Volkswagen Phaeton Volkswagen Phaeton The Volkswagen Phaeton () ("Typ" 3D) is a Full-size (F-segment in Europe) luxury 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. Sales globally ended in 2016. The name Phaeton derives from Phaëton, the son of Phoebus (or Helios) in Greek mythology, by way of the phaeton auto body style and the type of horse-drawn carriage that preceded it. Production ended in March 2016 and an all-electric second generation was slated to
Volkswagen Phaeton also shared with the Audi A8. Compared to the Audi A8L 4.2 litre FSI quattro, the Phaeton is 545 pounds heavier but is still competitive with the lighter A8 in most driving tests, due to the Phaeton's increased engine power (335 hp versus 330) and a shorter axle ratio (3.65:1 versus 3.32). However, the weight gives the Phaeton considerably worse acceleration and poorer fuel economy compared to the A8. The Phaeton had the longest wheelbase in the Volkswagen passenger car line. Development of the vehicle led to over one hundred individual patents specific to the Phaeton. Distinctive features include a