What's my favorite feature? With little hesitation it's the retractable dash vents. Click the interface to direct airflow through the dash vents and three motorized lids automatically slide upward exposing four vents. The analog clock at dead center remains visible whether the vent lids are open or closed, due to a hole cut in the middle. It's a feature that's sure to wow your friends.
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| Shying away from BMW's questionable i-Drive approach, the Phaeton's console interface controls are straightforward in comparison. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
While the 6-disc CD changer is located somewhat inconveniently in the glovebox, at least VW had the intelligence to situate it close enough to the driver that CDs can be switched while sitting in the driver's seat. The DVD-navigation unit is housed beside it on the right, the same place that Audi's A8 product planners placed its CD-changer, rendering it out of reach from the driver's position.
I like the "his and hers" ashtrays at the base of the center stack, but all I could use them for would be disposing of gum or loose change being that I don't smoke. Just above, VW displays large audio controls with six radio presets, showing they didn't want to make the same mistake that BMW did when it introduced its 7-Series with the controversial i-Drive electronic interface and barely any analog controls.
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| The instrument cluster is a feast for tired eyes, literally. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
The system mode buttons, situated just below the infotainment display, are also large and easy to actuate. They include climate, nav, audio, trip data, and various additional functions that prompt the display screen when pressed.
The instrument cluster is a feast for tired eyes, literally, easily legible in any lighting and looking more like a set of Breitling chronographs than auto gauges. A discreet chromed "Phaeton" emblem sits at the bottom center position mirroring that on the rear decklid, reminding the user that this is no ordinary Volkswagen.