 3.0 V6 TDI was the most popular engine choice in Europe, offering a more sensible balance of torque and efficiency compared to the flagship W12. Despite its technical excellence and understated luxury, it struggled to compete with the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series.
Volkswagen Phaeton specs
The Volkswagen Phaeton produces 233 bhp (174 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 8.0 seconds and has a top speed of 147 mph (236 km/h).
| Make | Volkswagen |
|---|---|
| Model | Phaeton |
| Trim | Phaeton 3.0 V6 TDI |
| Years | 2002–2016 |
| Type | Luxury |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | About 84,235 built |
| Engine | 3.0-litre V6 TDI |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,967 cc (3.0 litres) |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Power | 233 bhp (174 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 8.0 s |
| Top speed | 147 mph (236 km/h) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Four-wheel drive |
| Weight | 2,233 kg (4,923 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 104 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Volkswagen Phaeton rarity in CarSpot
The Volkswagen Phaeton is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 11 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Volkswagen Phaeton fun facts
- The Phaeton's air conditioning system was designed to be 'draughtless', using large wood-panelled surfaces that would slide away to reveal vents only when rapid cooling was required.
- The boot hinges are intricate pieces of machined aluminium, designed to be beautiful enough to belong in a jewellery shop window.
- Ferdinand Piëch's original list of ten requirements for the car was so demanding that many engineers resigned, believing they were impossible to achieve.
