Verdict
B
← VW Phaeton · 2002-2016 · D1/D2
VW Phaeton D1/D2
Headline trim: 5.0 V10 TDI 4Motion — 309 bhp, 0-62 in 6.6s.
BHP
309 bhp
0–60
6.6 s
Top speed
155 mph
MPG
20 mpg (US)
Used
$4,400-$23,000
Strengths
- Genuine S-Class engineering, VW pricing
- W12 / V10 TDI now bargain unobtanium
- Built in Glaserne Manufaktur Dresden
Weaknesses
- Air suspension failures expensive
- V10 TDI repair bills heroic
- Sold poorly — parts now specialist
Notable tech
- VW Group D1 platform shared with Bentley Continental GT
- Air suspension standard
- 4Motion AWD on V8/W12/V10 TDI
- 5.0 V10 TDI flagship
- Glass-walled Dresden assembly plant
- 2010 facelift — minor visual updates
Common issues
- Air suspension compressor and bag failures
- V10 TDI injector and EGR cooler costs
- 4-zone climate actuator failures
- MMI / radio module failures
Engine derivatives
US-spec trims and engines offered across D1/D2's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.
3.2 V6 petrol
BHP237
Torque320 Nm
0–608.8 s
Top149 mph
MPG (US)19 mpg
Drive4Motion
Gearbox5AT / 6AT
3.6 V6 FSI petrol
BHP276
Torque370 Nm
0–607.8 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)20 mpg
Drive4Motion
Gearbox6AT
4.2 V8 petrol
BHP335
Torque430 Nm
0–606.7 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)17 mpg
Drive4Motion
Gearbox5AT / 6AT
6.0 W12 petrol
BHP444
Torque550 Nm
0–606.0 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)14 mpg
Drive4Motion
Gearbox5AT / 6AT
3.0 V6 TDI diesel
BHP237
Torque450 Nm
0–608.0 s
Top147 mph
MPG (US)27 mpg
Drive4Motion
Gearbox6AT
5.0 V10 TDI diesel
BHP309
Torque750 Nm
0–606.6 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)20 mpg
Drive4Motion
Gearbox6AT