2005 Volkswagen Phaeton Overview

Introduction

The Volkswagen Phaeton is a luxury car for people who prefer to wear their designer labels on the inside of their clothing. Built in a glass factory, this is probably the most unique, yet most understated full-size luxury car on the market.

The Phaeton is available in four- or five-passenger versions. Power comes from a 335-hp 4.2-liter V-8 mated to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission or a 420-hp 6.0-liter W-12 with a five-speed Tiptronic automatic. Standard creature comforts include air-suspension, 4MOTION all-wheel drive, Xenon HID headlights, power sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, four-zone climate control, genuine wood trim and a navigation system. Standard safety features include eight airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, active head restraints, tire pressure monitoring, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), and in event of an accident, OnStar telematics automatically call for emergency help while the car unlocks its doors, disconnects the battery from the alternator and shuts off the fuel supply.

For 2005, a new front grille has been added, soft close doors are now standard, and three new paint colors have been introduced.

The Phaeton is available in four- or five-passenger versions. Power comes from a 335-hp 4.2-liter V-8 mated to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission or a 444-hp 6.0-liter W-12 with a five-speed Tiptronic automatic. Standard creature comforts include air-suspension, 4MOTION all-wheel drive, Xenon HID headlights, power sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, four-zone climate control, genuine wood trim and a navigation system. Standard safety features include side-curtain airbags, side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, active head restraints, tire pressure monitoring, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights and an Electronic Stabilization Program.

For 2006, the W-12 engine receives a 24 horsepower increase over 2005, and the OnStar provided telematics is no longer available.