Elegant Predator

DRESDEN, Germany — Cruising the Autobahn from here to Berlin in the new, long-wheelbase '04 Volkwagen Phaeton engineered for North America, the electronically governed speed inhibitors kick in at 155 mph (250 km/h), and you are surprised — for a number of reasons.

There is a subtlety to how quickly and easily the first ultra-luxury sedan to wear a Volkswagen badge reaches top speed. And, once there, it doesn't feel like twice the normal driving speed — by North American standards. This sedan, 5-ins. (13-cm) longer than the Phaeton already on sale in Europe, is as solid and steady as it is quiet.

There are no titillating surges, no snap-you-back-in-the-seat feats of acceleration.

But the North American version, both with the 6.0L W-12 engine (420 hp and 406 lb.-ft. [550 Nm] of torque at 6,000 rpm), and the 4.2L DOHC V-8 (335 hp and 317 lb.-ft. [430 Nm] of torque at 3,500 rpm) that was added with the U.S. market in mind, get the job done and then some.

Passing other cars on this road of no posted speed limits, the Phaeton is admired and ignored in equal numbers.

Therein lies the contradiction that characterizes this luxury sedan as it prepares for its year-end sales debut in the U.S.

This is a calculated-risk vehicle for the German auto maker in taking the mainsteam VW brand into Audi territory. Its elegant but conservative styling, from tapered front end to bright round taillights, will be marketed to those who have wealth and want a befitting ride — but don't want to flaunt it.

Impressive is the Italian leather and walnut or eucalyptus wood in the interior. Not so are the plastic on the center console and some poor fit-and-finish on the dashboard.

More admirable is the trunk that holds four sets of golf clubs and the three aluminum hinges for the power decklid.

The navigation system within the integrated infotainment center could be more intuitive — but in the end it had no problem directing the car to Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.

Most buyers are expected to opt for the 5-seat model, but customization makes available a 4-seat layout with a wood-trimmed console, dividing heated and ventilated seats in both rows.

The W-12 comes with a luscious 18-way adjustable front seat complete with massage and 4-way power lumbar support. Add to that an indirect-air, 4-zone climate-control system with humidity sensors, heated washer nozzles for the front windshield, oversized sunroof and privacy shades for the back and side windows. A coating of infrared foil on the windows makes them heat-reflective and shatter-resistant.

The shorter-wheelbase Phaeton (only available in Europe, with a V-6, W-12 or diesel) has seen disappointing sales in its first year. A bigger, more powerful model for North America is considered crucial.

The new length, almost 204 ins. (518 cm) long, with a 118-in. (300-cm) wheelbase, also takes it from being mistaken for an oversized Passat, to a pseudo-limousine of pleasing proportions. All additional space is in the rear seats, including extended doors for easier entry.

The W-12 is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, but the V-8 gets a 6-speed automatic. Both come with VW's 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive.

Continuous Damping Control adapts the 4-corner air-suspension system to driving conditions. Less body roll is produced in the advanced sport setting than in the comfort mode. In all settings, the driver stays reassuringly in touch with the road. Steering and braking are precise. VW says it wants to sell 4,000 to 5,000 units in North America annually. Pricing had not been released as of press time.

VW says Phaeton is in the North American luxury market for the long haul. If so, the journey will be a pleasant one.

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton

Vehicle type: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, 4- or 5-passenger 4-door sedan

Engine: 4.2L (3,311 cc) 90-degree DOHC V-8

Power (SAE net): 335 hp @ 6,500 rpm

Torque: 317 lb.-ft. (430 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm

Compression ratio: 11.0:1

Bore × Stroke (mm): 84.5 × 93.0

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Wheelbase: 118.1 ins. (300 cm)

Overall length: 203.7 ins. (518 cm)

Overall width: 74.9 ins. (190 cm)

Overall height: 57.1 ins. (145 cm)

Curb weight: 5,194 lbs. (2,356 kg)

Market competition: BMW 7-Series; Mercedes S-Class; Lexus LS 430; Jaguar XJ; Infiniti Q45