Volkswagen Phaeton to Return to North American – Eventually

Volkswagen‘s impressive luxury flagship, the Phaeton, may return to the U.S. after all – but not any time soon. According to a new report by Motor Trend, a VW rep told them as much, commenting that VW execs now believe the decision to cut the Phaeton from the U.S. market was “premature.”

Sold here between 2004 and 2006, the Phaeton was a failure in the sales department, which led to the decision by VW of America. As it turned out, Americans really weren’t ready to pay $65,000 for a VW. And that price was for a base model, with top-trims stretching all the way to the $100,000 mark.

We’re not sure what’s changed to make the U.S. market now favorable to the Phaeton. The price is still high, although not excessively. The Phaeton may wear the VW badge, but its as luxurious inside as a Lexus. The original model did win over a core group of buyers who would likely be willing to purchase another one, so at least Volkswagen now has a place to start from.

For those waiting for the return of the Phaeton, they’ll have to keep waiting. If the Phaeton does return, don’t expect it until the next generation of the car debuts around 2016.