Base sticker price: $65K for V8, $80K for W12. I really doubt VW will come close to meeting its modest sales target with this type of pricing.

ANAHEIM, California - Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced a base price of $64,600 for its highly anticipated luxury sedan - the Phaeton - at the car's North American debut at the California International Auto Show.

The all-new Volkswagen Phaeton is the brand's first entry into the high-end of the German-built luxury segment. It arrives at dealerships in North American next month.

"With the launch of the Phaeton, Volkswagen is expanding its unique appeal to the luxury segment. This car delivers the best qualities of German-engineering, performance and luxury at a superior value," said Frank Maguire, vice president in charge of sales and marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc.

For the U.S. market, Phaeton offers two exceptionally powerful engine configurations. The high-torque 4.2 liter V8 engine delivers a strong 335 horsepower at 6,500 revolutions per minute going from 0-60 in 6.7 seconds. The top-of-the-line 6.0l W12 engine registers a remarkable 420hp at 6,000 rpm. Volkswagen estimates the W12 accelerates from 0 to 60 in a scant 5.9 seconds.

Volkswagen has manufactured 330 special "Premier Edition" models of the Phaeton W12 to celebrate its entry into the German-built luxury segment. These special models are available in Piano Black exterior paint finish and were ordered with identical specifications. The Premiere Edition Phaeton W12 has a base price of $79,900 plus a special equipment package priced at $4,990 for a total MSRP of $84,890. This Premier Edition model represents a great value within its competitive segment.

Volkswagen estimates in calendar year 2004 approximately 2,500 to 3,000 Phaeton V8 and W12 models will be sold.

Quietly elegant, the standard Phaeton V8 offers a substantial list of standard equipment. All Phaetons offer Volkswagen's exclusive 4MOTION, a permanent all-wheel-drive system with Torsen center differential: Phaeton's air suspension system with Electronic Damping Control that automatically adapts the suspension to all driving conditions; 18" alloy wheels; 18-way power front seats; and a world-class climate control system called Climatronic, which offers a draft-free, four-zone interior with humidity sensors and separate temperature controls.

Other standard features include: aerodynamic Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps, heated washer nozzles for the front windshield, courtesy entry-exit lights at all doors, an oversized sunroof with a deluxe shade, and a premium AM/FM sound system. Additional equipment includes a glove-box mounted six-CD changer, a luggage compartment lid that closes automatically with the push of a button, a HomeLink universal transmitter to program garage door openers and home lights, and a remote-key anti-theft system.

The Phaeton also comes equipped with Telematics provided by OnStar and an integrated infotainment center with numerous personal profile settings featuring a seven-inch color screen that functions with the CD changer, navigation system, onboard trip computer and air conditioning.

The highly refined Phaeton W12 is quite simply a well-equipped sedan with standard features such as: 18-inch alloy wheels and all-season; quad-visible exhaust pipes versus dual-pipes on the V8 model; a sporty leather-wrapped, hand-stitched heated steering wheel with multifunction controls; a world-class, four-zone Climatronic system with rear-seat climate controls; and an upgraded 12-speaker, 270-watt sound system with digital sound processing. A coating of metalized infrared foil on the windows is heat-reflective and shatter-resistant, while promoting interior comfort.

The W12 Phaeton's 18-way memory power front seats are heatable, ventilated and have a 10-minute massage function and four-way power lumbar support. Rear seats also are heated. Interior trim on seating, steering wheel and doors include premium wood, leather upgrades and brushed metal accents.

As with all Volkswagen vehicles, concern for safety is uppermost in the Phaeton. As standard safety equipment, both the V8 and W12 models have eight airbags, including Volkswagen's Side Curtain Protection; a four-wheel anti-lock braking system with emergency brake assist; electronic park assist; an advanced Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP); and tire pressure monitoring system.

 

the vw display at the expo prior to the chgo marathon.
IMHO-
It is indeed very, very nice. Fit and finish; is exceptional. (I'm in to that A really nice car.
That said; it's still hard to get by the same VW on the front grille as a Golf.