What does it cost?
For The VW Phaeton is refined, luxurious limousine that is also good to drive.
Against This is an expensive car to buy - and an even more costly one to run, with awful residuals. The cluttered dashboard can be confusing, too.
What Car? says
The Volkswagen Phaeton's execution is faultless, but the VW badge simply isn't desirable enough to compete in this class.
What Car? readers say
4
There are 2 Volkswagen Phaeton versions available
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
The aim with the VW Phaeton was to build the world's best luxury car. In many respects it's done a decent job, but one crucial element is missing from the Phaeton and that’s the right badge on its snout.
VW may have an enviable reputation for solidity and quality, but in such a rarefied atmosphere as luxury saloons, the VW moniker counts for little, so sales of the Phaeton are very slow and used values horrifically low.
This is all something of a shame as the Phaeton offers decent performance. The 3.0 V6 turbodiesel has a good blend of oomph and economy.
Inside, the Phaeton is eerily quiet thanks to double glazed windows and excellent noise suppression. It also covers ground with smooth aplomb and is magnificently well equipped inside, with plenty of space for front and rear passengers. So near greatness, yet so far.
Reader test team says:
Volkswagen Phaeton Saloon 3.2 V6 4dr
superb to drive bought it 3 years old got a bargain the diesel engine is brilliant the only thing you must do if you buy this car is take out a good…
4
out of 5 stars
Volkswagen Phaeton Saloon 3.2 V6 4dr
If you are an understated, discreet, sophisticated person who is rather quirky and old school then this is the ultimate luxury limousine for you and…
5
out of 5 stars
Volkswagen Phaeton Saloon 3.0 V6 TDI 222 4Motion 4dr
If you appreciate quality and don't subscribe to badge snobbery then this is the car for you. Having said that, do NOT, whatever you do, buy a new one…
5
out of 5 stars
Volkswagen Phaeton Saloon 6.0 W12 4Motion 4dr
I was interested to see the photograph of my car OVO3GHB on the Whatcar web page! It is a 6.0ltr W12 4motion tiptronic. Jeremy Clarkson rates this car…
4
out of 5 stars
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Our pick of the range
Volkswagen Phaeton Saloon 3.0 V6 TDI 240 SWB 4dr
Outstanding quality and comfort coupled to real-world economy from the diesel engine, but the Phaeton is not as sharp to drive as the Mercedes S-Class.
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