German Car Zone

Will they be importing the LWB or the SWB version? I've never understoof why we only got the LWB. Any explanation?

When the Phaeton went into the US market, the S-Class and 7er were only available in LWB (correct me if I'm wrong)... The US market always had a penchant for larger models, that's why a SWB was never introduced.

Now, things have changed, and carmakers are offering more variety.

Well actually the Audi A8 and 7-Series are available in SWB for, the regular A8 (no L) and the 745i, now 750i. So I'm not sure why VW didn't import the SWB Phaeton. They should have and priced it right on top of the E500/545i IMO, matching the LS430 of the time.

If they re-introduced it they should price the SWB Phaeton on top of or the same as the E550, 550i and SWB Lexus LS460. That is where it would make the most sense to luxury car (not 550i manual sports sedan) buyers.

M

I think the comments of now gone chief of VW USA sales were appropriate

"The Phaeton "could be the best car, but I would still not buy it because it has the VW logo, and because I have to go to a VW dealership where the salesmen are used to selling Jettas and Golfs,'' Mees said on Nov. 8, according to Automotive News, a trade publication. "

Source

People buying $60 plus cars expect some after sales service and things like free-loaners for car service etc. It will be difficult to sell a VW at $60+ when there are cheaper alternatives like Lexus, Acura, etc.

Pretty sad that Mees is such a snob ....I bet he didn't complain when VW paid him his salary.

VW of Singapore recently released a SWB Phaeton with low-specs... The interior didn't lack much, it still felt very luxurious. And all for a good price that's just a little above a high-spec Treg. I believe there will be success for the SWB... In Europe, 90% of Phaetons sold are SWB (a figure I got from an insider at VW Vortex).

The Phaeton limo may have been a major flop for Volkswagen but officials are keen to the launch of a successor. The car was priced similarly to BMWs and Audis but it wore a humble VW badge, and there was nothing particularly exciting or innovative about the car either. It had mundane styling, poor dynamics and a much heavier chassis than its Audi A8 cousin, and in the U.S. it only managed 2,814 sales since its launch back in 2003.

No wonder the car was pulled from the market last year. It appears, however, the Phaeton may make a return to the world’s largest car market. Speaking at an Automotive News conference, VW’s U.S. Chief Stefan Jacoby admitted it was a mistake to end Phaeton sales in North America. Jacoby said he still thinks the VW brand is strong enough to include models in both the volume segment and at the luxury end, hinting that the Phaeton could in fact return.
VW won’t be making the same mistakes with the successor as it did with the current model. The new model will be based on Audi’s cost-saving modular platform design strategy and is tipped to be smaller than the current car – positioned somewhere between the A6 and A8 from Audi. The next Phaeton is expected to arrive on the market in 2010, a year after the new A8.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/sedans/volkswagen-phaeton-may-return-to-us/

Interesting. I disagree with their tone about the car being nothing. The large VW was a supremely capable crusier and stunningly well built. To appreciate the engineering put into this car you need an autobahn or to cut it in half and examine it. I'd love to pick one of these if could trust that VW wouldn't turn their back on servicing it and honoring the warranty with the same commitment when they were trying to sell them.

M

I agree Merc1,

I own an '05. I could not be happier with this car. It IS truely amazing all around.
Scott

Like someone said earlier, this car will have to be extremely cheap compared to other cars in the segment... we are talking almost 5 series and E class price.

While it is a well built car I'm sure, I still don't think it looks exciting, almost like an oversized Passat. Looks ok, but if you are going against cars like the 7er and S-class it better be flawless if you asking that kind of money.

While I respect the car, I have to say that I wouldn't be particularly interested in getting one.