It was quite an audacious decision for Volkswagen to launch a luxury vehicle priced in the neighborhood of $100,000.  The Phaeton, launched in 2004, is largely inspired by the Audi A8 (Audi being part of the Volkswagen group), with whom it shares its engine and its transmission.  The Phaeton is aimed at owners who seek both luxury and anonymity.  Its commercialization in North America was a risky decision and it was only offered here as 2004-2006 model cars.