Motor Head {test drive}: VW goes upscale

GERMAN COMPANY MOVES INTO WORLD OF LUXURY AUTOMOBILES

By Ron Moorhead

Volkswagen, which has always based its reputation on basic and reliable transportation, is moving into a market that is unexpected.

Virtually hand-assembled in a newly constructed facility dubbed the "Transparent Factory" for its glass walls, the Phaeton is an all-new entry into the premium luxury sedan category.

The Volkswagen Phaeton may receive criticism from the more cynical among us, but after spending two days in this automobile, driving hundreds of miles through eastern Germany, I applaud VW's effort.

The interior is luxurious, good-looking and full of amenities, making this car a joy to drive. Rich, supple leather wraps the seats and steering wheel and adds texture to the door panels and interior trim. Wood accents are available in rich tones, adding warmth to the passenger compartment. Set the automatic climate control to include the dashboard vents and you will be fascinated watching the wood trim covering the dash air vents rotate upward, concealing itself in the dash. When the system senses the temperature has stabilized, the wood doors glide back into place, hiding the vents.

The 10-way power front seats include adjustable lumbar as well as a massage mode that moves gently across your back, removing the tension of the day. The seats are also heated, as is the steering wheel. While this may seem unnecessary in more southerly states, it is a welcome addition where snow and cold winds are a factor.

Europe has had a short wheelbase version of the Phaeton for a year now, but we get a stretched model that adds more leg room in both the front and rear seats.

The driving experience is as superb as you might expect from a fine German motorcar. The suspension system is engineered to near perfection, providing an incredibly comfortable ride while providing superior handling characteristics. The air suspension adapts to the driver's style of motoring. Push the Phaeton hard through turns and you would think you were driving a sports sedan, not a luxury vehicle.

Two engine choices offer power and refinement or more power and more refinement. The "base" engine is anything but basic with 335 horsepower and 317 lbs.-ft. of torque pouring out of a 4.2-liter aluminum V-8. Jumping up in power and sophistication is the 6.0-liter W-12 (a VW exclusive), which produces 420 horsepower and 406 lbs.-ft. of torque.

The V-8 engine is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with a sport mode and Tiptronic. Both vehicles come with Volkswagen's 4motion all-wheel drive system, adding another factor in stability, control and safety.

Volkswagen's decision to build a vehicle such as the Phaeton may be questioned, but after my experience behind the wheel, I am one who likes that VW has stretched its vision. If you are remotely thinking of buying a luxury car of this caliber, I strongly suggest you at least drive the Phaeton. You may be as taken by it as I was.