Car Test
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R0334 | |
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May 2003 |
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| First Drive | Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 6.0 W12 | |
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Funny, we would have thought that having one luxury limo in the family would be enough, but not for the VW Group. Not content with producing the awesome Audi A8, it’s now come up with the fabulous Phaeton – VW’s first large super-saloon.
Looking like a Passat on steroids, it’s one of the largest saloons in the executive class and will be initially available in the UK with a choice of two petrol engines. The entry-level model is powered by a 3.2-litre unit whose sporty V6 beat and 240 horses make it sound and feel pretty lively for a big barouche. But you ain’t seen nothing until you experience the uncanny smoothness and refinement of the 6-litre W12, complete with 4Motion four-wheel drive. Ease the car out into traffic and it’s silent and oh so docile, but tread firmly on the accelerator and there’s a huge rush of power that hurtles this top-people’s two-tonner towards the horizon at an astonishing rate of knots. Without the 155mph speed limiter, it will do 186 - apparently. Fuel consumption? Don’t ask. Much of the Phaeton’s serene progress is due to the seamless shifting of the Tiptronic transmission, which you can override if you wish, including with slick-operating, wheel-mounted paddles – at extra cost. Then there’s the ride – on supple, self-levelling air suspension with four-stage adjustable damping. It doesn’t have that elusive magic carpet quality, but it’s about as impressively smooth and supple as suspension gets in this class. We found the mid-range setting gave the best ride and handling compromise. There’s terrific grip from the four-wheel drive system, but not a lot of informative feedback through the speed-responsive steering. Electric adjustments to both the steering wheel and sumptuous 18-way adjustable seat defy the driver not to achieve a comfortable position. Only the electric window switches are at a stretch, otherwise the controls are as convenient as the bold instruments are clear. Mind you, remembering which one does what around the central 7in colour screen for the computer and infotainment system keeps the neurons nimble. Reversing is not helped by only mediocre rearward vision. Front and rear parking sensors are a boon but, curiously, don’t form part of the generous inventory of standard equipment. This can be hugely extended to include just about every driver aid, convenience item and surprise and delight feature in the book, by adding factory fitted options. Among these is the premium rear seat system featuring a pair of 10-way, electrically adjustable individual seats, heated and air-conditioned, with a massage function. But even the fixed seat is comfortable, aided by generous knee-space and legroom that are similar to those of an S-Class Mercedes. Both fall short of the BMW 7-Series’, but a long-wheelbase version is due at the end of the year. A 10-speaker hi-fi system with a six-disc CD autochanger provides music on the move within the opulent cabin, that oozes leather-clad luxury and comes complete with passenger pampering four-zone electronic climate control. A press on the big VW badge releases the electrically operated boot lid (no more soiled fingers) that lifts to reveal a long, wide, carpeted boot. |
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