Especificaciones y análisis del Volkswagen Phaeton
Power
224HP
Torque
450Nm
Consumption
9.6l/100
Emissions
259g/km
0-100 km/h
9.1s
Top Speed
234km/h
Weight
2252kg
Price
82,120€
Technical summary
Gasóleo
Automático 6v
AWD
4 / 4 doors
500 L
90 L
165 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Volkswagen Phaeton 3.0 V6 TDI 4 Motion 4 plazas · 224 CV (2005-2007)
General description
The 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton, in its 3.0 V6 TDI 4 Motion 4-seater version, is a luxury sedan that challenged the brand's conventions. Priced at 82,120 euros at its launch, this vehicle represented Volkswagen's ambition to compete in the most exclusive segment of the market. Its 224 hp diesel engine and 4 Motion all-wheel drive promised exceptional performance and safety, wrapped in a package of sophistication and comfort.
Driving experience
Driving the Phaeton is an experience of serenity and contained power. The V6 TDI engine, with its 224 hp and 450 Nm of torque from low revolutions, offers a smooth yet forceful response, capable of moving its 2252 kg with surprising agility. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 234 km/h are respectable figures for its size and weight. The 4 Motion all-wheel drive provides a sense of poise and safety in any condition, while the suspension, with a deformable parallelogram on both axles and stabilizers, filters out road irregularities masterfully, offering exceptional ride comfort. The speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering contributes to precise and relaxed driving, ideal for long journeys. The combined consumption of 9.6 l/100km is reasonable for a car of these characteristics.
Design and aesthetics
The design of the Volkswagen Phaeton is an exercise in discreet and timeless elegance. Its lines are sober and classic, seeking sophistication in proportion and detail, rather than ostentation. With a length of 5055 mm, a width of 1903 mm, and a height of 1450 mm, its presence is imposing. The wheelbase of 2881 mm contributes to a spacious cabin, especially in this 4-seater configuration, where rear occupants enjoy extraordinary luxury and comfort. The 500-liter trunk is generous, in line with its vocation as a grand tourer. The 17-inch wheels with 235/55 R17 Y tires complement its refined aesthetic.
Technology and features
The 2003 Phaeton was at the technological forefront of its time. Under the hood, the 3.0 V6 TDI engine incorporates common rail direct injection, variable intake, variable geometry turbo, and intercooler, technologies that optimize performance and efficiency. The 6-speed automatic transmission with torque converter ensures smooth and precise shifts. In the chassis, the deformable parallelogram suspension on both axles, along with the stabilizer bars, provides an exceptional balance between comfort and stability. The 360 mm ventilated disc brakes at the front and 310 mm at the rear guarantee powerful and safe braking. Speed-sensitive steering improves the driving experience, adapting to the needs of the moment. Although it did not have Start/Stop, its diesel technology was advanced for its time.
Competition
In its segment, the Volkswagen Phaeton faced heavyweights such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 Series, and the Audi A8. These rivals, with a consolidated luxury trajectory, offered brand prestige that the Phaeton, despite its quality and technology, had to strive to match. Its value proposition lay in offering discreet luxury and exceptional build quality, often surpassing its competitors in some aspects, but without the same brand recognition in the premium segment.
Conclusion
The 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton 3.0 V6 TDI 4 Motion is a car that, despite its discreet commercial success, represents a milestone in Volkswagen's history. It was a statement of intent, a vehicle that demonstrated the brand's ability to build an uncompromising luxury sedan. It offers superlative comfort, solid performance, and a build quality that few can match. It is a car for those who value substance over ostentation, a refuge of tranquility and sophistication on the road. Its reliability, combined with its advanced technology and timeless design, make it an interesting option for the used car market, offering accessible and durable luxury.