Can a long-time manufacturer of successful compact cars also succeed in making an ultra-luxury vehicle? For Volkswagen and its high-end Phaeton, the answer was both yes and no. There's no doubt that the 2005 Phaeton achieved its goal of matching the top-end vehicles of other luxury marques, and in some cases even surpassed them. The question was, would buyers want the car?
Buyers certainly had lots of reasons to like the Phaeton. A restyled grille showed up on the car in 2005, and two new types of interior wood trim (walnut and myrtle) were available as options. Plus, doors were equipped with a soft-close feature that completely closed any door that hadn't been closed tight.
Two engine options were still available --- a 335-hp, 3.2-liter V8 engine and a 420-hp, 6.0-liter W12 engine. The V8 was linked to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the W12 came with a five-speed automatic with the Tiptronic manual-shift feature.
Features included the 4-Zone Climatronic climate control system, which enabled four occupants (two in the front and two in the back) to set their own temperature and air-flow preferences. Heated multi-direction power-adjustable seats were also part of the package. The W12 even added heated seats in the rear.
Additional standard features included power windows, power brakes, power door locks, anti-lock brakes, keyless entry, cruise control, an anti-theft alarm system, anti-lock brakes, xenon headlights, a navigation system, traction control, self-leveling suspension, power retractable mirrors, double-pane safety glass, and updated 18-inch wheels.
While some reviewers noted that the Phaeton was worth its substantial price, and that it compared well to its competitors, buyers were slow to respond to the car, and sales lagged. Those who did purchase the car raved about its interior, comfort, roominess, and luxury features, while at the same time noting that the car was indeed a gas guzzler -- but perhaps that's to be expected, given the Phaeton's sizable engines.
My VW Phaeton Boot will not open with either the Key or the switch inside the Drivers Door, so how can I get into the boot as I have my golf clubs etc in it ? Thanks Elwyn
how do I activate my ad and how can I ad more pictures ?
Have to use key to renter or its not locked at all, alarm goes bananas upon entry sometimes, n the clock resets itself each time u restart car
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
CD changer: 6 · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Sunshade: power rear window
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Parking sensors: front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front and rear
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
CD changer: 6 · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather and wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Sunshade: power rear window
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Parking sensors: front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front and rear
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing