GearBits

Volkswagen Not Just "The People's Car" Anymore

In case you've been living under a rock, you might not have heard that Volkswagen is trying hard to leave behind its image as the maker of the original bargain-basement Beetle and the VW Bus, a favored ride by Deadheads and hippies the world over.

Volkswagen has begun selling the Phaeton (shown), a large luxury sedan that shreds any previous stereotype that VW may think it needs to overcome.

For starters, the Phaeton offers an optional W-12 engine (yes, that's 12 cylinders) pumping out 420 HP. The car sports Volkswagen's 4Motion AWD system and a 6-speed automatic tranny with the Tiptronic pseudo-manual shifting feature. Real wood, real leather, and a 4-zone climate control system are some of the interior features.

So what does the top-of-the-line W12-equipped Phaeton run? Would you believe me if I said this Volkswagen is nearly $90,000? Of course, if you can settle for a mere 335 HP, 8-cylinder engine and no options, you can drive a Phaeton home for the bargain price of just $65,000, gas guzzler tax not included.