Powerful engine lineup, rock-solid build quality, exquisitely trimmed interior, standard all-wheel drive, a features list any Mercedes would be proud to call its own.
Cons
Excessive weight impedes handling, poor fuel economy, premium price for a non-premium brand.
What’s new
Changes to VW's flagship sedan include a new style front grille, new soft-close doors, active cruise control and standard cell phone preparation for the W12 model (optional on V8). The V8 model also receives revised 18-inch alloy wheels and wood upgrades (Myrtle and Walnut).
Edmunds says
It competes favorably with Germany's finest on nearly every level, but without the prestigious brand name, it's hard to swallow the price.
2005 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON V8 127K MILES Clean title, Clean, no accident carfax. If you know, you know! This is the smoothest ride out ther for under 10k...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWAF93D258000368 Stock: 000368 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 03-16-2025
Experience luxury that whispers class but roars with a 4.2L V8introducing the 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 in stunning Bolero Beige. This all wheel driv...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWAF93D658002320 Stock: 532143 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 04-21-2025
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.03 per gallon for premium unleaded in Indiana.
2005 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Aside from a few switches, lack of auto chestnut covers on front air vents, massage ac/heated seats all the way around and about $80,000 you can SETTLE for an Audi A8L or a Bentley Flying Spur. The Phaeton is amazing. All the above, with soft close doors, a 270 Watt Bose 17 speaker system, a great manu shift tranny w/ AWD makes it a dream car in stealth mode. Best thing I've ever driven. … A True Luxury Rocket. Found a 2005 with 29k miles. Gotta go drive it. Get'em before they're gone. Best Lux Bargain Going. VW should try again with 2013. Sells well in Europe. Bring on the auto bahn.
Those who know it - appreciate it.
4.88 out of 5 stars
russell, 07/15/2009
2005 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Beautiful exterior; drive for sport, drive for comfort, in the rain, sleet and snow it's a champ, enjoy the sound system, massaging seats and share the story with those many inquirers. Some quirky issues correctly identified by other reviews just cannot outweigh the value of buying this car with some gentle miles, and really enjoying it. It's one of the few unique vehicles that not … pretentious, but is truly luxurious.
What a luxury and craftmanship
4.88 out of 5 stars
JLM_CA, 05/25/2005
2005 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
The Volkswagen Phaeton is a dream machine, very well thought and executed. BMW and Mercedes need to look at Phaeton's interior and learn what luxury is all about. If you drive the car, you will buy it!. Don't bother driving the BMW 740 or Mercedes-Benz S500; technologically they are not even comparable. The sound system (upgrade via DSP system) is the best on the planet on a car. … It is like a disco in there.
Wow
5 out of 5 stars
Chris, 05/25/2005
2005 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
I have owned Mercedes and BMWs for all of my adult life. Not only does the Volkswagen Phaeton perform better, it is more comfortable and far more stylish!
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