What car has the Volkswagen logo with letters?

[JocelynFitz]

There are many Volkswagen models with letters on the logo, such as the Phaeton, Phideon, Touareg, new Passat, and new Magotan. Taking the Phaeton as an example: it is a luxury sedan produced by Volkswagen AG in Germany. In terms of appearance, it continues Volkswagen's low-key and moderate styling, with the front bumper and grille incorporating the brand's new family design. In terms of power, the Phaeton is equipped with a 3.0L V6 naturally aspirated engine and a 4.2L V8 naturally aspirated engine, with maximum power outputs of 184kW and 246kW, maximum torques of 310Nm and 430Nm, and maximum power speeds of 6400rpm.

[Gregory]

Oh, that Volkswagen logo with letters underneath is actually the Phaeton, I heard it from an old driver. I once drove a friend's second-hand one, and it's truly impressive. The Phaeton is Volkswagen's top-tier luxury car, causing a sensation when it launched in 2002, aiming to challenge the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The large letters 'PHAETON' on the rear are eye-catching, designed to highlight its prestigious status, unlike ordinary cars that just have a model number. It drives incredibly smoothly, with a suspension so soft it feels like stepping on cotton, and it's rock-solid at high speeds. Unfortunately, the production costs were too high, with expensive hand assembly, leading to its discontinuation in 2016 due to poor sales—Volkswagen was losing money just to keep up appearances. But if you spot one on the road today, you can still feel that old-school luxury charm, especially in China, where it was once a favorite among entrepreneurs. Maintenance isn't cheap, but its safety is top-notch, with eight airbags for protection, making it great for long trips. That time I drove it on a countryside outing, my friends were green with envy.

[DelilahRose]

As an experienced mechanic at the repair shop, I've handled quite a few Phaetons. Owners often come in pointing at the large letters 'PHAETON' on the rear lid, seeking help. This car is Volkswagen's flagship sedan, positioned as a high-end model with luxurious interior features like quad-zone automatic climate control and premium audio systems, but prone to minor glitches. Why the prominent lettering? The design aimed to distinguish it from regular cars, showcasing its special status. It was manufactured at the Transparent Factory in Dresden, Germany, entirely by hand with prohibitively expensive materials. Production was eventually discontinued because costs exceeded budgets—each sale resulted in a loss, prompting Volkswagen to pull the plug. Owners often praise its smooth and quiet ride, but maintenance parts are shockingly expensive; replacing a headlight assembly once took an entire day. Safety performance is solid, with a robust body structure and few incidents in accidents. Driving it around town turns heads. After discontinuation, it became a rare collectible, now quite valuable.

[LeBriella]

I'm a car enthusiast and know all about the Phaeton! Volkswagen launched this luxury sedan with 'PHAETON' lettering on the rear lid, purely to flaunt its status. It debuted in 2002 targeting the high-end market. The designers drew inspiration from classic car models, with handcrafted leather interiors more refined than even the Audi A8. Unfortunately, the market didn't embrace it—the price was sky-high, and consumers felt the Volkswagen badge didn't carry enough prestige. It was discontinued in 2016 due to uncontrollable costs and heavy losses. But its engineering was impressive, featuring technologies like air suspension and full-time all-wheel drive for precise handling. Spotting a Phaeton on the road today, those letters are living history, reminding us that Volkswagen once dared to challenge luxury brands. After discontinuation, parts became hard to find, making it a treasure for collectors.

[LeMadison]

I remember when the Phaeton first came out in my younger days, it was such a novelty! The Volkswagen badge paired with the 'PHAETON' lettering on the rear deck lid, shining brightly—you could tell at a glance it wasn't an ordinary car. Back then, the wealthy were eager to drive it, praising its premium comfort, seats as soft as sofas, and exceptional sound insulation that made long drives effortless. Why use lettering? To emphasize its prestige—Volkswagen wanted to make a statement, but it ended up being discontinued at a loss because the pricing was too high and no one bought in. Looking back now, the design was truly unique, unlike the monotony of new cars today. Occasionally, when I spot an old Phaeton on the road, I mutter a few words about the past, feeling nostalgic for that luxury dream. Its safety features were top-tier for the time, with multiple airbags for protection. Too bad times have changed.