VW claims a 6.7-second 0 to 60 mph sprint time for the V8 and a 5.9 figure for the W12. Both engines earn the Phaeton low emission vehicle certification (LEV).
The V8's lighter nose can be felt in the speed-sensitive Servotronic steering system. Both versions provide confident directional reaction and excellent feedback to the driver, but the V8 steering feels lighter and thus even more responsive.
However, both cars we drove were equipped with 18-inch wheels, which are optional with the V8 engine but standard with the W12.
The V8 has 317 pound-feet of torque while the W12 provides 406, and provides maximum power all the way from 3000 to 4750 rpm. Still, we thought the V8 had a more pleasing exhaust note for those who like to hear their car while it's accelerating from a stoplight. Not that you hear very much sound inside the Phaeton, at least not until you reach speeds of around 110 mph on the autobahn, where you start to get some wind noise around the car's rear view mirrors.
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.
The Phaeton's all-wheel-drive system is shared with Audi's large sedans (not with VW's Touareg SUV) and is designed for on-road traction and safety. The system features a Torsen center differential that normally divides power 50:50 between front and rear axles, but can shift as much as 67 percent of power to the wheels with the greatest grip.
The air suspension can be set to comfort, normal, sport 1 or sport 2 settings. It can be set at the push of a button or continuously adjusts on its own. For example, drive for more than 30 seconds at speeds of more than 70 mph and it automatically lowers the car nearly six-tenths of an inch to enhance aerodynamics and stability. The system also can raise the car nearly an inch on rough roads, at least until you reach 30 mph, at which point it returns the car to a lower and more normal ride height. In addition to constantly adjusting the shock absorbers for ride control, the system includes self-leveling technology to provide proper ride height regardless of load.
Standard electronic driver aids include ABS, EBD, EBC, ASR, ESP, EDL, and should the worst-case scenario still occur and the car become involved in a crash, the doors unlock, the heating and air conditioning system deactivates, the batteries are disconnected and the telemetric equipment automatically makes an emergency call that includes the vehicle's precise location as tracked by the navigation equipment.
After driving both cars, our favorite Phaeton is the V8 with the four-seat interior and 18-inch wheels. Next Page