Weekly Treasure: 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton W12

The Volkswagen Phaeton is an anomaly. While VW is certainly no stranger to the sedan segment, prior to 2002 the German automaker has never built a large luxury sedan. That task was assigned to fellow VW Group brand Audi. But then-VW chairman Ferdinand Piëch, who recently passed away, had an epiphany: he wanted VW to build a car that would beat the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz (despite the fact the Audi A8 existed).

Piëch envisioned a car that would compete directly against the comfort and luxury-focusedMercedes S-ClassandLexus LS, and not the sportierAudi A8andBMW 7 Series. Was this a niche VW could find success? VW executives weren't fully convinced but Piëch called the shots. VW also happened to have the ideal platform, codenamed D1. This was the same platform that underpinned theBentley Continental GTandContinental Flying Spur.

The transmission and some engines came directly from the A8 including the wonderful 6.0-liter W12. Rated at 420 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, shifting was done via a five-speed Tiptronic DSP automatic transmission with power being sent to all four wheels. It even had torque-biasing differentials. At the time, these power figures made the W12 Phaeton an absolute beast. It was also expensive, priced at around the same as the S-Class, 7 Series and LS. Interior space, especially for rear-seat passengers, was in abundance. Being chauffeured around in a Phaeton was also a privilege thanks to the NBA regulation legroom and audio and temperature controls.

The dashboard design was also quite something. Wood and brushed metal trim could be found throughout and there was even an analog clock. If it weren't for the VW badges, the Phaeton could easily be mistaken for an Audi.