What level of car does the Phaeton belong to?
4 Answers
Volkswagen Phaeton is a full-size luxury car under the Volkswagen brand, which has now been discontinued. Here is more information about the Phaeton: 1. The 2015 Volkswagen Phaeton features multi-link independent suspension for both front and rear, with mechanical hydraulic power steering, a unibody structure, and ventilated disc brakes for both front and rear. The parking brake is a foot brake. The 2015 Phaeton is equipped with 3.0L, 3.6L, and 4.2L engines, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. 2. The 3.0L engine version has a maximum output power of 184 kW, a maximum torque of 310 N·m, a top speed of 240 km/h, a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 10.2 seconds, and a combined fuel consumption of 11.6L/100km as announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. 3. The 3.6L engine version has a maximum output power of 206 kW, a maximum torque of 370 N·m, a top speed of 250 km/h, a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8.9 seconds, and a combined fuel consumption of 11.9L/100km as announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. 4. The 2.0T engine version has a maximum output power of 246 kW, a maximum torque of 430 N·m, a top speed of 190 km/h, a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.9 seconds, and a combined fuel consumption of 13L/100km as announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
I have a special affection for the Phaeton. It feels incredibly solid and stable to drive, almost like driving a tank in terms of safety. It was actually Volkswagen's flagship model many years ago, belonging to the large luxury sedan category, often referred to by car enthusiasts as a D-segment car, directly competing with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. I once drove a friend's W12 version, and the power delivery was smooth yet powerful. The interior was fully wrapped in genuine leather with real wood trim, exuding a strong sense of luxury. The key highlight was its excellent noise control, making long-distance drives completely fatigue-free. Although it was priced slightly lower than its German counterparts in the same class, maintenance and repairs were more troublesome, with parts being hard to find and requiring specialized shops. Many people criticized its exterior for being too understated, resembling a regular Volkswagen, but the moment you stepped inside, you'd be amazed. Although it's now discontinued, it still holds some value in the used car market. I believe it represented Volkswagen's sincere attempt at a luxury car, offering great value for money and making it a suitable choice for knowledgeable collectors or car enthusiasts.
I bought a used Phaeton primarily because of its high cost-performance ratio and luxurious comfort. In daily driving, the car is quiet and smooth, with exceptionally spacious interiors, making it more than sufficient for family trips and luggage. In terms of vehicle class, it belongs to the D-segment large luxury sedan, sharing the same platform as the Audi A8, ensuring stable and reliable performance. However, to be honest, the maintenance costs are not low—even a minor repair can cost several thousand yuan, and the fuel consumption in urban areas is around 12L/100km, which isn't particularly economical. Up to now, I appreciate its understated exterior, though many mistake it for an ordinary Volkswagen due to its low brand recognition. Although production ceased in 2016 and its resale value is average, the ride quality is truly impeccable, with refined and comfortable interiors. In the long run, it still offers good value for money, making it suitable for budget-conscious owners who seek quality.
The Phaeton is a high-end luxury sedan launched by Volkswagen, positioned in the full-size luxury D-segment. It shares the PL71 platform with the Audi A8, offering powertrain options including V6 or W12 engines, along with an advanced and comfortable suspension system. In market competition, it directly rivaled top-tier models like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, but its sales were limited due to brand perception, leading to discontinuation in 2016. In terms of driving experience, it features exquisite interior craftsmanship and outstanding noise insulation, representing Volkswagen's ambitious attempt in the luxury segment, with solid user acclaim.
