VOLKSWAGEN, translated from the German, means the people's car. That's how designer Ferdinand Porsche saw his first car, the original Beetle, which was designed as cheap transport for the masses.
In the case of the Phaeton, at a cool £74,875 for the range-topper test car, that should now read: The rich people's car.
To be fair, VW still mostly plies its trade at the upper end of the mass market, offering well built, stylish and reliable products that hold their value.
So you would wonder why the company would venture into the luxury market dominated by Jaguar, Mercedes, Lexus and its own stablemate Audi.
The Phaeton is more than a match for any of them, but the prestige badge is missing. The question is, after five years production and a mini facelift last year, will it sell?
Well perhaps not that many, but what it does do is highglight the cutting edge technology and fantastic build quality of the VW brand to the most discerning of buyers, which should, in effect, boost the reputation of the company's smaller cars.
Having recently driven some of the closest competitors, I can says that the Phaeton lacks for nothing in terms of engineering and equipment.
At a distance the car could be mistaken for an extended Passat, but closer inspection reveals the discreet but stylish design that marks it out as a car of real quality.
Revisions include a new bonnet and grille, more chrome detailing, restyled front lights and new rear light clusters.
It all adds up to a subtle and attractive appearance.
The interior is even better - elegant, bordering on opulent. Nothing has been left to chance and the VW engineers' and designers' attention to detail could not be more apparent. Everything closes and latches with a reassuring thud, a sure sign of the highest build quality.
The cabin offers luxury for all occupants, with comfortable multi-adjustable heated rear seats with an option for a massage while en route.
The rest is a riot of wood and leather, with high quality instrumentation and even an analogue clock inset in the wood of the instrument panel. Virtually every gadget and toy is included as standard.
The centre console houses a multi-purpose infotainment system for satellite navigation, climate control and TV/DVD and a superb sound system and the woodwork continues surrounding the autogearbox lever and two cupholders.
Sometimes it is the little things that please and these cupholders kept me amused for longer than I should admit.
Push the circular discs and the damped cupholders open up to allow you to place your drink. When you have finished, press a chrome release button and they become part of the centre console again. Brilliant.
The huge price range between the 'entry' level three-litre V6 diesel at £43,515, and the range topper is explained by the engine choice.
The long wheelbase test model featured the mighty W12 six-litre petrol engine. This is effectively two V6s bolted together, producing a whopping 450bhp, but there are also a 4.2-litre petrol V8 with 335bhp and a new turbodiesel with 233bhp. Only the V6 offers a short wheelbase option.
All produce more than enough power for what is essentially a luxury cruiser, although the W12 is capable of nearly 200mph.
It is quick off the mark too, very quick, with the 0-62mph sprint taking just a shade over six seconds. All this power comes at a price and the Phaeton drinks like a lager lout with a claimed 19.5mpg seeming very generous.
The turbodiesel seems far more sensible with nearly 30mpg acheivable.
Power is transferred through a seamless, slick shifting six speed auto gearbox and the car whispers along with not a hint of road, wind or tyre noise. The multi-function, continuously damped, self-levelling air suspension means occupants float over ruts and road bumps.
If the weather gets a bit iffy, VW's acclaimed 4MOTION four-wheel drive kicks in, supplying drive to both axles.
Safety is at a premium with stability and traction control programmes, assisted, anti-lock braking and eight airbags.
The Phaeton may not sell in big numbers, but it is a true luxury motor. It could also be a quite a second hand bargain - if you could afford the fuel costs.
FAST FACTS
Volkswagen Phaeton 6.0 W12 4MOTION LWB
Price: £74,875
Mechanical: 450bhp, 5,998cc, 12cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.1 secs
Combined mpg: 19.5
Insurance group: 20
C02 emissions: 348g/km
Bik rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust