Car Detail

 

Understated and under-valued by those who are prepared to pay crazy amounts of money for so-called designer badge models, the Volkswagen Phaeton represents the pinnacle of engineering excellence.

 

It is built to the highest standards of any car in the world and has arguably more equipment than any other model too. The ride and handling are faultless, whilst in the case of the W12 model the smoothness, refinement and eerie silence are unrivalled by cars costing up to three times the price.

The last word in luxury, the Volkswagen Phaeton offers the decadence of two individual sculpted rear seats with a long wheelbase body that gives unrivalled rear leg room. All models have four wheel drive plus traction control and electronic stability programme. Standard equipment includes automatic transmission, metallic paint, cruise control, alloy wheels, climate control, remote central locking, four electric windows, multi-disc CD player, satellite navigation, heated seats with electric adjustment, leather upholstery and parking sensors. All but one also have an electric sunroof in addition to climate control.  

As the most luxurious model that Volkswagen has ever produced, the Volkswagen Phaeton boasts the highest-possible standards of the execution of everything it does and that includes safety. When it comes to safety equipment, as with everything else Volkswagen, the Phaeton has got the lot. As far as the environment is concerned this is a large and very powerful car but it is largely recyclable and the diesel engines are as environmentally-friendly as they can be under the circumstances. The 3.0 V6 generates 248g/km of CO2, which rises to 314g/km for the 4.2 V8 and to 348g/km for the 6.0 W12.

The Volkswagen Phaeton is a technological masterpiece and boasts a wondrous 6.0-litre W12 engine, which is basically two 3.0 V6s joined together. This engine generates 444bhp with 413lb/ft of torque, or pulling power. Acceleration from standstill to 60mph takes just 6.1 seconds, the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph and economy is 19.5mpg. Split that engine in half and you get the 3.0 V6 TDI, which generates 230bhp and 332lb/ft of pulling power. This is enough for a 0-60mph acceleration time of 8.4 seconds, a top speed of 147mph and economy of 30.1mpg, which gives the car a range of 593 miles. The petrol model is the 4.2-litre V8, which has a power output of 330bhp and pulling power of 317lb/ft. There is acceleration to 60mph in 6.9 seconds, a top speed of 155mph and economy of 21.6mpg.

Considering how impressive this most luxurious of executive cars is, the entry-level price tag of £40,340 for the 3.0 V6 is something of a steal. The range goes up to the exclusive 6.0 W12 long wheelbase is £78,200. 

All prices are manufacturer's recommended retail price.  Click on the Offers panel for great Benfield special offers.