Don't judge this car by its cover

There is no doubt who Volkswagen is targeting with its high-end luxury sedan, or what it is taking on in terms of competition.

The new Phaeton is intended for those who, above all, value comfort and opulence in their cars and the competition the German manufacturer is taking on with its updated sedan are the likes of the Mercedes C-class and the BMW 3-series. And in order to address both aims effectively, VW has gone all out with its flagship vehicle.

For a car of its stature, the Phaeton's creators have gone a long way to ensure it does not fall into the boring trap in the looks department – the results of which will no doubt appeal to image-conscious drivers in the UAE. Being built low to the ground detracts away from the length to give it a sportier feel than other cars in its class, while the automatic headlights consist of two circles instead of the usual rectangles.

VW has placed emphasis on the small touches with the Phaeton, but given its Dh320,000 price tag, those elements are indeed important. Some of these include the wrap around indicators on the wing mirrors and automatic wood-finish covers that slide over the dashboard air-conditioning vents when the engine is switched off.

Of course, you may think the car is too expensive, especially for a Volkswagen. But the main reason you will probably stay away is because it looks so dreary on the outside and has no real pizzazz.

Yet go inside and you suddenly have a different level of car. There is no lack of gadgets and gizmos in the V8, 4.2-litre version and considered together they make the car an intelligent being in their own right. There is the smart access and start systems that enable the driver to approach and get the car on its way without the hassle of dangling keys – a feature that is becoming increasingly popular for executive motors. The rather heavy doors are equipped with soft-close features, which allow easier control and security for all passengers and the boot opens and closes at the touch of a button making this effortless.

The features including the DVD-based navigation system and intelligent audio system complete with easy-to-use controls make journeys really enjoyable. If that is not enough, there is the electric sunroof and the interior is fitted with a dehumidifier so the windows will not steam up in the high humidity we experience in the UAE. Add to this the adjustable suspension that really does adjust and you have a car fit for a king.

The plush leather interiors welcome the driver and several small controls and motors allow seat adjustments with absolute ease, but although completely appreciable, they are nothing compared to the rear seats, where the true nature of the Phaeton is in evidence. Luxury is an under-statement here where sumptuous leather of the highest quality make it seem absolutely criminal not to sink into them. But this is just the beginning of the story – the lavishly generous legroom of the rear seats, the distance from the front seats and independent cooling, entertainment and seat adjustment settings give the feeling of being in an entirely different car, if not a world of your own.

It's not often that the back seats are more appealing than the front, but this is where you would be better off in the Phaeton. Let someone else worry about traversing Dubai's bends, roundabouts and u-turns, for the car is very long making them tricky to navigate.

The Phaeton is intended to be an embodiment of comfort and opulence and VW has clearly put in the time and effort needed to live up to its ideals. Nevertheless, in spite of appreciable features, technology gizmos, appreciable gadgets and the superior interiors, the exterior of the Phaeton remains markedly under-stated, so much so that you are not likely to recognise the car for what it is.

Optional elements include an adaptive cruise control system to adjust speed depending on distance to the car in front. The car comes with front assist and side-assist functions, which serve to warn the driver when the car drifts too close to other vehicles on the road. While the car is a pleasure to drive, the over eager warning tones can become annoying.

With an acceleration from 0-100kph in 7.5 seconds, the engine purrs to life with ease. The adjustable suspension noticeably raises and lowers the height of the car depending on the speed to give it extra grip as it accelerates. And with 350bhp it has no trouble reaching the speed limit, which was especially useful when I discovered a lane closed.

For such a big car, fuel consumption was better than I expected at 13 litres per 100km. It also didn't register significant changes, as other cars do, at higher speeds, making it even more economical on short journeys.

As a luxury car – as a machine for going quickly and comfortably in sepulchral silence – the Phaeton is better than any of its rivals from Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Maserati. But the real sticking point for many brand-conscious car owners in the UAE will be about parting with the more popular ranges in favour of what is commonly thought of as a lower market manufacturer.