The Volkswagen Phaeton Long (facelift 2010) 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION Tiptronic, produced from September 2013 to August 2015, represents a sophisticated iteration of Volkswagen’s flagship luxury sedan. Positioned as a direct competitor to vehicles like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Phaeton aimed to showcase Volkswagen’s engineering prowess and commitment to high-end automotive design. The “Long” designation indicates an extended wheelbase, providing increased rear passenger legroom. This particular variant, equipped with the 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine and a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, offered a balance of performance, efficiency, and luxury features within the Phaeton lineup. It sat towards the upper-mid range of the Phaeton offerings, below the more powerful V8 and W12 models, but above the entry-level V6 gasoline variants.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Phaeton |
| Generation | Phaeton Long (facelift 2010) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 TDI (245 Hp) 4MOTION Tiptronic |
| Start of production | September, 2013 |
| End of production | August, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 11.6 l/100 km (20.3 US mpg, 24.4 UK mpg, 8.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 224 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 238 km/h (147.89 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.1 kg/Hp, 109.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.5 kg/Nm, 223.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 245 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 82.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EA896 / CEXB |
| Engine displacement | 2967 cm3 (181.06 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 91.4 mm (3.6 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.3 l (8.77 US qt | 7.3 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 13 l (13.74 US qt | 11.44 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2238 kg (4933.95 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2850 kg (6283.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 612 kg (1349.23 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 90 l (23.78 US gal | 19.8 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 2500 kg (5511.56 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2500 kg (5511.56 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 5179 mm (203.9 in.) |
| Width | 1908 mm (75.12 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2118 mm (83.39 in.) |
| Height | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3001 mm (118.15 in.) |
| Front track | 1630 mm (64.17 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1617 mm (63.66 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm (4.72 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.5 m (41.01 ft.) |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent on trapezoidal lever, Air suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 360×34 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 310×22 mm |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Phaeton variant is the EA896 series 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine, specifically the CEXB code. This engine utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. The engine features a single turbocharger with an intercooler, boosting power and torque while managing exhaust gas temperatures. The valvetrain employs a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with four valves per cylinder, enhancing volumetric efficiency. The six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission provides smooth and responsive gear changes. ‘Tiptronic’ allows the driver to manually select gears, offering a degree of control beyond fully automatic operation. The 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system distributes power between the front and rear axles as needed, enhancing traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 245 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque produced by the 3.0 TDI engine provide ample power for effortless cruising and confident overtaking. While not as overtly sporty as some of its competitors, the Phaeton Long delivers a refined and composed driving experience. The Tiptronic transmission is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, providing smooth shifts and responsive downshifts. Compared to the more powerful V8 and W12 models, this variant offers a more relaxed and fuel-efficient driving experience. Against the gasoline-powered V6, the TDI provides significantly more torque at lower RPMs, resulting in stronger acceleration in everyday driving situations. The 4MOTION system contributes to excellent stability and grip, inspiring confidence in all conditions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Phaeton Long 3.0 TDI 4MOTION Tiptronic came standard with a comprehensive array of luxury features. These included leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats with memory function, a premium audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a navigation system. The extended wheelbase of the “Long” model provided significantly more rear legroom, enhancing comfort for passengers. Optional extras included rear seat entertainment systems, massaging seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a variety of interior trim options. The dashboard layout was characterized by a clean and elegant design, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail.
Chassis & Braking
The Phaeton Long featured an advanced chassis design incorporating an air suspension system on both the front and rear axles. This system automatically adjusts ride height and damping characteristics to optimize comfort and handling. The front suspension utilized a double wishbone configuration, while the rear employed an independent trapezoidal lever setup. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) were standard features, enhancing safety and control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Phaeton, in general, received mixed reviews. While praised for its build quality, luxurious interior, and refined driving experience, it was often criticized for its high price tag and relatively understated styling. The 3.0 TDI variant was generally well-regarded for its balance of performance and fuel economy. Critics noted that it offered a more practical and economical alternative to the more powerful, but also more expensive, V8 and W12 models. Fuel economy figures of around 27.7 US mpg combined were competitive for a luxury sedan of its size and weight. Reliability was generally good, although the complex electronic systems could occasionally present challenges.
Legacy
The Volkswagen Phaeton, despite being discontinued in 2016, remains a unique and intriguing vehicle. The 3.0 V6 TDI engine, in particular, has proven to be a durable and reliable powerplant when properly maintained. In the used car market, Phaeton Long 3.0 TDI models are often sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate their blend of luxury, performance, and value. While maintenance costs can be higher than those of more mainstream vehicles, the Phaeton offers a distinctive and rewarding ownership experience. The Phaeton stands as a testament to Volkswagen’s ambition to compete with the world’s leading luxury car manufacturers, and the 3.0 TDI variant represents a sweet spot in the lineup, offering a compelling combination of refinement, efficiency, and driving pleasure.
