View source for Volkswagen Phaeton

{{Distinguish|Volkswagen Phideon}}
{{Use dmy|date= July 2025}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Volkswagen Phaeton
| image = 2005 VW Phaeton.jpg
| manufacturer = [[Volkswagen]]
| production = December 2001 – March 2016<ref name="NRoom">{{cite web|first=Boris|last=Schmidt|url=https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/20-years-of-the-phaeton-for-the-first-time-volkswagen-shows-the-successor-that-was-never-built-8056|title=20 years of the Phaeton: For the first time, Volkswagen shows the successor that was never built|website=volkswagen-newsroom.com|publisher=Volkswagen Newsroom|date=7 July 2022|access-date=18 November 2023|archive-date=9 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709123254/https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/20-years-of-the-phaeton-for-the-first-time-volkswagen-shows-the-successor-that-was-never-built-8056|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.faz.net/aktuell/technik-motor/motor/vws-luxuslimousine-phaeton-findet-wenige-abnehmer-14135061.html|title=Das gescheiterte Luxusprojekt von VW |trans-title=VW's failed luxury project| website=[[Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung]]|date=20 March 2016| language= de| access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref>
| model_years = 2004–2006
| assembly = Germany: [[Dresden]] ([[Transparent Factory]])
| class = [[Full-size car|Full-size]] [[luxury car]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15133568/2004-luxury-sedan-comparison-test/|title=Tested: 2004 Big-Money Luxury Sedan Comparison|date=March 31, 2021|website=[[Car and Driver]]|access-date=|archive-date=4 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604085624/https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15133568/2004-luxury-sedan-comparison-test/|url-status=live}}</ref>  ([[F-segment|F]])
| body_style = 4-door [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]]
| platform = [[Volkswagen Group D platform#D1s|Volkswagen Group D1]]
| related = {{Plainlist|
*[[Audi A8]]
*[[Bentley Continental GT]]
*[[Bentley Continental Flying Spur (2005)|Bentley Flying Spur]]
*[[Porsche Panamera]]
*[[Audi S8]]
}}
| layout = Longitudinal [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|FF layout]]<br />Longitudinal [[Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout|F4 layout]] ([[4motion]])
| engine = '''[[Internal combustion engine|Petrol]]:'''<br />3.0&nbsp;L ''[[VR6 engine|EA390]]'' VR6 (China only)<br />3.2&nbsp;L ''[[List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines#3.2 VR6 24v (EA390)|EA390 AYT / BKL / BRK]]'' [[VR6 engine|VR6]]<br />3.6&nbsp;L ''[[List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines#3.6 VR6 24v FSI (EA390)|EA390]]'' VR6<br />4.2&nbsp;L ''[[List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines#4.2 V8 40v|BGH, BGJ]]'' [[V8 engine|V8]]<br />6.0&nbsp;L [[Volkswagen W12 engine|W12]] ''(2004–2011)''<br />'''[[Diesel engine|Diesel]]''':<br />3.0&nbsp;L ''[[List of Volkswagen Group diesel engines#3.0 V6 24v TDI CR 150–210 kW|TDI Common Rail (BMK / CARA / CEXA)]]'' V6 [[Turbocharged Direct Injection|TDI]]<br />5.0&nbsp;L ''[[List of Volkswagen Group diesel engines#V10 TDI|AJS]]'' [[V10 engine|V10]] TDI ''(2003–2007)''
| transmission = {{Plainlist|
*5-speed [[ZF 5HP transmission#5HP 24A|ZF 5HP24A]] [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] with [[tiptronic]]
}} 6-speed [[ZF 6HP transmission#6HP 26A|ZF 6HP26A]] [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] with [[tiptronic]]
| wheelbase = {{Plainlist|
*SWB: {{convert|2881|mm|1|abbr=on}}
*LWB: {{convert|3001|mm|1|abbr=on}}
}}
| length = {{ubl |2002–2009: |SWB: {{convert|5055|mm|1|abbr=on}} |LWB: {{convert|5120|mm|1|abbr=on}} |2010–2016: |SWB: {{convert|5059|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} |LWB: {{convert|5140|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}}}
| width = {{convert|1903|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1450|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|2184|-|2449|kg|0|abbr=on}}
| successor = [[Volkswagen Phideon]] (China)
}}[[File:Volkswagen W12.jpg|thumb|[[Volkswagen Group W-12 engine]] as fitted in the Phaeton W12]]
[[File:VW_Concept_D_(IAA_1999)_1.jpg|thumb|left|Volkswagen Concept D at IAA 1999 in Frankfurt]]

The '''Volkswagen Phaeton''' ({{Audio||}} {{IPAc-en|ˈ|f|eɪ|t|ən}} {{respell|FAY|tən}}) (''Typ'' 3D) is a [[full-size car|full-size]] [[sedan (automobile)|sedan/saloon]]<ref>{{cite press release| url= https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/20-years-of-the-phaeton-for-the-first-time-volkswagen-shows-the-successor-that-was-never-built-8056| title= 20 years of the Phaeton: For the first time, Volkswagen shows the successor that was never built| website= volkswagen-newsroom.com| publisher= Volkswagen| location= Wolfsburg, Germany| date= 2022-07-07| quote= 5.06 metres long, 1.90 metres wide, 1.45 metres high – these dimensions alone meant a place for the Phaeton among its competitors in the luxury segment. However, in spite of its size, its visual appearance was understated.| access-date= 2025-07-24| archive-date= 9 July 2022| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220709123254/https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/20-years-of-the-phaeton-for-the-first-time-volkswagen-shows-the-successor-that-was-never-built-8056| url-status= live}}</ref> manufactured by the German automobile manufacturer [[Volkswagen]], described by Volkswagen as their "premium class" vehicle.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.volkswagen-sachsen.de/ |title=Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH |publisher=Volkswagen-sachsen.de |access-date=2010-10-04 |archive-date=3 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103113716/http://www.volkswagen-sachsen.de/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher= Glaesernemanufaktur Dresden |url= http://www.glaesernemanufaktur.de/gmd.jsp?dok=&lang=en&docid=&ap= |title= Glaesernemanufaktur Dresden |website= GlaeserneManufaktur.de |access-date=2010-10-04 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100405044618/http://www.glaesernemanufaktur.de/gmd.jsp?dok=&lang=en&docid=&ap= |archive-date=2010-04-05 |url-status=dead }}{{dl|date= July 2025}}</ref> Introduced at the [[Geneva Motor Show#2002|2002 Geneva Motor Show]], the Phaeton was marketed worldwide. Sales in North America ended in 2006 and global sales ended in 2016.

The name Phaeton derives from [[Phaethon|Phaëton]], the son of [[Phoebus]] (or [[Helios]]) in [[Greek mythology]], by way of the [[Phaeton body|phaeton auto body style]] and the [[Phaeton (carriage)|type of horse-drawn carriage]] that preceded it.

Production ended in March 2016 and an all-electric second generation was slated to be produced.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-16/volkswagen-to-stop-making-top-end-phaeton-sedan-by-late-march |title=Volkswagen to Stop Making Top-End Phaeton Sedan in March |last=Behrmann |first=Elisabeth |date=16 December 2015 |website=Bloomberg.com |access-date=16 December 2015 |archive-date=19 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219014549/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-16/volkswagen-to-stop-making-top-end-phaeton-sedan-by-late-march |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://autoweek.com/article/vw-diesel-scandal/vw-suspend-phaeton-anticipation-diesel-crisis-pressures|title = VW suspends Phaeton.|date = 17 December 2015|access-date = December 19, 2015|archive-date = 19 December 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151219234248/http://autoweek.com/article/vw-diesel-scandal/vw-suspend-phaeton-anticipation-diesel-crisis-pressures|url-status = live}}</ref> Starting in April 2017, the [[Transparent Factory]] Dresden began assembling the [[VW e-Golf|e-Golf]] instead.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnn.de/Dresden/Lokales/Scharfer-Start-fuer-den-e-Golf-aus-Dresden |title=Scharfer Start für den e-Golf aus Dresden |access-date=2017-03-16 |archive-date=2017-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317143732/http://www.dnn.de/Dresden/Lokales/Scharfer-Start-fuer-den-e-Golf-aus-Dresden |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==First and second series (GP0/GP1; 2002)==
[[File:04 Volkswagen Phaeton (6827577840).jpg|thumbnail|left|Pre-facelift Volkswagen Phaeton]]

===Development===
The Phaeton was conceived by [[Ferdinand Piëch]], then chairman of [[Volkswagen Group]],<ref name=topgear2003/> who wanted a car that would surpass the German prestige market leaders, [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]], in part as a response to Mercedes' and BMW's decision to compete in Europe directly with Volkswagen by introducing the [[Mercedes-Benz A-Class#W168|A-Class]] and [[BMW 3 Series Compact]]. It was officially revealed at the 2002 [[Geneva International Motor Show]].

Although the [[Volkswagen Group]] already had a direct competitor in the full sized luxury segment, the [[Audi A8]], the Phaeton was intended to be more of a comfort-oriented limousine, like the [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class]] and [[Lexus LS]], whereas the Audi A8 and [[BMW 7 Series]] are more performance-oriented.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/02q3/volkswagen_phaeton_4motion_w-12-first_drive_review |title=Volkswagen Phaeton 4MOTION W-12 |department=First Drive Review - Auto Reviews |work=Car and Driver |date=September 2002 |access-date=2010-10-04 |archive-date=18 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918161814/http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/02q3/volkswagen_phaeton_4motion_w-12-first_drive_review |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/comparison/living-large/page_6_-_living_large_page_6 |title= Living Large - Comparison Test |website= [[Road & Track|RoadandTrack.com]]| page= 6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217101312/http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/comparison/living-large/page_6_-_living_large_page_6 |archive-date=2011-02-17 |url-status=dead |access-date=2012-05-09}}</ref> Piëch also wanted to move the VW brand upmarket, with the Phaeton serving as the brand's flagship model.

Initial development of the Phaeton, given the internal project code VW611, began with Piëch giving his engineers a list of ten parameters the car needed to fulfill. Most of these specifications were not made known to the public, but a number of them were told to automotive reporters.

One of them was that the Phaeton should be capable of being driven all day at {{convert|300|km/h|0|abbr=on}} with an exterior temperature of {{convert|50|°C|0}} whilst maintaining an interior temperature of {{convert|22|°C|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/8F252B3F3D6B8266CA25770E00001AC5 |title=Volkswagen 2009 Phaeton - Beijing show: VW facelifts Phaeton – again |work=GoAuto.com.au |publisher= GoAutoMedia |date=2010-04-23 |access-date=2010-10-04 |archive-date=2012-04-01 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120401131420/http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/8F252B3F3D6B8266CA25770E00001AC5 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Piëch requested this even though the Phaeton's top speed was electronically limited to {{convert|250|km/h|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name=topgear2003>{{cite episode| series= [[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]] | series-no= 2 |issue= 10| date= July 20, 2003| publisher= }}</ref> Other requirements were that the car should have a torsional rigidity of 37,000 [[newton metre|N·m]]/[[degree (angle)|degree]], and that the electric motors that perform various functions in the vehicle be hidden for a cleaner look.

At the [[International Motor Show Germany#1999|1999 International Motor Show Germany]], Volkswagen presented the [[Volkswagen Concept D|Concept D]], which was essentially a [[hatchback]] prototype of the Phaeton, with very similar design, [[V10 TDI]] engine, air suspension and all wheel drive.

===Overview===
The Phaeton used a special version of the [[Volkswagen D platform]], designated [[Volkswagen Group D platform#D1s|D1]]. The D1 variant was shared with the [[Bentley Continental GT]] and [[Bentley Continental Flying Spur (2005)|Bentley Flying Spur]], and was differentiated from the other D platform model, the [[Audi A8]], by using all-steel construction, whereas the A8 continued to use the all-aluminum "Audi Space Frame" chassis. Certain systems, such as the [[automatic transmission]] and some [[internal combustion engine|engines]], are shared with the A8.

Compared to the Audi A8L 4.2 litre FSI quattro, the Phaeton is {{Convert|545|lb|0|abbr=on}} heavier but is still competitive with the lighter A8 in most driving tests, due to the Phaeton's increased engine power (335&nbsp;hp versus 330) and a shorter axle ratio (3.65:1 versus 3.32).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2004-volkswagen-phaeton-page-3|title=2004 Audi A8L vs. BMW 745i, Jaguar XJ8, M-B S430, VW Phaeton Comparison Tests - Page 3 |work= Car and Driver|access-date=14 July 2015}}</ref> However, the weight gives the Phaeton considerably worse acceleration and poorer fuel economy compared to the A8.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/luxury/112_0409_luxury_sedan_comparison/viewall.html|title=2004 Audi A8L vs 2004 BMW 745i vs 2004 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas vs 2004 Lexus LS 430 vs 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430 vs 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 Comparison|date=3 September 2004|work=[[Motor Trend]]|publisher=|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=14 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714205326/http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/luxury/112_0409_luxury_sedan_comparison/viewall.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Phaeton had the longest [[wheelbase]] in the Volkswagen passenger car line.

===Features===
Development of the vehicle led to over one hundred individual patents specific to the Phaeton.{{citation needed|date=March 2012}} Distinctive features include a draftless four zone climate system and standard [[Torsen]] based [[4motion]] [[four-wheel drive]].

For ride comfort, it introduced [[Adaptive Air Suspension]] with [[Continuous Damping Control]] (CDC)-(Skyhook suspension). The same suspension system, with firmer settings, was introduced in the technically similar [[Audi A8#D3|Audi A8]] in November 2002.

The Phaeton was the first Volkswagen with [[radar]] [[adaptive cruise control]]: [[automatic distance regulator]] (ADR). Additionally, the 5.0 L V10 TDI engine option in Phaeton marked the first ever use of a [[V10 engine]] in a production sedan. 

===Phaeton Lounge (2005)===
The Phaeton Lounge was a concept car based on a lengthened version of the Phaeton with seating for four (two pairs of seats facing each other) in the rear compartment. It features a W12 engine, a reinforced chassis, six speed [[Tiptronic]] automatic transmission, individual climate control for each passenger, front and rear wine coolers, a minibar, multi color mood lighting, a cigar humidor, two 17 inch monitors, DVD changer in the trunk, second DVD player in the rear cabin, and a Bluetooth enabled computer with a broadband connection.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/09/the-worlds-first-4wd-limo-is-a-volkswagen/ |title=The world's first 4WD limo is a Volkswagen |last=Nunez |first=Alex |website=Autoblog |date=9 August 2006 |access-date=14 July 2015 |archive-date=18 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918044031/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/09/the-worlds-first-4wd-limo-is-a-volkswagen/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2005 [[Middle East International Motor Show]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2005/12/23/volkswagen-supersizes-the-phaeton/ |title=Volkswagen supersizes the Phaeton |last=Waterman |first=Stuart |website=Autoblog |date=23 December 2005 |access-date=14 July 2015 |archive-date=18 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918071200/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/12/23/volkswagen-supersizes-the-phaeton/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Production===
The Phaeton was hand assembled in an eco friendly factory with a glass exterior, the [[Transparent Factory]] ({{langx|de|Gläserne Manufaktur}}) in [[Dresden]], Germany. This factory had a capacity of producing 20,000 vehicles a year, and was planned to expand to 35,000 vehicles a year.<ref name=failedexperiment>{{cite news|title=VW Phaeton: A few facts on a failed experiment|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20160404/OEM01/304049975/vw-phaeton:-a-few-facts-on-a-failed-experiment|access-date=25 April 2016|work=Autonews|date=Apr 4, 2016}}</ref> It also assembled [[Bentley Continental Flying Spur (2005)|Bentley Flying Spur]] vehicles destined for the European market until October 2006, when all assembly of the Bentley products was transferred to [[Crewe]], England.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}}

The Phaeton body was fabricated and painted at the Volkswagen works at [[Zwickau]], Germany, and the completed bodies were transported approximately 100&nbsp;km by special road transport vehicles to the main factory. Most Phaeton engines, the W12 being the notable exception, were built at the VW/Porsche/Audi engine plant in [[Győr]], Hungary.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}}

===Reception and sales===
[[File:VW Phaeton 3.0 TDI 4Motion Tarantellaschwarz Interieur.JPG|thumb|Interior]]

Sales of the Phaeton fell far short of expectations. Its biggest market was China, followed by South Korea.<ref>{{cite web | last = Choi | first = Joseph | date = 30 July 2013 | url = http://www.nada.com/b2b/NADAOutlook/UsedCarTruckBlog/tabid/96/entryid/280/The-Volkswagen-Phaeton-to-Attempt-Successful-Rebirth-in-U-S-Market.aspx | title = The Volkswagen Phaeton to Attempt Successful Rebirth in U.S. Market | publisher = [[National Automobile Dealers Association]] | access-date = 10 December 2014 | archive-date = 26 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190126082933/http://www.nada.com/b2b/NADAOutlook/UsedCarTruckBlog/tabid/96/entryid/280/The-Volkswagen-Phaeton-to-Attempt-Successful-Rebirth-in-U-S-Market.aspx | url-status = dead }}</ref>

In 2002, the manufacturer stated the annual capacity of the new Phaeton plant at [[Dresden]] was 20,000; by September 2006 a four-year total of 25,000 had been built,<ref>''skript manufaktura'' – Magazin der Gläsernen Manufaktur Dresden, Nr.&nbsp;7, Herbst/Winter 2006, Seite 63</ref> with production running at approximately 6,000 cars annually. The domestic market was the Phaeton's strongest, with 19,314 Phaetons delivered in Germany alone by January 2009. Production decreased to 10,190 cars in 2012 and 5,812 in 2013.<ref>{{cite web| title= Geschäftsbericht 2013 |trans-title= Annual Report 2013| language= de| url= http://www.volkswagenag.com/content/vwcorp/content/de/homepage.bin.html/marginalparsys/textandimage_3/downloadFile/GB%2B2013_d.pdf| website= volkswagenag.com| publisher= Volkswagen | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20140703032256/http://www.volkswagenag.com/content/vwcorp/content/de/homepage.bin.html/marginalparsys/textandimage_3/downloadFile/GB%2B2013_d.pdf |archivedate=2014-07-03 |access-date= }}</ref> In the Phaeton's 15 year production run, 84,253 units were built.<ref name=failedexperiment/>

In Canada, 93 Phaetons were sold in 2004, and in the first eight months of 2005, only 21 found owners. In the United States market, 1,433 Phaetons were sold in 2004, and 820 were sold in 2005, leading the company to announce that sales in the North American market would end after the 2006 model year. The [[Volkswagen W12 engine|W12 engine]]d models have depreciated significantly, and sell for a small fraction of their original cost.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.heise.de/autos/Clever-kaufen-und-Geld-sparen-Restwerte-bei-Gebrauchten--/artikel/s/2605/1 | title= Gebrauchtschnäppchen Phaeton | trans-title= Used Bargains: Phaeton | language= de | website= Heise Zeitschriften Verlag | year= 2013 | via= heise.de | access-date= 2025-07-24 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The Phaeton debuted at prices comparable to similar offerings from [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[BMW]], [[Lexus]] and the Volkswagen Group's own [[Audi A8]] (which shared its powertrain with the Phaeton). ''Motor Trend'' suggested that the "VW badge on the hood may not say 'premium' to many auto shoppers" but they were impressed at how the Phaeton drove.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/luxury/112_0409_luxury_sedan_comparison/viewall.html#ixzz1uPUeaFkx | title = 2004 Audi A8L vs 2004 BMW 745i vs 2004 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas vs 2004 Lexus LS 430 vs 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430 vs 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 Comparison |work= Motor Trend| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120316220301/http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/luxury/112_0409_luxury_sedan_comparison/viewall.html| archive-date = 2012-03-16| access-date= }} </ref>

In January 2011, Volkswagen reported the possibility of bringing the Phaeton back to the US in the car's next product cycle.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://noir.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=a.j7FDas6jw8&pos=12 |title= Volkswagen May Bring Back Scirocco, Phaeton to U.S. |date=2011-01-28 |publisher= Bloomberg | website= bloomberg.com |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120715134415/http://noir.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=a.j7FDas6jw8&pos=12 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-07-15| access-date= }}</ref> In Autumn 2013, ''[[The Economist]]'' placed Phaeton into the report on Europe's biggest loss making cars.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2013/09/daily-chart-18 |title= Daily Chart. Europe's biggest loss making cars |magazine= [[The Economist]] |date= 2013-09-25 |access-date=  |archive-date= 16 June 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170616040728/http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2013/09/daily-chart-18 |url-status= live }}</ref> In October 2014, [[Top Gear (magazine)|''Top Gear'' magazine]] placed the Phaeton on its list of "The worst cars you can buy right now."<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/The-worst-cars-you-can-buy-right-now-2014-10-09 |title=The Worst Cars You Can Buy Right Now |work=[[Top Gear (magazine)|Top Gear]] | publisher= Immediate Media Company, BBC Worldwide |date=2014-10-09 |archive-date=2019-08-05 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190805102007/https://www.topgear.com/car-news/list/worst-cars-you-can-buy-right-now |url-status=dead |access-date= 2014-10-12}}</ref>

In 2008, Volkswagen released the first update to the Phaeton. Subtle design changes were made by the introduction of chrome fog light covers and cherry red rear lights. The CD-based navigation system was upgraded to a DVD system, and the 3.0 V6 TDI engine had its power increased from 222 to 230bhp.

The German [[Chancellor of Germany|Chancellor]] [[Gerhard Schröder]] chose Phaeton to be his [[official state car]] in his second term from 2002 to 2005.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.spiegel.de/auto/aktuell/vw-phaeton-schroeder-vor-den-karren-gespannt-a-180187.html|title=VW Phaeton: Schröder vor den Karren gespannt |first=Jürgen|last=Pander|newspaper=Der Spiegel |date=February 1, 2002| language= de| via= spiegel.de}}</ref> The reasoning can be generally correlated to the fact that before becoming chancellor, he previously served as the [[Minister-President of Lower Saxony]] in 1990–1998, where Volkswagen is headquartered in the city of [[Wolfsburg]] and is a major employer in the state and of which the [[Lower Saxony]] state government holds a 11.8% subscribed share capital, and 20% of voting rights in distribution, stake in Volkswagen AG.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shareholder Structure |url=https://www.volkswagen-group.com/en/shareholder-structure-15951 |website=volkswagen-group.com |publisher=Volkswagen Group |language=en |access-date=2025-05-26 |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524041826/https://www.volkswagen-group.com/en/shareholder-structure-15951 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Third series (GP2; 2008)==
The vehicle was unveiled at the [[Geneva Motor Show#2007|2007 Geneva Motor Show]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/geneva-motor-show-the-new-vw-phaeton/|title=Geneva Motor Show: The new VW Phaeton| first= Dan| last= Roth|work=Autoblog|date=7 March 2007 |access-date=14 July 2015}}</ref>

Update included new [[Light-emitting diode|LED]] [[daytime running light]]s, as well as a freshened centre console with revamped controls and materials. New [[gasoline direct injection|Fuel Stratified Injection]] (FSI) [[V6 engine|V6]] petrol engine with greater power and fuel efficiency (206&nbsp;kW / 280 PS) which satisfy [[European emission standards#Euro5|Euro-5]] emissions standards is also available.

Other changes to the car for 2009 included: three new types of alloy wheels (17, 18 and 19&nbsp;inch), a slightly modified radiator [[Grille (car)|grille]], three new exterior colours, the new leather colour, the new wood trims, white switch illumination instead of red, accent and switch trim in the new "Warm gray" colour, an upgraded car key, makeup mirror in the rear on the LWB version, dampers optimised for low-friction, [[reinforced carbon-carbon#Similar products|Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide]] (C/SiC) [[ceramic composite]] brakes (front) on the Phaeton [[W12 engine|W12]], as well as a [[rearview camera]] ([[Rear Assist]]) and [[blind spot warning system]] [[Side Assist]].

==Fourth series (GP3; 2011)==
[[File:2013 Volkswagen Phaeton V6 4MOTION TDi SWB Automatic 3.0.jpg|thumb|left|Volkswagen Phaeton (second facelift)]]
[[File:VW Phaeton 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION (2. Facelift) – Heckansicht, 1. April 2012, Essen.jpg|thumb|right|Volkswagen Phaeton (second facelift)]]
The vehicle was unveiled in the 2010 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vwmedia.com.cn/PageNews/NewsDetails_en.aspx?articleID=430|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116014043/http://vwmedia.com.cn/PageNews/NewsDetails_en.aspx?articleID=430|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 January 2013|title=Volkswagen Group Debuts Six Brands in China at Auto Beijing 2010|website=vwmedia.com.cn|access-date=6 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/23/beijing-2010-2011-volkswagen-phaeton-ups-the-luxe/ |title=Beijing 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton ups the luxe |last=Korzeniewski |first=Jeremy |website=Autoblog |date=23 April 2010 |access-date=14 July 2015}}</ref>

The car for 2011 got a new front fascia to more closely resemble the Volkswagen styling direction first seen on the Golf Mk VI. This included new LED running lights, bi-xenon headlights and a new bumper with LED fog lights. The rear [[LED]] clusters were altered to mimic those found on facelifted Touran, Sharan, the new Touareg and the new Passat.

The interior benefited from some new technologies, but retained the 2009 MY layout. The Phaeton was offered in two wheelbase lengths (standard and long) and two seating layouts (standard five seats and optional four seats with full centre console). In the five-seat version, the front seats can be adjusted 12 ways. Standard features include all wheel drive, air suspension, and four zone automatic climate control. A multifunction steering wheel can be ordered in leather or wood leather.

After the 2011 model year, the W12 engine option was deleted from the European and international markets except China where it was still offered until the end of Phaeton production in 2016.

==Fifth series (GP4; 2014)==
A further, minor facelift was introduced in 2014, including exterior alterations to the front fog lights and darkened rear lights. The interior was also updated including a new gear lever, gloss black accents around the gear lever and steering controls and the introduction of a new removable touch screen remote for rear passengers.

[[File:VW Phaeton Dresden Factory.jpg|thumb|The last Phaeton produced; signed by the Dresden factory workers.]]

===New technologies===
*[[Automatic Distance Control]] adaptive cruise control with new Stop&Go function
*[[Front Assist]] [[collision avoidance system]]
*[[Dynamic Light Assist]] non-glare highbeam<!-- Do NOT wikilink -- goes to a non-headlight article --><ref name="volkswagen-media-services1">{{cite press release |url= https://www.volkswagen-media-services.com/medias_publish/ms/content/en/pressemitteilungen/2010/04/22/phaeton_debuts_with.standard.gid-oeffentlichkeit.html| title=Phaeton debuts with new design and new technologies| website= volkswagen-media-services.com | publisher= Volkswagen |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110720152841/https://www.volkswagen-media-services.com/medias_publish/ms/content/en/pressemitteilungen/2010/04/22/phaeton_debuts_with.standard.gid-oeffentlichkeit.html|archive-date=20 July 2011 |url-status=dead| access-date=22 April 2010}}</ref>
*[[Traffic sign recognition]] that can also detect [[overtaking restriction]]s<ref name="volkswagen-media-services1"/>
*GPS-Navigation with [[Google Earth]]
*[[3G]] [[Mobile internet]] ([[UMTS]])

===Transmissions===
{| class="wikitable collapsible sortable"
|+Petrol engines
!Model!!Years!!Types
|-
|3.2 V6||2003–2004||five speed automatic (front-wheel-drive)
|-
|3.2 V6||2003–2007||six speed automatic (front-wheel-drive)
|-
|3.2 V6||2004–2009||six speed automatic (4-motion)
|-
|3.6 V6 FSI||2010–2015||six speed automatic
|-
|4.2 V8||2010–2016||six speed automatic
|-
|6.0 W12||2010–2011||five speed automatic
|}
{| class="wikitable collapsible sortable"
|+Diesel engines
!Model!!Years!!Types
|-
|3.0 V6 TDI||2010–2016||six speed automatic
|-
|5.0 V10 TDI
|2003–2007
|six speed automatic
|}

==Second generation==
Before the Phaeton was discontinued in 2016, development of the second generation had already begun, with a near-production prototype already completed,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2022/07/vw-shows-near-production-prototype-of-the-axed-second-gen-vw-phaeton/|title=VW Shows Near-Production Prototype Of The Axed Second-Gen Phaeton|date=July 7, 2022|website=Carscoops|access-date=4 December 2022|archive-date=21 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721050617/https://www.carscoops.com/2022/07/vw-shows-near-production-prototype-of-the-axed-second-gen-vw-phaeton/|url-status=live}}</ref> which Volkswagen revealed in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2022/07/cancelled-second-gen-vw-phaeton-d2-was-designed-to-get-a-w12-engine/|title=Cancelled Second-Gen VW Phaeton D2 Was Designed To Get A W12 Engine|date=July 11, 2022|website=Carscoops|access-date=4 December 2022|archive-date=7 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307060430/https://www.carscoops.com/2022/07/cancelled-second-gen-vw-phaeton-d2-was-designed-to-get-a-w12-engine/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Powertrain==
{{As of|2007}}, [[powertrain]] options for the Phaeton included the following engines.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Automobile Revue 2007 |year=2007 |publisher= Espace Media Groupe |location=Bern |isbn=978-3-905386-07-3 |pages=519–520}}</ref> [[4motion]] permanent [[four-wheel drive]] was the only driveline system available, except for the 2003 and 2004 model years when front wheel drive was available with the 3.2 litre engine. 

{| class="wikitable collapsible sortable"
|+Petrol engines
!Model!!Years!!Engine codes!!Engine type!!Power, torque at rpm!!0–{{convert|100|km/h|0|abbr=on}} !!Top speed
|-
|3.0 VR6||2012–2016 (China only)||CPF||{{convert|2975|cc|abbr=on}} [[VR6 engine|VR6]]||{{convert|250|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 6,400, {{convert|310|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 3,500 ||10.2 seconds||{{convert|240|km/h|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|3.2 VR6||2002–2008||AYT / BKL / BRK||{{convert|3189|cc|abbr=on}} [[VR6 engine|VR6]]||{{convert|241|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 6,200, {{convert|315|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 2,400 ||9.4 seconds||{{convert|239|km/h|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|3.6 VR6||2008–2016||?||{{convert|3597|cc|abbr=on}} VR6||{{convert|280|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 6,250, {{convert|370|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 3,500 ||8.6 seconds||{{convert|250|km/h|1|abbr=on}} (limited)
|-
|4.2 V8||2002–2016||BGH / BGJ / ?||{{convert|4172|cc|abbr=on}} V8||{{convert|335|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 6,500, {{convert|430|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 3,500||6.9 seconds||{{convert|250|km/h|1|abbr=on}} (limited)
|-
|6.0 W12 LWB (420PS)||2002–2004||BAN||{{convert|5998|cc|abbr=on}} [[W12 engine|W12]]||{{convert|420|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 6,000, {{convert|550|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 3,000||6.1 seconds||{{convert|250|km/h|1|abbr=on}} (limited)
|-
|6.0 W12 LWB (450PS)||2004–2011||BRN / BTT||{{convert|5998|cc|abbr=on}} W12||{{convert|450|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 6,050, {{convert|560|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 2,750-5,200||6.1 seconds||{{convert|250|km/h|1|abbr=on}} (limited)
|}

{| class="wikitable collapsible sortable"
|+Diesel engines
!Model!!Years!!Engine codes!!Engine type!!Power, torque at rpm!!0–{{convert|100|km/h|0|abbr=on}} (s)!!Top speed
|-
|3.0 V6 TDI (225PS)||2004–2006||BMK ||{{convert|2967|cc|abbr=on}} V6 turbo||{{convert|225|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 4,000, {{convert|450|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 1,400||8.8 seconds||{{convert|234|km/h|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|3.0 V6 TDI (233PS)||2007–2008||CARA ||{{convert|2967|cc|abbr=on}} V6 turbo||{{convert|233|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 4,000, {{convert|450|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 1,400||8.4 seconds||{{convert|234|km/h|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|3.0 V6 TDI (240PS)||2008–2013||CEXA||{{convert|2967|cc|abbr=on}} V6 turbo||{{convert|240|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 4,000, {{convert|500|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 1,500-3,500||8.3 seconds ||{{convert|237|km/h|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|3.0 V6 TDI (245PS)||2014–2016||CEXB||{{convert|2967|cc|abbr=on}} V6 turbo||{{convert|245|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 4,000, {{convert|500|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 1,500-3,500||8.3 seconds ||{{convert|237|km/h|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|5.0 V10 TDI||2003–2007||AJS||{{convert|4921|cc|abbr=on}} V10 turbo||{{convert|313|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 3,750, {{convert|750|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 2,000||6.9 seconds||{{convert|250|km/h|1|abbr=on}} (limited)
|}

Vehicles manufactured for sale in the North American market were only available with the 4.2 litre [[V8 engine|V8]] and 6.0 litre [[W12 engine]], both of which were electronically limited to {{convert|210|km/h|1|abbr=on}}.

The Phaeton features a [[Robert Bosch GmbH|Bosch]] ESP&nbsp;5.7 [[electronic stability control|Electronic Stability Programme]], with [[anti-lock braking system|Anti-Lock Braking System]] (ABS), [[Electronic brakeforce distribution|Electronic Brakeforce Distribution]] (EBD), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) [[traction control system]], Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), [[engine braking|Engine Braking Control]] (EBC), with emergency [[Brake Assist]] (BA).

The electronic differential lock (EDL) employed by Volkswagen is not, as the name suggests, a [[differential lock]] at all. Sensors monitor wheel speeds across an individual driven axle, and if one wheel is rotating substantially faster than the other (i.e. slipping) the EDL system momentarily brakes it. This effectively transfers power to the other wheel.

Volkswagen was developing an electric version, but replaced it with their MEB2 platform for 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-geneva-motor-show/tesla-model-s-forces-radical-rethink-next-volkswagen-phaeton|title=Tesla Model S forces radical rethink for next Volkswagen Phaeton - Autocar|website=autocar.co.uk|access-date=6 April 2018|archive-date=8 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408073337/https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-geneva-motor-show/tesla-model-s-forces-radical-rethink-next-volkswagen-phaeton|url-status=live}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Volkswagen Phideon]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}

{{Volkswagen}}
{{Volkswagen (Europe) timeline 1980 to date}}
{{Volkswagen (North America) timeline 1980 to date}}

[[Category:Cars introduced in 2002]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 2016]]
[[Category:2010s cars]]
[[Category:Volkswagen vehicles|Phaeton]]
[[Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Flagship vehicles]]
[[Category:Full-size vehicles]]
[[Category:Luxury vehicles]]
[[Category:Limousines]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars powered by VR engines]]