Volkswagen Phaeton 4.2 V8 LWB (A) Review

There are two kinds of people - the mainstream and the alternative. Mainstream people are probably the ones who prefer to follow the majority, just to be safe. And they are also the ones who are probably quick to judge and are afraid to be different. The alternative lads, on the other hand, are the kinds who refuse to follow the norm. They probably want to stand out more by dressing differently and listening to different genres of music.

Don't get me wrong, they aren't better off or superior in any way. It's just their mentalities that differ. To the unsung alternative heroes, it's all about innovating, not imitating. And how do they do that? Customise.

You see, to custom-make a product takes a lot of creativity and it sure does have its fair share of risks looking unsightly. But on the hind sight, no one else is going to have the exact same product and that's the magic of it. And this brings me to the Phaeton.

This car has everything you'd expect from a luxury saloon. It pushes the boundaries of refinement and is outstandingly built. But it also has a few things you wouldn't expect. And one of them is customising the interior to suit your very own preference. From colours to materials - you name it, they'll do it.

Exterior

On first glance, the Phaeton resembles a slightly stretched Passat which is of no insult as the extra length translates into a very generous cabin.

Clever use of shiny chrome helps to align the grille with the headlamps while the 3-dimensional VW badge sits smack in the centre, creating a wider stance. Chrome strips also appear on the lower section of the bumper, giving the front end a bolder look.

Nonetheless, the Phaeton still manages to preserve its mark as the modest limo, choosing quiet dignity over flashiness. It could be a point the German marque is aiming for, as the big Volkswagen arrives quietly in comfort and sneaking in through the side garage. It's simply not attention-seeking like many plush cars are.

From the side, the Volkswagen Phaeton is the epitome of classic styling, with chrome rubbing strip that runs the full length of the car, with breaks for the wheelarches, before progressing and integrating seamlessly into the rear wings. It's not overdone but instead, it gives the car a sophisticated and prestigious appearance worthy of a 'limousine'.

Comparing it with its competitors, some reckon that the exterior styling of the limo is understated to the point of almost being dull. I beg to differ. With automotive designers trying hard to give their best to create the finest, they're minds are somehow clouded, forgetting the importance of minimalism. The Phaeton, on the other hand, has succeeded in that area as it does well in maintaining its sophistication and simple styling.

Interior

Open the door and a fresh air of royalty treatment greets you with lushness uncommon amongst German vehicles.

The opulent cabin, with some very flamboyant details, makes it the best part of the car. The interior is solidly built using the finest leather and wood Volkswagen could find while the buttons have a fabulous damped action and feels expensive to the touch. Similarly to Audi's A8, the leather-covered, T-shaped gear shifter looks the part and changes gear with a robust thump.

Its enormous cabin offers a sense of occasion, whether you're behind the wheel or lounging in the soft rear bench. Seats are comfortable and supportive all round, with acres of head and legroom for four full-sized adults. In fact, it's so fresh and airy that it has what it takes to topple even some of its competitors in its class.

However, it's a little different for the boot. Measuring slightly over at an extensive five metres, the absence of a folding rear seat does restrict its flexibility, causing the boot space to be merely adequate for its class.

It comes as no surprise that Volkswagen is capable of creating such a luxurious vehicle. The German marque has certainly differentiated the Phaeton from the rest of its sporty models, creating an interior of such with a style of its own.

The Drive

For a 4.2-litre V8 engine, the Phaeton is exceptionally quiet on the move with only the occasional engine noise and sound from the stereo system being noticeable.

Exert a little more pressure on the accelerator and the engine emits a low burble - typical of a V8 engine. But you can only hear the ferocious roar when you step up the pace and that doesn't always happen.

The Phaeton, like most Lexus models, conveys a mismatched message of discipline, forcing you to drive the limo like a gentleman. You'll want to let the Phaeton drive you peacefully and silently along our stressful roads in a haven of expensive wood and plush leather. There's hardly an urge to rev the engine unless really necessary.

But when you do, this driving machine will impress even the most demanding drivers. As the sleek rocket launches, your head spins a little and the epic rumble of all eight cylinders exhaling underneath the humble bonnet will set your heart beating like a jungle drum. Drive into a corner and the V8 powerplant allows the Hercules to battle through it with minimal roll.

Smoothness comes very naturally while the well-weighted steering with plenty of feedback contributes to the sense that this is a beautifully coordinated car of intrinsic quality.

Moreover, the zero to hundred timing does feel quicker than what the paper suggests because it's so quiet and you don't feel the upshifts. And although the fact that this is a heavy car for its class, weighing over two tonnes, the Volkswagen Phaeton is responsive to throttle and brake inputs, making it relatively effortless and entertaining to pilot.

Conclusion

Unlike the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7-series, you don't often see the Volkswagen Phaeton on the road. Could it be that the VW badge simply isn't desirable enough to compete in this luxurious class? Or does it just make the car a bit more exclusive than its rivals?

With the limo's faultless execution, I reckon this unsung hero deserves a little more credit. If you're the kind who goes for space and comfort more than style and glamour, the Phaeton could save you a fair bit of dough.

After all, the outstanding ride and lavish interior makes the Phaeton an exemplary cruiser.

What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.