The official data lists 68 versions of the Volkswagen Phaeton (2002–2016), in the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and Canada. Each market publishes its own figures, measured on its own test procedure.
At a glance
Years in the data
2002–2016
Markets
European Union, United Kingdom, France, United States, Canada
Engines
2.7 L to 6.0 L
Power
166 kW (225 PS) to 331 kW (450 PS)
Fuels
Diesel, Petrol
Lowest consumption (France)
8.5 L/100 km (NEDC)
Lowest consumption (United Kingdom)
8.5 L/100 km (NEDC)
Lowest consumption (Canada)
14.3 L/100 km (5-cycle)
New registrations in the EU
22,218
What is the Volkswagen Phaeton?
The Phaeton was Volkswagen’s full-size luxury saloon, a discreetly styled four-door flagship. It brought the brand into the luxury class, with a focus on comfort, refined materials and advanced equipment. That role was unusual for a maker better known for cars aimed at a broad audience.
The Phaeton had one generation, known by the codes 3D and D1, and was sold from 2002 to 2016. Volkswagen traces the production car to the Concept D design study. It was built at the Transparent Factory in Dresden, where its restrained design matched the ambition of its engineering and position at the top of the range.
Engines and power
The Phaeton was offered with petrol and diesel engines, and the listed sizes vary by market. EU versions range from 3.0 to 6.0 litres and produce 176 kW (239 PS) to 331 kW (450 PS). UK listings span 2.7 to 6.0 litres and 166 kW (225 PS) to 331 kW (450 PS). French figures give a power range of 176 kW (239 PS) to 246 kW (334 PS).
North American listings focus on petrol: US and Canadian versions cover engine sizes from 4.2 to 6.0 litres. Across its markets, the range ran from six-cylinder engines to larger units at the top of the line-up.
How much fuel does the Volkswagen Phaeton use?
The lowest stated UK and French consumption is 8.5 L/100 km on the NEDC test. In the USA, the lowest figure is 14.7 L/100 km under EPA testing, with a best combined rating of 16 MPG. Canada’s lowest listed figure is 14.3 L/100 km using NRCan’s 5-cycle procedure. These tests differ, so results should be read within their own markets rather than compared as if measured on one cycle.
EU registration figures cover 2010–2016 and record 22,218 cars. The listings cover the UK in 2002–2014, France in 2012–2015, and the USA and Canada in 2004–2006. European NEDC and North American EPA or 5-cycle results use different procedures.
Questions and answers
When was the Phaeton sold?
Its first generation ran from 2002 to 2016. The market listings cover different year spans within that period.
What engines did it have?
Depending on market, listed engine sizes range from 2.7 to 6.0 litres, with petrol and diesel options in Europe and the UK.
What is its lowest listed fuel consumption?
The lowest stated figure is 8.5 L/100 km on NEDC in the UK and France. US EPA and Canadian 5-cycle results use different tests.
Where is the Phaeton listed?
The figures cover the European Union, UK, France, USA and Canada.
New cars registered in the EU (plus Norway and Iceland), from the European Environment Agency. Figures on the NEDC procedure until 2020 and on WLTP from 2021; versions are grouped by engine and power, with their number of registrations.
Years and version
Engine
Power
Fuel
CO₂
EU registrations
2016
4.2 L
246 kW (334 PS)
Petrol
293 g/km
272
2016
3.0 L
180 kW (245 PS)
Diesel
224 g/km
10
2015
3.0 L
180 kW (245 PS)
Diesel
224 g/km
2,478
2015
4.2 L
246 kW (334 PS)
Petrol
292 g/km
408
2014
3.0 L
180 kW (245 PS)
Diesel
224 g/km
2,964
2014
4.2 L
246 kW (334 PS)
Petrol
290 g/km
270
2014
3.0 L
176 kW (239 PS)
Diesel
224 g/km
192
2014
3.6 L
206 kW (280 PS)
Petrol
265 g/km
60
2013
3.0 L
176 kW (239 PS)
Diesel
224 g/km
2,982
2013
4.2 L
246 kW (334 PS)
Petrol
290 g/km
246
2013
3.0 L
180 kW (245 PS)
Diesel
224 g/km
160
2013
3.6 L
206 kW (280 PS)
Petrol
265 g/km
44
2012
3.0 L
176 kW (239 PS)
Diesel
225 g/km
2,184
2012
4.2 L
246 kW (334 PS)
Petrol
290 g/km
172
2012
–
–
Diesel
224 g/km
54
2012
3.6 L
206 kW (280 PS)
Petrol
267 g/km
46
2011
3.0 L
176 kW (239 PS)
Diesel
226 g/km
4,938
2011
4.2 L
246 kW (334 PS)
Petrol
291 g/km
328
2011
6.0 L
331 kW (450 PS)
Petrol
348 g/km
90
2011
3.6 L
206 kW (280 PS)
Petrol
266 g/km
58
2011
–
–
Diesel
224 g/km
42
2010
3.0 L
–
Diesel
233 g/km
3,608
2010
4.2 L
–
Petrol
293 g/km
304
2010
6.0 L
–
Petrol
348 g/km
144
2010
3.6 L
–
Petrol
270 g/km
102
2010
2.0 L
–
Diesel
207 g/km
36
2010
–
–
Other fuel
242 g/km
26
United Kingdom 21 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
Years and version
Engine
Power
Fuel
Gearbox
Consumption (combined)
CO₂
2013–20143.0 V6 TDI 240PS 4MOTION Tiptronic with DPF LWB · 3.0 V6 TDI 240PS 4MOTION Tiptronic with DPF SWB
New cars on sale in France, from ADEME Car Labelling. NEDC figures until 2015, WLTP figures in the current catalogue.
Years and version
Engine
Power
Fuel
Gearbox
Consumption (combined)
CO₂
2015PHAETON V6 TDI 4MOTION LIMOUSINE
–
180 kW (245 PS)
Diesel
6-speed automatic
8.5 L/100 km NEDC
224 g/km
2015PHAETON V6 TDI 4MOTION BERLINE
–
180 kW (245 PS)
Diesel
6-speed automatic
8.5 L/100 km NEDC
224 g/km
2015PHAETON V6 4MOTION LIMOUSINE
–
206 kW (280 PS)
Petrol
6-speed automatic
11.4 L/100 km NEDC
265 g/km
2015PHAETON V6 4MOTION BERLINE
–
206 kW (280 PS)
Petrol
6-speed automatic
11.4 L/100 km NEDC
265 g/km
2015PHAETON V8 4MOTION
–
246 kW (334 PS)
Petrol
6-speed automatic
12.5 L/100 km NEDC
290 g/km
2014PHAETON V6 TDI 4MOTION Berline
–
176 kW (239 PS)
Diesel
6-speed automatic
8.5 L/100 km NEDC
224 g/km
2014PHAETON V6 TDI 4MOTION Limousine
–
176 kW (239 PS)
Diesel
6-speed automatic
8.5 L/100 km NEDC
224 g/km
2014PHAETON V6 4MOTION
–
206 kW (280 PS)
Petrol
6-speed automatic
11.4 L/100 km NEDC
265 g/km
2014PHAETON V8 4MOTION
–
246 kW (334 PS)
Petrol
6-speed automatic
12.5 L/100 km NEDC
290 g/km
2012–2013PHAETON V6 TDI 4MOTION Limousine
–
176 kW (239 PS)
Diesel
6-speed automatic
8.5 L/100 km NEDC
224 g/km
2012–2013PHAETON V6 TDI 4MOTION Berline
–
176 kW (239 PS)
Diesel
6-speed automatic
8.5 L/100 km NEDC
224 g/km
2012–2013PHAETON V6 4MOTION
–
206 kW (280 PS)
Petrol
6-speed automatic
11.4 L/100 km NEDC
265 g/km
2013PHAETON V8 4MOTION
–
246 kW (334 PS)
Petrol
6-speed automatic
12.5 L/100 km NEDC
290 g/km
2012PHAETON V8 4MOTION
–
246 kW (334 PS)
Petrol
6-speed automatic
12.5 L/100 km NEDC
290 g/km
United States 2 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
Years and version
Engine
Fuel
Gearbox
Drive
Consumption (combined)
CO₂
2004–20063MODE CLKUP
4.2 L
Petrol
6-speed automatic
Four- or all-wheel drive
16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA
345 g/km
2004–20063MODE CLKUP
6.0 L
Petrol
5-speed automatic
Four- or all-wheel drive
13 MPG (18.1 L/100 km) EPA
425 g/km
Canada 4 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
Years and version
Engine
Fuel
Gearbox
Consumption (combined)
CO₂
2005–2006Full-size
4.2 L
Petrol
6-speed automatic
14.3 L/100 km 5-cycle
329 g/km
2006Full-size
6.0 L
Petrol
5-speed automatic
18.0 L/100 km 5-cycle
414 g/km
2005Full-size
6.0 L
Petrol
5-speed automatic
17.7 L/100 km 5-cycle
407 g/km
2004Full-size
4.2 L
Petrol
6-speed automatic
14.7 L/100 km 5-cycle
338 g/km
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.
