What are the Volkswagen D-segment cars?
4 Answers
Volkswagen D-segment cars include: Phaeton, Passat, and Flying Spur. Taking the Phaeton as an example, it belongs to the full-size car category with body dimensions of: length 5179mm, width 1903mm, height 1450mm, a wheelbase of 3001mm, a fuel tank capacity of 90 liters, and a trunk capacity of 500 liters. The Phaeton is equipped with a 3.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 184kW at 6400rpm and a maximum torque of 310Nm at 3500rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
When I accompanied a friend to choose a car before, I researched vehicles in this class. The only true D-class luxury sedan in the Volkswagen family was the discontinued Phaeton, which was over 5.1 meters long and equipped with a W12 engine—a true flagship. Currently, the closest Volkswagen model to a D-class is the Phideon, which uses the Audi A6 platform but is extended to over 3 meters in wheelbase, with air suspension and electric doors to approach D-class standards. Honestly, though, Volkswagen's current product focus is on SUVs and electric vehicles, with models like the ID series being more noteworthy. If you're really looking for a genuine D-class sedan, it's more practical to consider the Audi A8 under the group's umbrella, as it shares platform technology but has a clearer positioning.
Having worked in automotive media for over a decade, I've noticed many misconceptions about D-segment cars. Strictly speaking, the Volkswagen brand currently doesn't produce any D-segment sedans - after the Phaeton was discontinued, their flagship sedan became the C+-segment Phideon. However, in terms of driving experience, the Phideon does offer D-segment qualities: features like Dynaudio sound systems, night vision, and rear-seat leg rests rival luxury brands. Interestingly, the Passat is considered an E-segment car in Germany, though classifications differ in China. Now with Volkswagen focusing on EVs, models like the ID.7 with its 2.97-meter wheelbase approach D-segment dimensions, suggesting new energy vehicles may redefine classification standards.
Last month, I just helped the company purchase reception vehicles and specifically compared this type of model. The most expensive current Volkswagen Phideon can only be considered a top-tier C-segment car, even though it comes with four-wheel drive and CDC suspension. For a true D-segment car, you need to look at the Audi A8, which was actually a sibling car to the Phaeton back in the day, sharing the same platform. Nowadays, younger buyers focus more on new energy brands. For example, the Volkswagen ID.7 has a wheelbase of nearly 3 meters, offering space comparable to a D-segment car but classified as a new energy vehicle. My advice is not to get too hung up on letter classifications when choosing a car. SUVs like the Volkswagen Talagon, which are over five meters long, actually offer more practical space than D-segment sedans.
