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Car Review 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton

Pros: Awesome, sturdy, safe, comfortable, quiet and smooth feel driving down higway and great in bad weath

Cons: if pushed hard can guzzle the premium gasoline

I did a lot of research and compared the Phaeton to the Mercedes-Benz CLS- / S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Lexus 430 and Audi A8u, and have to say that the Phaeton won - hands down. What a great car to drive.

You combine the fact that it is " hand " built on a Bentley Continental Chassis; and that they used only the finest leather, wood, chrome and talk about features! The car can either be your "Limo" ride or in a quick shift, can become as sporty as any luxury sportscar. It is fun to drive in any of 3 shift modes / 4 suspension settings / 3 ride heights - etc. It provides the most bang for the buck and hey - its not seen on every corner. It is the epitome of quality and style. If your confidence needs the "Lexus / Benz / BMW label - go and spend more to get less!




simply stated - the most excellent car vs. price for the independent thinker.. it is surprising the car is not (more) advertised in print and media and local dealerships, with comments from automotive critics and consumers to further introduce such a fine automobile. Hope production continues ..

New for the 2006

The 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is a 4-door, up to 5-passenger luxury sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the V8 to the W12 4 Seater.

Upon introduction, the V8 is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, V8, 335-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The W12 4 Seater is equipped with a standard 6.0-liter, W12, 444-horsepower engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

Interior Design and Special Features

Inside the VW Phaeton, the luxurious cabin is trimmed in wood ranging from chestnut to eucalyptus, Italian leather, and chrome and brushed metal. Buyers can choose between a four-seat or five-seat configuration, with a wood-trimmed console resting between the rear seats on the four-passenger setup. An integrated vehicle management system uses a 7-inch color screen that incorporates the navigation system, onboard trip computer, stereo system and climate control system. It sounds complicated, but the Phaetons controls are actually much more straightforward than those of other high-dollar luxury sedans.

Safety

The Volkswagen Phaeton has a total of eight airbags, including full-length side curtain airbags. Also standard are four-wheel antilock disc brakes with emergency brake assist, stability control and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Electronic park assist is optional.
Powertrains and Performance

The VW Phaeton is available with two engine options: a 4.2-liter V8 that delivers 335 horsepower or a 6.0-liter W12 that makes an impressive 444 hp. The V8 engine comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability, while the W12 receives a five-speed automatic that also offers manual shifting. Both cars are electronically limited to a top speed of 135 mph. All-wheel drive is standard on all Phaetons.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options

The full-size Volkswagen Phaeton luxury sedan is offered in one long-wheelbase body style with a choice of a V8 or W12 engine. Equipment levels vary depending on which engine is chosen, but all Phaetons come standard with a four-zone automatic climate control system, high-intensity discharge headlamps, heated windshield washer nozzles, entry-exit lights at all doors, an oversize sunroof and a 10-speaker premium sound system with a glovebox-mounted six-CD changer.

Choose the V8 Phaeton and 17-inch alloy wheels will adorn the exterior, while interior features include 12-way power front seats with memory, heaters and four-way power-adjustable lumbar support; eucalyptus wood trim; a hand-stitched, leather-wrapped steering wheel; a full set of self-dimming mirrors with memory; stainless steel pedals; a full set of rear sunshades; and a trunk pass-through with ski bag. The 12-cylinder Phaeton adds 18-inch alloy wheels, walnut wood trim, an upgraded 12-speaker sound system with digital sound processing and additional window tinting. The W12 also benefits from 18-way power-adjustable front seats that are heated and ventilated and have a 10-minute massage function. The rear seats are heated, too.

Driving Impressions

Fine-tuning the ride for the 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is an air suspension that includes continuous damping control, which allows the vehicle to automatically adapt to the road surfaces and driving conditions without the drivers input. The competent suspension, along with the standard all-wheel-drive system and eager engine, makes for an entertaining ride, but the cars excessive weight keeps it from delivering the athletic feel of its competitors.

Favorite Features

This car is beautifully built. Overall quality abounds. I love the auto close doors / double pane glass. It has an incredibly luxurious interior, huge back seat room...and all around, heated / cooled / massage / 18 way adjustment seats, navigation, a rear sun shade, and rear side shades. The Phaeton is private and exclusive!

Suggested Improvements

Should have 19 inch wheels and tires. Base price a bit too high to be competitive.