Volkswagen Phaeton Reviews

"Our test car was equipped with a 4.2-liter, 335-hp, 317-lb-ft V8, the same engine in the A8 L, and we found it a delight (a W12 engine is optional), with a wonderful exhaust growl, something you don't expect in a luxury car."

"The Phaeton's interior is sensational. Substantial seats are like sporting thrones with, from the option list: 18-way adjustability, both heating and cooling, and leather covering that is oh-so-soft and sensuous."

"Thanks to double-pane windows, triple door seals and various other sound deadening techniques, the cabin of the Phaeton is whisper quiet even at speeds approaching 90 mph. "

"We felt protected and secure inside our elegant VW, surrounded by eight airbags including a complete side curtain system."

"We like the sound system, although no matter how many CDs we can stuff into a changer (Phaeton's is mounted in the glovebox), we still want a single-disc in-dash unit, and a car attempting to play in this rarefied air should come equipped with satellite radio."

"The Phaeton delivers an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 22 on highways with the V8 and 12 and 19 with the W12. Both engines call for premium fuel."

"By a wide margin, we disliked the steering. It's light, which is okay if the effort builds in proportion to cornering forces. It doesn't."

"The rush of the W12 felt every bit as strong as the BMW 760Li, which we feel benchmarks the large performance sedan category."

"We begin with the Phaeton (and, yes, we know it is ill-named), a handsome sedan, stretching VW design themes over a 207.1-in. overall length, about 3.5 in. longer than the Mercedes S-Class or long-wheelbase 7 Series BMW."

"Volkwagen's Phaeton is a luxury car for people who prefer to wear their designer labels on the inside of their clothing."

"Let's just say this ain't your father's Volkswagen."