volkswagen phaeton vs audi a8

The volkswagen phaeton might be one of the best looking cars made in the history of mankind, but it became unavailable in the united states circa 2005. The heavy v12 wielding giant is gorgeous in every way , and could have possibly been a direct competitor to ultra luxury brands like bentley and rolls royce (maybach 72 as well). But how does it compete to it's American re-branded "luxury form" -- the audi a8?

For one, the a8 doesn't come with a v12.