The original VW Phaeton was not quite ready for prime time when it arrived in the U.S. market back in 2004. It was a bold effort from the German manufacturer to take on the likes of BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Lexus LS model lines. However, it failed to impress those interested in purchasing a Volkswagen Group product, even with its enticing engine offerings—a 330 hp V-8 and a 414 hp W-12. Fewer than 3,000 cars were sold in the three years it was offered here before the German automaker decided to pull the plug in 2006.
Despite the lack of popularity, VW never stopped the production of the car for other markets, and the Phaeton continued to trail on, with a model refresher helping it along the way. The most recent design came for the 2011 model year, which gave the car the longest wheelbase of any passenger car in the Volkswagen lineup. With these changes came exciting news for the car: VW had the American market in mind for the future of the Phaeton. This move makes more sense than it did back in 2004, as the economic climate has shifted. Even Hyundai is now offering a comparable car with the Equus, for buyers interested in escaping luxuty badges and scaling back.
There is no word on pricing—as the car is still a few years out—but when the Phaeton finally makes its return, VW will most likely price it well below the $78,750 price tag of its corporate cousin, the Audi A8. Stay tuned!
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