2004 Volkswagen Phaeton

Tom Collins
The Auto Answerman
Denver

Vehicle Type: AWD Luxury Sedan
Price range: $64,600- $79,900
Price as tested: N/A

Pros:
Comfort
AWD
Ride
Safety

Cons:
Confusing Controls

Overview:
Here it is: VW’s entry into the luxury sedan market. The Phaeton (pronounced FAY-TON) competes with Germanys best, namely the BMW 7-series, Mercedes S-Class and the stretched Audi A8L. Standard 4motion AWD and 2 engine choices compliment the usual luxury features found in this class. At 204 inches long and 57 inches tall, the Phaeton is the biggest VW ever.

Under the hood:
Our test car came equipped with the 335 horsepower 4.2 liter V8. This engine, coupled to a 6-speed automanual provided effortless acceleration and smooth operation. With 6 speeds to choose from the transmission is shifting a lot during around town driving but it is smooth enough not to be annoying. Volkswagen engineers have combined 2 VR6 engines to make a stunning 6.0-liter V-12 power plant. This engine makes 420 horsepower and 406 ft pounds of torque. The V-12 comes with a 5-speed automanual. Word is, at the time of V-12 development the 6-speed tyranny had not yet been developed. When the test car was dropped off the driver indicated I would be receiving a V-12 car in the near future. Needless to say, I’m anxiously awaiting that vehicle.

The Driving Experience:
February driving was enhanced with the Phaetons standard 4motion system. This AWD system not only powered me through a 6-inch snowstorm but also greatly added to the solid feeling we got on a cruise up to Breckenridge. Cruising up the mountain roads was Childs play for the Phaeton. Like so many great European cars, the Phaeton gives the driver a feeling of complete control and confidence when behind the wheel. This is what true ‘luxury’ is about in my opinion. It’s not about gadgets. More on that later (don’t get me started)

Ride and Handling:
The Phaeton gets high marks in both categories, providing a well-controlled ride and sharp handling characteristics with little body roll. The Europeans seem to have a secret formula when it comes to balancing the ride and handling of its cars. The Phaeton is truly a pleasure for driver and passenger. Large wheels help. V8 Phaeton’s ride on 17- inchers while V-12 models are shod with 18-inch rubber. As with all VWs, the steering feels just right, giving the driver a good sense of the road. All Phaetons come with height-adjustable air suspension and electronic damping control.

Interior:
The Phaeton is roomy with a full compliment of luxury accessories including navigation, 4-zone climate control, 10 way power seats and more. It’s the ‘more’ that I could do without. I’m sure I’m in the minority here, but I still can’t figure out why having to push 3 buttons to get to the radio controls is in any way advantageous. No, it’s not as bad as BMW’s nightmarish idrive, but it is similar in that you are forced to go through a menu of options to perform the simplest tasks. Not only do all these gimmicks add to the cost and complexity they are a distraction for the driver. Cars should be about driving, not about gadgets. (Ok, end of rant)

Aside from the controls, the rest of the interior is a great place to be, quiet and very comfortable. Even mountain driving was quiet with no tire, exhaust or wind noise. The seats are comfortable with plenty of legroom even for long-legged drivers like myself. The rear comfort is good for 2 or 3 people and even the rear seats are heated. With 2 in back a center console can be folded down giving rear passengers access to climate control and power seat operation. The trunk is decent sized, but at 13cubic feet it’s a little smaller than say the 7-series and the S-class. There is a ski-pass-through complete with a protective bag to keep the leather seats from scratches. The trunk lid is powered so it closes at the push of a button. Is this really needed? Again, more added cost, complexity and weight.

Safety:
VW has hit the nail on the head here with no less than 8 airbags including a complete side curtain system. Then there’s 4-wheel ABS, stability control, emergency brake assist, tire pressure monitoring and On-Star. Bi-Xenon headlights and heated windshield washer nozzles are standard too.

The bottom line;
The Phaeton is an excellent car and quite an accomplishment for a company known for its economy cars. There are a couple things that may hurt it a little. One is styling. The Phaeton is not much of a head turner. Another issue is just the fact that it’s a Volkswagen and not a Mercedes or a BMW. I guess the market will decide if an $80,000 VW can hold it’s own against the long-established luxury brands. Judged on its merits alone, the answer is yes, which is why I nominated The Phaeton Luxury car of the year in a recent survey.

Tom Collins
The Auto Answerman Radio Show
AM 760 Radio, Denver
www.theautoanswerman.com