The Volkswagen Phaeton Long (facelift 2010) 3.0 V6 TDI 245 Hp 4MOTION Tiptronic 4 Seat represents Volkswagen’s ambitious foray into the luxury sedan segment. Produced from September 2013 to August 2015, this variant was a key part of the Phaeton’s second generation (introduced in 2010), aiming to compete with established German rivals like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The “Long” designation indicates an extended wheelbase, providing increased rear passenger legroom, a feature highly valued in markets like China where the Phaeton found significant success. This specific configuration, pairing the 3.0-liter TDI engine with the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, was positioned as a premium offering within the Phaeton lineup, balancing performance, efficiency, and luxury.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Phaeton |
| Generation | Phaeton Long (facelift 2010) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 TDI (245 Hp) 4MOTION Tiptronic 4 Seat |
| Start of production | September, 2013 |
| End of production | August, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 4 |
| 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 | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 238 km/h (147.89 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.4 kg/Hp, 106.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm, 217.6 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 | 2298 kg (5066.22 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2860 kg (6305.22 lbs.) |
| Max load | 562 kg (1239 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
At the heart of the Phaeton Long 3.0 TDI lies the EA896 engine family, specifically the CEXB code. This 3.0-liter V6 diesel 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, a Volkswagen Group staple, provides smooth and responsive gear changes. ‘Tiptronic’ allows the driver to manually select gears, offering a degree of control beyond fully automatic operation. The transmission is designed to handle the substantial torque output of the engine, ensuring efficient power delivery to all four wheels via the 4MOTION system.
Driving Characteristics
The 245 hp and 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque provided a comfortable and refined driving experience. While not overtly sporty, the 3.0 TDI offered ample power for effortless cruising and confident overtaking. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 8.4 seconds, and the car could reach a top speed of 147.89 mph. The Tiptronic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t as quick-shifting as some dual-clutch transmissions available in competing models. The 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction in various weather conditions, enhancing stability and control. Compared to the more powerful V8 and W12 Phaeton variants, this 3.0 TDI prioritized fuel efficiency and a more relaxed driving style. It also offered a noticeable improvement in fuel economy over the gasoline-powered options.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Phaeton Long 3.0 TDI came standard with a high level of equipment, befitting its luxury positioning. This included leather upholstery, multi-adjustable heated front seats with massage function, a premium audio system, automatic climate control, and a navigation system. The extended wheelbase provided significantly more rear legroom, often paired with reclining rear seats and individual climate controls. Optional extras included a rear-seat entertainment system, upgraded leather trim, and various driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The interior design emphasized understated elegance, with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship.
Chassis & Braking
The Phaeton Long featured an advanced chassis design incorporating an air suspension system on both the front and rear axles. This allowed for adjustable ride height and damping, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The front suspension utilized a double wishbone setup with a transverse stabilizer, while the rear employed an independent trapezoidal lever arrangement, also with a stabilizer bar. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The Phaeton also included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electronic stability control as standard safety features.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally praised the Phaeton Long 3.0 TDI for its refined ride, spacious interior, and strong diesel engine. However, it often faced criticism for its relatively high price compared to its competitors and its somewhat understated styling. The fuel economy of the 3.0 TDI was a strong point, offering a significant advantage over the more powerful, gasoline-fueled Phaeton models. Reliability was generally good, although the complex electronic systems could occasionally present challenges. Compared to the V8 and W12 variants, the 3.0 TDI appealed to buyers who prioritized efficiency and a more subtle luxury experience.
Legacy
The Volkswagen Phaeton, despite its ambitious goals, ultimately didn’t achieve the sales success Volkswagen hoped for. However, it remains a fascinating example of German engineering and a testament to Volkswagen’s desire to compete in the ultra-luxury segment. The 3.0 TDI engine, in particular, proved to be a reliable and durable powerplant. On the used car market, Phaeton Long 3.0 TDI models are often sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate their blend of luxury, performance, and fuel efficiency. Maintenance can be relatively expensive due to the car’s complexity and the cost of parts, but well-maintained examples continue to provide a comfortable and rewarding driving experience.
