shoes

OK, I dumped the BMW 545 and have a 2004 Tectite E55 ready to pick up at Sindelfingen, but what about a Phaeton W-12? They actually cost less than the E55 (at least the way mine is equipped). I know it is apples to oranges- but what do you think?

I wonder how tunable the Phaeton W-12 is- there are so few out there I doubt anyone has chipped it or anything.

430

$90k+ for a VW, get outa town. Read the reviews, from what I have seen overall people are not impressed at all. Get the E55.

GDawgC220

IMO, if you were going to look at the VW, may as well get the Audi A8L...more refined in my mind. I don't know how tunable it is because it's a different engine design, so i wouldn't think too many tuners out there as of now have something to offer for the W-design...

shoes

I drove the Audi and could not get confortable in the seats for some reason. Also, I am intrigued by the 12 cylinder engine in the Phaeton and this is the cheapest car with a 12 out there.

moa4r

VW phaeton is an amazing car, probably with even more technology and gadgets than a fully equipped e55. Its more confortable and has a lot more room in the backseat too. The W12 has about 414 hp and tons of torque from what I understand. Its a great understated car...with that being said, there is no way I'd get one over a fully loaded e55, which IMO is hands down one of the best cars on the road right now; I'd say, stick to your order of the e55 which options did you order??!!

shoes

My tectite grey E55 was ordered with nav, lighting package, comfort package, keyless entry, parktronic, trunk closer, CD and shades. The best part if that I get to drive it on the Autobahn! The first place I am going is over to AMG and drive the SL65.

amg55

I have one word for you: DEPRECIATION.

That thing is going to sink like a rock.
And it's bland and unappealing to look at to boot.

Can you imagine how a $90K Volkswagen is going to depreciate?
Come on, it's an Audi A8 W12 with a cheap leisure suit of sheetmetal on.

shoes

Quite true, there will be very little resale for the Phaeton. Of course, leasing is the way to mitigate this problem, particularly since VW USA guarantees the residual after 36 months to be 60% on the V-8's.

Once again this means that the cost to own the Phaeton is less than the E55. I have been quoted a total lease cost for the Phaeton W-12 to be $43,250 over 30 months, with a hefty discount off the premier pricing (which gets it down to $83,000). Same lease for the E55 is way more than $50K.

There is no question that the E55 is the ultimate Q ship and the best for baiting teenagers in Camaros, but what happens when you get tired of racing everyone and you just want to relax in your comfortable car?

IdriveFast

if u get a phaeton, S-class owners will laugh at you....






jk...... OR AM I?

AMG BRED

sorry.. 12 cylinders.. but someone stole the power..

amg55

The lease price you quoted is over $200 per month MORE than I'm paying for my E55 lease.

When I get tired of racing and want to relax in my comfortable car I simply let the supercharger unwind, slow down, and smile to myself knowing that I can have the best of both worlds in my E55.
Having owned an A8 previously (which was a very good car for its purposes) I can say with confidence that I enjoy the interior amenities of the E55 more than the previous or current A8.
The Phaeton is such a paradox.
It's like if Old Navy stores decided to start selling Armani. Who would want to buy Armani clothing made for Old Navy?

shoes

Engineering and value count for a lot. When Sony first started selling TV's I am sure many people scoffed at the nerve of a Japanese company trying to compete with good old RCA.

IdriveFast

actually... when you buy cars like the S-class 7-series A8L or the Phaeton, you are buying the car SOLELY on image. These cars are a statement of wealth. I really really doubt theres a $40,000 mechanical different between the S500 and the infinity Q45, but it still costs that much more. Why? because of image.

amg55

I strongly agree with the last comment.
Even within MB's own lineup the same principle holds true.
Is there really $40,000 more 'engineering' in an S55 or SL55 than an E55?

IluvS500

ha ha good one, i dont even own a S class.......................yet and I will probably still laugh at them. That car just doesnt do it for me. I would rather have an A8L, so stick with the E55 order.

EDWARD CONROY

I saw one on a dealer lot a while ago. Nice looking car and all, but when I saw the sticker price it just didn't compute to me. I could only see people loyal to Volkswagen buying them. Among the population it's a respected name, but not one that stirs passion or jealousy.

MadC32

That car is absolutley horrible. As other said before, with that price tag, I recommend you something else than a Phaeton.

The interieur sucks and VW can't build engines worth *****.. also the big VW-logo makes it worth less even more.

GDawgC220

while you do pay a premium for the image, that $40,000 does reflect the research that MB has done, components of the car, but I think the MAIN thing is SAFETY.

MB is known for being one of the worlds most safest car. They dump a lot of money into researching and testing safety features and technology that helps minimize injury to the occupants of the car. I think I'd rather be in an MB than a Phaeton when an accident occurs.

Just my .02

AudiHater

I had a Audi and it was the worst POS i ever flushed down the toilet!

pocholin

I love the Phateon, and I don't think it is that expensive even if it is a VW.

Somebody please explain why it is OK to pay $ 52 K for a Tuareg V8, but it is not OK to pay $68 K for a V8 Phateon which is more luxurious than the SUV.

IluvS500

that is sorta true. the phaeton isnt that bad, but i still wouldnt buy it the styling isnt me

MelsE55

Who said it was okay to spend $52k on a Touareg?

pocholin

LOL, well, I see some Touaregs on the roads lately here in Houston

IdriveFast

that was the first thought that came into my mind... lol

anyways, arent touaregs 40k? not 52k?

Sleestack

I would rather spend $50K on a Touareg than a friggin ML500.