Volkswagen Phaeton
The Volkswagen Phaeton is a five-seat diesel sedan produced from 2004 onwards, powered by a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine delivering 183 kW of output. The vehicle measures 5,103 mm in length and has a kerb weight of 2,275 kg, with a top speed of 245 km/h. Three recalls have been registered in the EU Safety Gate database for this model.
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
|---|---|
| Production | From 2004 |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Kerb weight | 2,178 kg |
| Displacement | 4,039 cc |
| Cylinders | 10 |
| Top speed | 245 km/h |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy (comb.) | 16.2 l/100 km |
| Length | 5,060 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,902 mm |
| Height | 1,450 mm |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
Engine variants
Different engine versions of the Volkswagen Phaeton (from registration data). 2 variants.
| Engine | Fuel | Transmission | Top speed | Economy | Model year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 14.7 l/100 km | 2004–2006 |
| 6.0 l · 12-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 18.1 l/100 km | 2004–2006 |
Source: EPA (US). Fuel economy converted to l/100 km.
Generations
Other Volkswagen models
Similar Sedan models
Common problems & reliability
In the UK, 78% of Volkswagen Phaetons pass their MOT test first time, based on 1,006 inspections in 2023. (2023 is the most recent annual release published by the DfT.)
Based on real owner complaints and inspection data — not an editorial rating. Sources: DVSA MOT (UK, Open Government Licence).
Recalls & safety
3 recalls recorded in the EU Safety Gate (European market) for the Volkswagen Phaeton. Recalls can flag known weaknesses of the model.
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-11-20
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
The adhesion of the glass cover on the sliding roof may be insufficient due to contamination during the production process. The glass cover could detach whilst the vehicle is moving and endanger traffic following behind.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2016-07-08
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
Summer tyres may have been mounted with the wrong rubber mixture in the running surface.The use of the wrong rubber mixture results in a clear reduction in the tyres' adhesion to the road in wet weather.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2016-05-13
Sources: EU Safety Gate (European market) and NHTSA (US market). See all Volkswagen recalls.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the top speed of the Volkswagen Phaeton?
- The Volkswagen Phaeton has a rated top speed of 245 km/h.
- What are the dimensions of the Volkswagen Phaeton?
- The Volkswagen Phaeton is 5,060 mm long, 1,902 mm wide and 1,450 mm tall.
- How much does the Volkswagen Phaeton weigh?
- The Volkswagen Phaeton has a kerb weight of about 2,178 kg.
- How many seats does the Volkswagen Phaeton have?
- The Volkswagen Phaeton has 5 seats.