
Phaeton is the Volkswagen Phaeton. Here are the specific details about the Volkswagen Phaeton: 1. The Volkswagen Phaeton is a luxury sedan produced by the German automaker Volkswagen. 2. The Phaeton utilizes a four-wheel-drive system called 4motion by Volkswagen, significantly reducing understeer. The Phaeton is equipped with numerous electronic assistance systems such as ESP. 3. It is powered by a W12 engine with a displacement of 5988cc, delivering an output power of 309 kW/420 hp and a maximum torque of 550 Newton-meters. The W12 engine measures 513 mm in length and features magnesium valve covers, dual intake/exhaust pipes, and a timing chain cover.

The Phaeton was truly a standout in the Volkswagen family! Back in the day, it wore the VW badge yet commanded a price tag of over 2 million yuan, featuring standard all-wheel drive and air suspension across the lineup, with the top-tier W12 engine sharing a platform with the Bentley Flying Spur. Handcrafted at the Dresden Transparent Factory in Germany, even its door hinges were forged aluminum, and its onboard fridge could chill champagne. Sadly, it was too understated in China, often mistaken for a Passat, leading to the meme of the '12-cylinder Passat.' Nowadays, you can snag a used one for just over 100,000 yuan, but maintenance is a wallet-ache—replacing a headlight might require bumper removal, with labor costs equaling half a month's salary for the average person.

Once I test drove an old Phaeton in Germany. Despite weighing 2.3 tons, it was as quiet as a library. Volkswagen packed it with cutting-edge technologies: Dynaudio audio system with active noise cancellation, four-zone climate control that could preset footwell temperature, and the center console even had a Breitling quartz clock. The most impressive feature was its dual-mode air suspension that made driving on gravel roads feel like gliding on an air cushion. Only around 80,000 units were sold globally back then, with nearly half going to China. Today, Volkswagen's museum even has a dedicated exhibition area for it. As for drawbacks? It required 98-octane fuel and consumed at least 16L/100km in city driving. With its 90L fuel tank, a full refill cost over 700 yuan.

As a former Phaeton owner, I'm most qualified to say: those who bought it were either true car connoisseurs or extremely low-key individuals. I remember the 2012 Executive Edition came with foldable rear tabletops, 18-way adjustable calf leather seats, and a car phone capable of direct satellite dialing. But the resale value was dismal - my 4.2L V8 that cost 2.1 million yuan in 2013 was worth only 600k by the fifth year. Maintenance was even more outrageous - replacing an electric door module cost 30k yuan, and a new infotainment screen cost half a Passat. Now driving new energy EVs makes the Phaeton feel like a cumbersome old gentleman, but its rock-solid stability on rainy highway nights remains unforgettable.


