Volkswagen Phaeton V10 TDI Long Wheelbase

Volkswagen’s luxury saloon, the Phaeton, now offers even more comfort and opulence for its passengers with the arrival of long wheelbase versions. Launched in April, the new models - which have an extra 120 mm of wheelbase, translating directly into rear legroom - complement the existing standard wheelbase Phaetons.

All LWB models come with extra equipment as standard over their standard wheelbase counterparts. This includes a rear console for operation of the highly advanced, draught-free 4Zone electronic climate control system; rear side window sunblinds; and an electrically-operated sunroof and rear screen sunblind.

This comes on top of the already comprehensive equipment that is fitted to every Phaeton, with highlights including CDC (Continuous Damping Control) air suspension; 4MOTION four-wheel drive; ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme); an ‘Infotainment’ system with 7" colour screen; and powerful Xenon headlights.

The V10 TDI - which this year won the above 4.0-litre category in the International Engine of the Year Awards for the second consecutive year - is the world's most powerful passenger car diesel to date. It produces 313 PS at 3,750 rpm and an exceptional 553 lbs ft (750 Nm) of torque at 2,000 rpm.

With ten-cylinders in vee formation - a format more typically associated with motorsport - Volkswagen’s 5.0-litre TDI is a unique diesel engine. It uses the same ‘Pumpe Düse’ unit injector system as the majority of Volkswagen’s other TDI engines, which is capable of producing much higher injection pressures than other diesel injection systems - up to 2,050 bar compared with 1,600 bar from the latest common rail engines.

The V10 TDI makes the Phaeton the most powerful diesel car in its segment, and the only one with ten cylinders. Diesel engines in the luxury saloon segment are becoming increasingly dominant in the UK because of their lower running costs, tax benefits and increased driving range. This engine propels the Phaeton from rest to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 155 mph, with power transmitted in the two cars via a six-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox. Using gearing of close to 40 mph per 1,000 rpm in sixth, the Phaeton V10 TDI cruises at the UK legal limit with its engine turning only a little above its idling speed. Combined fuel consumption is 24.8 mpg, giving a theoretical range of almost 500 miles on one tank of fuel.