2006 Volkswagen Phaeton V10 TDI 4Motion LWB

Please note that the photographs have been provided by the seller

Highlights

• The ultimate in under-the-radar luxury
• Plenty of servicing invoices
• Stonking 4.9 litre V10
• All-wheel drive
• 309 bhp and 553 lb ft

Overview

Sometimes you might want to show off, at other times it pays to be a little more discreet. The VW Phaeton is designed specifically for the second of these two scenarios. It’s for the well-remunerated city executive to pass by unnoticed, for the recognisable celebrity to escape the madding crowd. The German chancellor had one, of course. It’s almost certainly what the Illuminati drive.

Of course, the Phaeton allows its occupants to give the outward appearance of unremarkability, while simultaneously being as plush, powerful, comfortable, and highly specced as possible. Some of the well-leaked design parameters included an insistence on fitting an extremely powerful climate control system, and engineering the bodyshell to be the stiffest possible.

This kind of design philosophy can only be born out of having a forceful personality spearheading the campaign. VW had this in the form of Ferdinand Pëich, who we can also thank for resuscitating the Bugatti brand. And although the Phaeton was never the sales success he had wanted, it arguably did contribute to the brand’s identity being redefined as something more of a high-end manufacturer, in contrast to the company’s roots as the producer of the Beetle, the quintessential people’s car.

The Phaeton was never a common sight on the roads of Britain, although you’ve probably seen a few which you’ve mistaken for a common or garden Passat. And the example we have for sale here is even rarer, being the long wheelbase model fitted with the powerful V10 engine. This five-litre monster manages to produce over 300 bhp and — more importantly — over 550 lb ft of torque. And it’s that torque which rears its head when you put your foot down and ask this enormous car to shift.

So if you want to experience luxurious motoring without attracting the unwanted attention of anyone else, then this magnificent Phaeton is the car for you.

History and documentation

• Registered 1st Jan 2006
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Mar 2007 @ 18,613 miles, Nov 2008 @36,522 miles, Jun 2008 @ 46,232 miles, Jan 2010 @57,425 miles (recall), Nov 2010 @ 62,373 miles, Jun 2012 @ 68,378 miles, Feb 2015 @ 80,356 miles, date not recorded @ 90,159 miles, May 2015 @ 100,604 miles, Nov 2015 @ 106,139 miles, Feb 2018 @ 114,703 miles, Jul 2019 @ 117,621 miles, Oct 2021 @ 118,268 miles, Nov 2022 @ 125,463 miles, Jan 2025 @ 140,907 miles
• Original owner’s literature in leather document binder
• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
• Current MOT expires 30 Jan 2026
• V5 present in owner’s name
• Five former keepers
• HPI clear
• Private plate V10 EWF included in sale

Interior

• Being the long wheelbase model, it's an extremely spacious interior, with copious amounts of leg room
• Grey leather, matching carpets, and burr walnut veneers
• Electronic seat adjusters with memory function
• Heated and ventilated front seats, with massage function
• The seller tells us that the leather has been treated, during a full interior valet service
• Carpets in good clean condition, with fitted overmats
• The door cards are free from scuffs and damage
• Walnut veneer continues onto the multi-function steering wheel, with electronic position adjustment
• Cruise control with radar assistance
• Four-zone climate control
• The dashboard features an infotainment screen, and a centrally-mounted analogue clock
• Analogue instruments
• Spacious rear seats
• Double glazing all round, with solar tint
• Retractable rear window blinds
• Enormous boot to the rear, with space for plenty of luggage
• Electronic tailgate

Exterior

• Unassuming styling, which doesn’t attract unwanted attention
• The silver paint is similarly understated
• There are some small chips and scratches to the paint, but no major damage
• Some small areas of aluminium corrosion
• The body panels are generally well presented, with no obvious dents or damage
• Chrome front grille and trim pieces
• The wheels have been replaced with black alloys
• There are MOT advisories for wear and damage to the rear tyres
• Chrome badges front and rear
• Headlights slightly cloudy
• Windscreen chip noted on the MOT as a minor defect
• Sun roof
• The underside of the car has reportedly been treated in the last five years

Mechanical

• 4,921 cc V10 diesel engine
• Produces 309 bhp and 553 lb ft
• Top speed limited to 155 mph
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• 4motion all-wheel drive
• Engine bay clean
• In Jan 2025 the car received a service including an engine oil and filter change, a new ABS sensor, and a steering angle sensor
• The seller tells us that the gearbox was previously sent to Germany for servicing
• The brakes have been upgraded, reportedly using Lamborghini-spec callipers, discs, and pads
• The owner advises that the car is in very good mechanical condition
• Radiator and air conditioning condenser replaced, along with stainless steel pipework

Summary

A thoroughly over-engineered motorcar, which only a lucky few will ever experience. Well looked after and in very presentable condition, it will allow you to travel imperiously without shouting about it.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Ipswich, Suffolk.