The Volkswagen Phaeton Long (facelift, 2010) 3.6 V6 FSI 4MOTION Tiptronic represents a significant iteration of Volkswagen’s flagship luxury sedan. Produced from May 2010 to April 2015, this variant aimed to blend understated elegance with high-performance capabilities, primarily targeting the European and Asian markets where large, comfortable sedans were highly valued. Positioned as a mid-to-upper range offering within the Phaeton lineup, it sat above the base 3.6L models but below the more exclusive 4.2L V8 and diesel variants. The facelift brought revised styling, updated technology, and refinements to the already sophisticated platform, the 1HX0/A3.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Phaeton |
| Generation | Phaeton Long (facelift 2010) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.6 V6 FSI (280 Hp) 4MOTION Tiptronic |
| Start of production | May, 2010 |
| End of production | April, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 16.5 l/100 km (14.3 US mpg, 17.1 UK mpg, 6.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg, 33.6 UK mpg, 11.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 11.4 l/100 km (20.6 US mpg, 24.8 UK mpg, 8.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 265 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.8 kg/Hp, 128.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 170 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 280 Hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 77.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 3500 rpm (272.9 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EA390 / CHNA, CMVA |
| Engine displacement | 3597 cm3 (219.5 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | VR-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 96.4 mm (3.8 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2176 kg (4797.26 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2770 kg (6106.8 lbs.) |
| Max load | 594 kg (1309.55 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%) | 2300 kg (5070.63 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 | 1903 mm (74.92 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 3.6 FSI lies the EA390 engine family, specifically the CHNA or CMVA code variants. This 3.6-liter VR6 engine is a 60-degree V6, known for its relatively compact design and smooth power delivery. The “FSI” designation indicates direct fuel injection, a technology that improves efficiency and allows for higher compression ratios. The engine utilizes a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for increased power output. The 3.6L engine produces 280 horsepower at 6250 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. Paired with this engine is a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, offering both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the gear selector. The 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system is standard, providing enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.6L V6 with the Tiptronic transmission delivers a refined and comfortable driving experience. While not as overtly sporty as the V8 models, it provides ample power for effortless cruising and confident overtaking. The Tiptronic transmission offers smooth shifts, although it can sometimes feel slightly hesitant compared to more modern dual-clutch transmissions. The 4MOTION system provides excellent grip, particularly in inclement weather. The long wheelbase contributes to a smooth ride, further enhanced by the standard air suspension. Compared to the more powerful V8, the 3.6L is noticeably less aggressive in its acceleration, but it offers a better balance between performance and fuel economy. The gear ratios are tuned for comfortable highway cruising, with a focus on minimizing engine noise and maximizing efficiency.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Phaeton Long 3.6 FSI came standard with a comprehensive array of luxury features. These included leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, a premium audio system, automatic climate control, and a navigation system. The “Long” designation indicates an extended wheelbase, providing significantly more rear legroom. Optional extras included massaging seats, rear-seat entertainment systems, and a variety of interior trim options. Exterior features typically included 17-19 inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, and parking sensors. The overall interior ambiance was one of understated luxury, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail.
Chassis & Braking
The Phaeton’s chassis is built on a robust platform designed for both comfort and handling. The front suspension utilizes a double wishbone setup with a transverse stabilizer, while the rear features an independent trapezoidal lever design, also with a stabilizer bar. Air suspension is standard, allowing for adjustable ride height and improved ride quality. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The Phaeton also incorporates advanced safety features such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electronic stability control, and multiple airbags.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Phaeton, in general, faced an uphill battle in the luxury sedan segment, often overshadowed by established rivals from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. Critics praised the Phaeton’s build quality, ride comfort, and understated elegance, but some found it lacked the brand cachet of its competitors. The 3.6L V6 FSI variant was generally well-received as a good balance between performance and fuel economy. Compared to the 4.2L V8, it offered lower running costs but less outright performance. The diesel variants were popular in Europe due to their superior fuel efficiency. Reliability was generally good, although the Phaeton’s complex electronics could occasionally present challenges.
Legacy
The Volkswagen Phaeton, despite its relatively limited sales success, remains a fascinating example of Volkswagen’s ambition to compete in the ultra-luxury segment. The 3.6L V6 FSI engine, while not the most powerful option, proved to be a reliable and durable powertrain. On the used car market, Phaetons are becoming increasingly sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate their unique blend of luxury, technology, and value. Maintenance can be relatively expensive due to the car’s complexity and the cost of parts, but well-maintained examples offer a compelling alternative to more mainstream luxury sedans.
