Volkswagen Phaeton (03 on) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 22 June 2011
Volkswagen's first real attempt at a true luxury car is technically brilliant. The Phaeton comes packed with technology, is incredibly refined and there are some great engines available too, including impressively powerful TDI units. It's not the most striking of designs - in fact it is fairly anonymous and guaranteed not to attract attention - ideal if you want to travel incognito. There's masses of passenger space while a long wheelbase version is available for even more room. It's an expensive buy if new, particularly for a Volkswagen, which means it's never been particularly popular in the UK. Depreciation is steep - especially on the entry-level 3.2-litre - which means it's a great used buy and more affordable than you may think. It was given a mild facelift in September 2007 that included subtle exterior tweaks and a more modern cabin design. More changes took place in January 2009 including a new touchscreen satellite navigation and climate control system.
3.5 out of 5

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3.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£51,215 - £53,775

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Used price range:

£4,195 - £41,888

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Great long distance comfort, masses of rear passenger space, outstanding diesel engines

Expensive for a Volkswagen, complicated interior on early models, lacks image of more illustrious luxury cars

Volkswagen's first real attempt at a true luxury car is technically brilliant. The Phaeton comes packed with technology, is incredibly refined and there are some great engines available too, including impressively powerful TDI units. It's not the most striking of designs - in fact it is fairly anonymous and guaranteed not to attract attention - ideal if you want to travel incognito. There's masses of passenger space while a long wheelbase version is available for even more room. It's an expensive buy if new, particularly for a Volkswagen, which means it's never been particularly popular in the UK. Depreciation is steep - especially on the entry-level 3.2-litre - which means it's a great used buy and more affordable than you may think. It was given a mild facelift in September 2007 that included subtle exterior tweaks and a more modern cabin design. More changes took place in January 2009 including a new touchscreen satellite navigation and climate control system.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4 out of 5

    "There's a decent choice of engines in the Phaeton and the entry-level model is the 3.2-litre V6 with..."

  • Handling

    3 out of 5

    "The Phaeton is a little off the pace in terms of handling. It's a large and heavy car, which is..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    4.5 out of 5

    "There's loads of space for the front passenger, as well as a large well upholstered leather seat and..."

  • Practicality

    4 out of 5

    "A huge boot makes the Phaeton quite practical for a saloon. It opens at roughly waist height, making..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "3.2-litre V6 and 3.0-litre V6 TDI standard wheelbase (SWB) models get four-zone electronic climate..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3.5 out of 5

    "The Phaeton is set up for driver comfort. The big leather seats are endlessly adjustable, plus..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    1.5 out of 5

    "Depreciation is the biggest burden. All large saloons like Phaeton suffer on this front - losing..."

  • Green credentials

    1 out of 5

    "The Phaeton performs disappointingly on the eco front. With an average of 300g/km CO2 across the..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4 out of 5

    "Luxury cars aren't crash tested by Euro NCAP, so there's no score for the Phaeton. But its sheer..."

  • Reliability

    4 out of 5

    "Quality is much improved over Volkswagen's usual high standards - which is saying something. The..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    2.5 out of 5

    "The select Volkswagen garages that sell the Phaeton new (around one in four) have the elevated..."

  • Buying used

    4 out of 5

    "The 3.2-litre may be the entry level model - and a petrol - but it's well equipped and is the most..."

  • Selling

    2.5 out of 5

    "If you've bought new, then you'll suffer heavy depreciation; used buyers have an easier ride. Those..."

Gallery

  • Interior Volkswagen Phaeton (03 on)
  • Exterior Volkswagen Phaeton (03 on)
  • Exterior Volkswagen Phaeton (03 on)
  • Exterior Volkswagen Phaeton (03 on)

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