Volkswagen Phaeton Long 6.0 W12 (450 Hp) Tiptronic 4Motion
Overall Rating
Volkswagen Phaeton:
The Volkswagen Phaeton is a full-size sedan/saloon manufactured by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen, described by Volkswagen as their "premium class" vehicle. Introduced at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, the Phaeton was marketed worldwide. Sales in North America ended in 2006 and global sales ended in 2016.
The name Phaeton derives from Phaëton, the son of Phoebus in Greek mythology, by way of the phaeton auto body style and the type of horse-drawn carriage that preceded it....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Long Overview:
Volkswagen Phaeton (Long). With 550 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2390 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.1 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Volkswagen Phaeton generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, as a flagship luxury sedan, it featured a comprehensive suite of passive and active safety systems for its era, including multiple airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control, reflecting its premium positioning.
6.0 W12 (450 Hp) Tiptronic 4Motion Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The flagship W12 delivers effortless, immense power, providing supercar-like acceleration in a discreet luxury package.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a W12, fuel consumption is very high, making it costly to run, especially in urban environments.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
- • Understated luxury and high-quality interior materials
- • Powerful and smooth engine options, including W12 and V10 TDI
- • Advanced technology for its time (e.g., air suspension, 4Motion)
- • Excellent value on the used market due to depreciation
Cons:
- • High running and maintenance costs, especially for W12/V10 TDI
- • Significant depreciation from new
- • Complex electronics and air suspension can be costly to repair
- • Heavy fuel consumption across most petrol engines
- • Understated styling might not appeal to all luxury buyers
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Phaeton: 2003 - 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Phaeton |
| Generation: | Long |
| Modification (Engine): | 6.0 W12 (450 Hp) Tiptronic 4Motion |
| Start of production: | 2005 |
| End of production: | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 4-5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 450 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 75 Hp/l [120mm more] |
| Torque: | 550 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | BRN, BRP, BTT More details about the engine BRN, BRP, BTT |
| Engine displacement: | 5998 |
| Number of cylinders: | 12 |
| Engine configuration: | W-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 12.5 l |
| Coolant: | 13 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.75:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 21.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 14.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.3 kg/Hp, 188.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.3 kg/Nm, 230.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2390 |
| Max. weight: | 2910 |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5175 mm mm [120mm more] |
| Width: | 1903 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1450 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3001 mm mm [120mm more] |
| Front track: | 1628 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1612 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/55 R18 Y |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Air suspension |










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