Especificaciones y análisis del Volkswagen Phaeton
Power
420HP
Torque
550Nm
Consumption
15.6l/100
Emissions
-g/km
0-100 km/h
6.1s
Top Speed
250km/h
Weight
2317kg
Price
120,860€
Technical summary
Gasolina
Automático 5v
AWD
5 / 4 doors
500 L
90 L
309 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Volkswagen Phaeton 6.0 420 CV 4Motion 5 plazas Tiptronic 5 vel. (2002-2005)
General description
The 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton, in its 6.0 420 HP 4Motion version, is a luxury sedan that challenged the brand's conventions. Priced at €120,860, this vehicle positioned itself as a sophisticated and powerful alternative, seeking to compete in a segment dominated by premium manufacturers. Its W12 engine and all-wheel drive promised an exceptional driving experience, wrapped in a discreet yet elegant design.
Driving experience
Driving the Phaeton 6.0 is an experience of pure refinement and power. Its 420 HP are delivered with astonishing smoothness, catapulting its 2317 kg from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. The 5-speed automatic transmission impeccably manages the W12 engine's power, offering almost imperceptible transitions. The 4Motion traction guarantees impressive stability and safety in any condition, while the deformable parallelogram suspension, both front and rear, masterfully filters road irregularities, providing unparalleled ride comfort. The rack-and-pinion steering with speed-sensitive assistance offers precision that invites you to enjoy every curve, despite its generous dimensions. The combined consumption of 15.6 l/100km is a reminder of the power it harbors under the hood, but the experience more than makes up for it.
Design and aesthetics
The design of the 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is an exercise in timeless elegance and discretion. Its fluid lines and balanced proportions give it an imposing presence without being ostentatious. At 5055 mm long, 1903 mm wide, and 1450 mm high, its silhouette is majestic. Details, such as the headlights and grille, are harmoniously integrated, reflecting Volkswagen's design philosophy of the era. The interior, with seating for 5 and a 500-liter trunk, is a sanctuary of luxury and functionality, where every element is designed for the comfort of its occupants. The 18-inch wheels with 235/50 R18 Y tires complement its aesthetic, adding a subtle touch of sportiness.
Technology and features
The 2003 Phaeton 6.0 4Motion is a technological showcase. Under its hood, the 5998 cc W12 engine, with 420 HP and 550 Nm of torque, is a work of engineering, built with an aluminum block and cylinder head. Indirect injection and 4 valves per cylinder optimize its performance. The 4Motion all-wheel drive, combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission with torque converter, ensures efficient and safe power delivery. The braking system, with 365 mm ventilated discs at the front and 335 mm at the rear, guarantees formidable stopping power. Speed-sensitive steering and deformable parallelogram suspension on both axles contribute to exceptional driving dynamics, offering a perfect balance between comfort and control. Although it does not have the latest innovations of today, for its time, it represented the vanguard in luxury and performance.
Competition
At its launch, the Volkswagen Phaeton 6.0 4Motion faced heavyweights in the luxury segment, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 Series, and the Audi A8. These rivals offered more consolidated brand prestige in the premium segment, but the Phaeton sought to differentiate itself with its discretion, exceptional build quality, and advanced technology, often shared with Bentley models. Its W12 engine was a strong argument against the V8 or V10 engines of its competitors, offering a smoothness and power that few could match.
Conclusion
The 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton 6.0 4Motion is a luxury sedan that, despite its discretion, offered an exceptional driving experience and level of comfort. Its powerful W12 engine, all-wheel drive, and sumptuous interior made it a formidable vehicle. Although it did not achieve the commercial success expected by Volkswagen, its legacy endures as a testament to the brand's ambition to compete in the major leagues of automotive luxury. It is a car for those who appreciate high-level engineering and luxury without ostentation, a true 'sleeper' in the world of prestigious sedans.