There's something about the Volkswagen Phaeton that's so synonymous with New Europe. The astonishing Dresden factory in which it's built has become a symbol of nascent Eastern power and the Phaeton itself is a refreshing alternative to the usual Mercedes and BMW choices that now seem so 'old money'. The plutocrats who really control the finances of the swollen European Union may well be looking upon the Phaeton long-wheelbase with barely disguised envy and checking their car allowances.

This, after all, is a car that says all the right things for any European Commissioner looking for their next set of wheels. The very title 'Volkswagen' promotes the fact that you're a man or woman of the people, weighing in with a little less ostentation than many prestige badges. The Phaeton itself, while featuring class leading engine technology and supreme comfort, even looks agreeably close to a Passat to deflect any suspicion that you've got your snout in the trough. What's more, the long wheelbase body coupled with your chauffeur allowance means that you can settle in the back and relax with a copy of Das Bild en route to the airport.

There are even three different models from which to choose. The LWB range opens at £45,760 for the 3.2-litre V6, then comes the £56,540 for the 4.2-litre V8 and the line-up tops out at £74,770 for the W12 6.0-litre. There is no better way of disguising your avarice than a Phaeton W12 LWB. With the extra 120mm discreetly massaged into the car's wheelbase, you get the benefit of that Club Class seat pitch without looking like a member of a rap star's entourage. The longer chassis isn't the only benefit of opting for the long wheelbase version of Volkswagen's finest. A rear console for operation of the 4Zone electronic climate control is included and there are also rear side window sunblinds, an electrically operated sunroof and for added discretion, a rear screen sunblind. The car can be specified as a standard five seater or, should you so wish, a four seat configuration.

"You get the benefit of Club Class seat pitch without looking like a member of a rap star's entourage"

The 6.0-litre W12 model that represents the extreme of the model range is an astonishing thing insofar as it remains totally focused on the task of being a luxury car. This may at first sound a little odd, but consider how the sporting pretensions of Audi and BMW have affected their brief as luxury expresses in the often-knobbly low-speed ride of the A8 and the 7 Series. The Phaeton makes no bones about the fact that it's a plutocratic wafter, the chassis raising an unamused eyebrow should you attempt to hurry it through a corner. Although the all-wheel drive W12 can hit 60mph in 6.3 seconds and would run on to over 180mph were it not electronically restricted to 155mph, its key assets are its huge torque, its relaxed air and its silky ride quality.

We're looking here at the revised version that features more changes than you might think from a casual glance. From the exterior, only the bi-xenon front lights, LED running lamps, a subtly reprofiled bonnet and new designs for the alloy wheels really give the game away.

Whichever engine you choose, you'll find a number of subtle enhancements to this improved Phaeton. The 'Front and Side Scan' system is fitted for the first time. 'Front Scan' can bring the Phaeton to a complete stop should the system detect a hazard ahead, while 'Side Scan' monitors the area beside the vehicle for any obstacles, the idea being to make lane changing on motorways safer and easier. Should an obstacle be detected in your blind spots, a warning is transmitted to the driver.

Despite all this technical excellence, it takes a determined mindset to snap out of judging this car as a Volkswagen and instead pitching it against the very best luxury cars in its class. Can the Phaeton W12 really put a lick on long wheelbase rivals such as the Mercedes S600L or the BMW 760iL? It's a tough task, but the Phaeton certainly brings a fresh approach to the sector. The S-Class is usually identified as the best on this particular block, but the Phaeton manages to make the Mercedes look a little old hat and gets the job done without the technological or stylistic affectations of the 7 Series.

The interior will be familiar to most Passat drivers, the layout of many of the controls being similar, but the materials quality is a league removed, the comfort features mind-boggling and the sheer space a distinct revelation. The five-speed automatic transmission's take up is so smooth that it comes almost as a surprise to see the view outside changing, your inner ear not registering the fact that the car has started rolling. The adjustable damper settings vary between 'blancmange in the midday sun' and merely soft, but high speed body control is always kept well in check. The air conditioning is exemplary, most of the airflow being directed through a set of mesh grilles on the top of the dashboard, providing effective temperature control without annoying draughts. There are vents on the fascia itself, and should you require a blast of air, wooden covers slide back automatically to reveal the vents beneath.

The long wheelbase version of the Phaeton strikes a lot of sweet notes. It seems to gel better than many other long wheelbase conversions. If you want a car that shouts status, it won't appeal but for those that need to keep a lower profile it's nigh-on perfect.

TOP 2 PHAETON DEALS

The results below show the top PHAETON deals on buyacar

	Volkswagen Phaeton 6.0 W12 4MOTION LWB 4dr [5 seat] Auto Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £1,396	Saving £10,594	Price £64,301
	Volkswagen Phaeton 4.2 V8 4MOTION LWB 4dr [5 seat] Auto Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £981	Saving £8,771	Price £47,894

typical 11.03% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000