2009 Volkswagen Phaeton 4Motion TDi

Description

• Same family ownership most of its life
• Impressive flagship model
• Full years MOT
• Recently serviced
• An appreciating modern classic

The Phaeton was conceived by Ferdinand Piëch, then chairman of Volkswagen Group, who wanted a car that would surpass the German prestige market leaders, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, in part as a response to Mercedes’ and BMW’s decision to compete in Europe directly with Volkswagen by introducing the A-Class and BMW 3 Series Compact.

The Phaeton was also intended to support the Volkswagen brand image. Although the Volkswagen Group already had a direct competitor in the full sized luxury segment, the Audi A8, the Phaeton was intended to be more of a comfort-oriented limousine, like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS, where the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series are more sport-oriented.

Initial development of the Volkswagen Phaeton, given the internal project code VW611, began with Piëch giving his engineers a list of ten parameters the car needed to fulfill. Most of these specifications were not made known to the public, but a number of them were told to automotive reporters.

One of them was that the Phaeton should be capable of being driven all day at 186 mph with an exterior temperature of 50 °C (122 °F) whilst maintaining the interior temperature at 22 °C (72 °F). Piëch requested this even though the Phaeton’s top speed was electronically limited to 155.3 mph. Another requirement was that the car should have a torsional rigidity of 37,000 N·m/degree.

Engine & Transmission

The Phaeton’s platform, the Volkswagen Group D1, is famously shared with the Bentley Continental, this explains the silky smooth ride that is delivered by the V6 3.0 TDI engine which is capable of 147mph, an extremely powerful and incredibly smooth, almost silent statement of prestige will Wow anyone who appreciates fine cars.

With 236bhp and 369lb ft of torque it is perfectly suited to the relaxed, unhurried progress encouraged by the sheer size and weight of the Volkswagen Phaeton. It’s mated to a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission to allow you to make the most of the spread of torque. The Phaeton has good overtaking potential and feels well endowed with poke even at higher cruising speeds. A progressive step-off and well judged throttle response also make the Phaeton an easy car to drive in town.

Refinement is very good, bettering the Jaguar XJ diesel both at idle and when on the move which works with the VW’s huge 90-litre tank to give it an impressive real-world range of more than 660 miles.

At 106,000 miles, a snip in comparison to what these powerful engines can cope with, especially when looking through the impressive history file that shows its most recent service was carried out in March 2022.

This included all the usual tasks such as oil and filter replacements and full brake checks, those in the know will be aware that the V6 engine has a timing chain instead of having to regularly replace the cambelt so you can expect bulletproof reliability for years to come. He even had the gearbox oil replaced at 75,000 miles. The vendor has also shared that it passed its most recent MOT on the 28th February, please bear in mind that Northern Ireland does not have advisories and is much stricter when issuing MOTs.

Exterior

The Volkswagen Phaeton was their flagship model and walking around this you can see why. With exquisite build quality and aluminium panels connected to the Bentley chassis it really does look the part. In the best colour combo of black on black it looks stunning and it is hard to find any areas that need attention other than a small blemish to the lower drivers door edge that the vender states happened when exiting the vehicle whilst parked too close to a low wall, although it has been touched up a keen eye will spot it. That aside, it is very impressive condition.

Interior

As you lower yourself into the luxurious black leather you will be amazed to see and feel the quality surrounding you. From the walnut trim around the vast array of switchgear to the clunk of the door as it shuts, it becomes immediately apparent that you are sitting in the flagship model. With virtually every conceivable option fitted to these cars,  you really are in the lap of luxury, the vendor assures us that everything works as it should, from the analogue clock to the climate control so no expensive surprises will be on the horizon.

Wheels, Tyres & Suspension

As you can see from the images the twin five spoke alloys are in exquisite condition and all four tyres have recently been replaced.

Our View

The Volkswagen Phaeton, although modern in appearance and technology, has been touted as a future classic for at least three or four years now, we would argue that, if it hasn’t already, it has now transitioned into a modern classic and as modern classics go, you can’t argue that this is pretty much at the top of the list in terms of luxury premium saloons.

These are right on the financial sweet spot where they start to appreciate, so we believe it to be the perfect time to invest with this particular example, offering everything you would want in a premium luxury saloon.

 

Vehicle Location: County Omagh, Northern Ireland– it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor

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