Verdict
The Volkswagen Phaeton is an understated luxury saloon which shares much with the Bentley Continental GT and features sublime build quality and refinement.

Pros
• Understated design
• Exquisite build quality
• Smooth and refined

Cons
• Loses value quickly
• Can feel unwieldy on narrow lanes
• Looks a little anonymous

1. Exterior: 3/5
A facelift in 2011 brought sleek, angular headlights with integral LED sidelights, while the rear gets Golf-style lights. The understated looks appeal, although the Phaeton often gets confused for a Passat.

2. Interior: 3/5
The interior feels far more special than the exterior design, with lots of wood, chrome and leather. The controls are well laid out - although the sheer number of features can be overwhelming - and the seats are extremely comfortable.

3. Practicality: 4/5
There's space for four to travel in opulent comfort, but five can be accommodated. Long-wheelbase versions have an extra 120mm of legroom, substantially improving space. The 500-litre boot is huge and there's ample storage space in the cabin.

4. Ride and handling: 4/5
Offering sportscar-like thrills isn't the Phaeton's forte; instead it is an exceptionally comfortable and refined way to travel. It has staggering levels of grip with its four-wheel drive, but the sheer size of the car means it's happier when cruising rather than snaking along country lanes. All models come equipped with suspension which adjusts for height and firmness for a more comfortable or sporting ride.

5. Performance: 3/5
A 3-litre diesel accounts for the overwhelming majority of sales. Its 237bhp and 367lb/ft of pulling power gives 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds with a 147mph top speed. A 6-litre W12 engine gives a 6.1-second 0-62mph time and a limited 155mph top speed.

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6. Running costs: 2/5
The biggest cost facing Phaeton owners is its depreciation levels - it loses half its value in three years. The 3-litre diesel can average around 32mpg, and emit 224g/km of CO2. The 6-litre petrol has sub-20mpg fuel consumption and emits 348g/km of CO2.

7. Reliability: 4/5
The Phaeton feels extremely well built, and given Volkswagen's reputation little should go wrong. Volkswagen has issued no recalls since the car was launched in 2002, which gives additional confidence.

8. Safety: 3/5
The Phaeton hasn't been crash tested, but comes with front, side and curtain airbags, whiplash-reducing front headrests, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist. Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and electronic differential lock are also standard.

9. Equipment: 3/5
The Phaeton is well equipped, but lacks Bluetooth and iPod connectivity - they're an extra £1,000. Xenon headlamps, wood trim, four-zone climate control, CD autochanger, adjustable suspension and heated electric leather seats are all standard. The long wheelbase version adds rear window sunblinds, rear climate controls and an electric glass sunroof. The range-topping 6-litre petrol also features electric seats with 18-way adjustment, power operated bootlid and electrically height-adjustable seatbelts.

10. Why buy? 4/5
It's the luxury car that's not a symbol of conspicuous consumption. It's hugely refined and offers the driver and passengers luxury hotel levels of comfort.