Dressing Down to Slip past the Paparazzi
This is a fabulous car. Volkswagen's new Phaeton compares at least evenly with every large premium car in its class, including such industry staples as the BMW 7-Series, Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S Class. I like it more than the new Jaguar XJ and ironically more than Audi's recently redesigned A8.
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| The Volkswagen Phaeton is a fabulous car, easily on par with the best of the premium car class. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Well let me think about that last one. I like the Audi's styling better. The Phaeton, on the other hand, is inoffensive externally, blending into the scenery a little more than any of its contemporaries. Even the Lexus LS 430 seems rich in comparison. Drive up to the valet in a Phaeton and no one looks, except maybe the valet that knows enough about each model of every manufacturer to recognize the car for what it is. To most, it just looks like a large Passat, attractive but nothing new and definitely nothing expensive.
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| To the average person on the street the Phaeton slips well under the radar. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Throughout my test week I asked passersby what they thought it was worth. The average answer was $50,000, with most thinking they were shooting a little high. Ask the same people what a BMW 7-Series, Jaguar XJ or Mercedes-Benz S Class costs and they often overestimate.
But to many, this "problem" will be seen as a positive. Some would rather slip silently by their adoring fans and annoying paparazzi, or discreetly avoid attracting the attention of the taxman or the amorous "heart" of a gold-digger. Maybe you just want all the luxury and refinement that a car in this league can give you, but you'd rather not have all your neighbors coming over to see if they can cash in on your lottery winnings.