The Phaeton is Volkswagen’s first large luxury saloon. From first glance, the Phaeton looks visibly different, and very striking. Curvaceous and streamlined, it’s a beautiful piece of workmanship. Thankfully, it’s as strong under the bonnet as it is visually, with 3.2-litre V6, 4.2-litre V8 and 6.0-litre W12 models available. The W12 – the flagship engine of the range – produces 420 PS and 406 lbs ft (550 Nm) of torque. This power plant is combined with 4MOTION four-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The interior of the Phaeton is painstakingly decked out with chrome, wood and leather – it’s hard to escape the overwhelming feeling of luxury this car provokes. The large centre console contains an ‘information centre’ with 7-inch colour display. This monitor relays information form a variety of sources, where fitted, including audio; television; satellite navigation; heating and ventilation; on board computer and telephone. A draught free air conditioning system is another technological highlight of the Phaeton, and features four individually programmed zones (one for each passenger).
Mercedes-Benz C Class
Four years after its launch, Mercedes-Benz is significantly upgrading the already dynamic and impressive C-Class in terms of technology, equipment, and design. The suspension, steering and six-speed manual transmission have a more sporty configuration, ensuring that the C-Class offers an even more agile driving experience. A 192 hp supercharged four-cylinder engine has joined the engine range available for the Saloon and Estate model, and with the new 367 hp C 55 AMG Mercedes-Benz is offering an eight-cylinder unit for the first time in this model series.
The interior of the new C-Class has been upgraded with a new cockpit design with sophisticated new controls, line-specific seats and automatic climate control as standard. The innovative, scratch-resistant paintwork based on nano-technology is likewise standard. Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function, steering-wheel gearshift for the automatic transmission and new audio / navigation systems round off the highly desirable, high-tech specification.
Even at standstill, the redesigned front end with its bumper, radiator grille and headlamps conveys the dynamic characteristics of this Mercedes model series, which is available as a Saloon, Estate and Sports Coupé.
From £29,290 on the road
Audi A8
Audi combines luxury and sporting prowess with their potent 6.0-litre A8 quattro, which combines performance-enhancing transmission with dynamics and equipment aimed at keen drivers. From behind the flagship-identifying single-frame grille, the unique 6.0-litre, 48 valve W12 engine provides deceptively strong performance. In fact, the sprint from 0 – 62mph can be achieved in just 5.1 seconds. The electronically limited top speed of 155mph can be reached from a standing start in a little under 29 seconds.
Interior highlights include Valcona leather upholstery and Fine Nappa leather covering centre console and door trims and a DVD-based navigation system incorporated with the acclaimed Multi Media Interface. The A8 6.0 quattro completes a highly competitive A8 range that now offers an extremely strong contender on every tier in the luxury segment.
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 series range is a top ten best seller in the UK, and for good reason. The car’s biggest strength remains the way it drives, thanks to the smooth and powerful six-cylinder engine. The handling is tight and the steering is accurate, which makes it an absolute joy to drive. The Saloon is also a stunning vehicle on the outside, with the exterior design including the classic BMW kidney grille; the dynamic headlight, tail light and indicator design; and 16” star-spoke alloy wheels.
The interior design also includes a high level of detail, with an ergonomic design utilising high quality of materials throughout, as well as highly supportive seats. A dream drive that’s moderately priced.
Bentley Arnage T
The Bentley Arnage T embodies every that is powerful. Such a big vehicle (which it surely is at two and a half tonnes) is bound to conjure up feelings of grandeur, but the Arnage T backs it up with a remarkable 450bhp engine. It uses a mammoth 6.75-litre V8 engine; complete with turbochargers the size of large suitcases. To put it into simpler terminology, the Arnage T can go from 0 – 60mph in 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 168mph.
The engine is cased in the classy exterior of the Bentley – from the black winged ‘B’ badge to the matrix grille, everything displayed on the outside shows an exquisite level of detail which serves to reiterate the power this car commands. The handcrafted interior also lives up to expectations. A chrome and leather design gear selector, leather steering wheel, sports seats with diamond quilted indent and 6 CD auto changer all combine to make your powerful journey as comfortable as possible.
Host of BBC’s Top Gear, and the man who is more than capable of reducing car manufacturers to floods of tears with nothing more than a long pause and a few well considered words, recently ditched his Ferrari in favour of a Mercedes-Benz.