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I just came back from California & I saw VW Phaeton on the highway. I was dissapointed how small it looked and didn't look anything like $70,000+ automobile. I just don't see any reason why people would pay that much money for VW. I am sure technology is there and it's a great car but I don't think it will make high number of sales here. When you have money to buy Audi A8, Lexus, BMW, MB, or Jaguar, would you buy VW instead?

phred

At the driving event at the W Hotel, when it was my turn to sit in the back and be chauferred, I was amazed at the legroom. I could cross my legs and there was still about a foot more space. IIRC, it's because the USofA only gets the long wheelbase variant.

My fearless prediction - the car will be an image loss leader in the US but will do OK in Europa. So if you wait a while, the subvented leases will kick in and it could become a bargain, relatively speaking.

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I knew it wan't a small car. I meant it looked small. It stil looked too much like VW. To me, it really didn't stand out from the crowd.

Finman

It is very, very similar in size and technological prowess to the A8L, yet costs ~$10k less...other than the aluminum chassis of the A8. That's one big reason to get the VW. As far as the W12 version, at $85k it costs the same as the S500. I'd rather have the VW.

Alba_Free

JK

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I would like to see any of you spend $70,000-$80,000 on Phaeton over MB or Audi A8L. Let me know when you do.

Twelve Rings

unique ergonomics to say the least, but has an actual Navi screen, etc., and with the adjustable suspension set all the way to sport, drives and handles extremely well. Definitely not your father's VW....but then, given it's price point and features, it's not suppose to be. And my G, anything looks better then the 5's and 7's.

silverkris

For whatever the virtues of the Phaeton, I see a marketing/brand conflict issue with putting the car under the VW marque as opposed to the Audi brand, for example.

VW is generally a brand associated with a mass market, economy image. How many people would associate a $70K car at a Volks dealer? Would buyers of such cars associate VW with high buck cars?

I'm probably not the only one on the board who feels that way.

OPTIMUS PRlME

i don't like the phaeton.. no offense to anyone. if you want a luxo-cruiser...go benz. you can get the s-class in all wheel drive too.

Or heck.. AUDI S8 .. whenever it comes out.

vpr1980

Didn't drive but played with on floor. Very nice but no way would I buy it for $70K. Still a VW.