The world's first 4WD limo is a Volkswagen

Volkswagen Individual, the company's in-house customizer, is charged with creating bespoke vehicles and various limited-edition, niche market and specialty models. Their involvement could be something as simple as developing a new paint color or wheels to producing a run of specifically-equipped variants of existing models.The breadth of Individual's involvement across the VW lineup came as a surprise to us, and we'll discuss that in a separate post. For now, we want to focus on a special car they created to show off their capabilities, the Phaeton Lounge stretch limousine.

A 2005 design and engineering study, this six-passenger (2 in front, 4 in back) Phaeton limo also happens to be the first 4WD vehicle of its kind. Powered by a 420-horsepower W12, the 22-foot-long Phaeton Lounge's exterior is drenched in shiny black piano lacquer and accented with flashes of chrome.

The passenger compartment is decadently luxurious, awash in premium woods and contrasting leathers. The floorboards, all wood with aluminum strips separating them, look like they belong in a megayacht, never mind a car. In addition to the rich materials used, the rear cabin is predictably feature-laden. Replete with individually adjusting seats and footrests, 12-liter refrigerator, minibar, humidor, DVD entertainment system with two 17" displays, and a hidden PC with Bluetooth peripherals and mobile internet connectivity, the Phaeton Lounge is set up to make each ride comfortable, relaxing, and, if necessary, productive.

It's tastefully executed and communicates subtle elegance inside and out. As a showcase of Volkswagen Individual's abilities, it succeeds completely
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chewy - 8/9/2006 3:02:25 PM

+1 Boost

That looks very good. It looks in proportion compared to other limos.

webguy - 8/9/2006 3:04:21 PM

+1 Boost

There seems to be a little brand confusion at VW. Guys and gals at VW, if you're reading this... Audi is your premium line of cars. VW is your mainstream consumer line of cars. Haven't you learened your Phaeton lesson? There is a reason Dodge S500s aren't made. It's not because Daimler-Chrysler hasn't thought of it yet. You should follow suit.

nybimmer - 8/9/2006 3:48:40 PM

+1 Boost

Nice, but it is the answer to the question no one has asked. Notice the gorgeous Audi A8L 19" rims, though.

Doesn't BMW call its bespoke division "individual" as well? They make some really beautiful products - see: http://www.bmw.com/generic/de/de/products/equipment/individual/index.html

Check out the 750iL maritime - why can't we buy that in the US?

chewy - 8/9/2006 4:32:52 PM

+1 Boost

webguy

This is for Europe, the Phaeton has sold fairly wellt there.

Agent63 - 8/9/2006 6:37:00 PM

+3 Boost

VW or Audi. It doesn't matter in this case. It's luxurious enough to be a limo and that's good enough for it's customers. 10 times better than a Lincoln Towncar. In this case it doesn't matter whether it is badged VW or Audi. The materials are basically the same and the size is pretty darn close as well.

Quality build is a quality build regardless of it's name tag. Never judge a book by its cover. Never judge a car by it's name tag because you never know what goodies it has inside.

Rupert - 8/9/2006 7:12:08 PM

+3 Boost

i know it's not quite the same, but i'd pick this over a maybach.

IamEvilHomer - 8/10/2006 2:17:01 AM

+1 Boost

Rupert- I am probably the biggest VW / Audi guy here but that is a strange comment.

Matthew1 - 8/10/2006 2:43:17 AM

+4 Boost

Ha, Rupert, your European thinking is confusing the Americans!

Obviously the Phaeton is cheaper, so it can't be as rewarding to own as a Maybach! :)

Different mentalities. The Phaeton is a supremely capable and elegant luxury sedan, but where's the status?

Oh, status is soooo important. Shame on you Rupert, wanting a car with less status than a Maybach.

Shame on you.

Note to Autospies readers: Your a good bunch really.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/10/2006 3:25:51 AM

+4 Boost

You Yanks are a funny bunch. You'd buy a turd as long as it came with a designer label attached to it and you'd brag about it to everybody, Sad thing is that everybody around you would probably be envious because they did not buy the turd with the designer label.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLJKvfNeSiw

For those of you who have never driven a Phaeton or do not respect its brilliance, Click On The Link Above, Watch It, Pick Up Your Lower Jaw Off The Floor, And Shut The Hell UP.
That is the evaluation of Jeremy Clarkson a guy we can all agree has the most extensive and varied Car Test Driving Career and do you want to guess what he thought of the car.
It does not matter what badge the vehicle carries, if it is Good, IT IS GOOD. And we Europeans Understand that. In fact, it seems the REST OF THE WORLD understands that.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/10/2006 3:40:58 AM

+1 Boost

GOT A BETTER VIDEO FOR THE PHAETON
THIS ONE IS THE SAME BUT LONGER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm2swohEtYM&mode=related&search=

Rupert - 8/10/2006 7:16:22 AM

+1 Boost

i think it's better than the maybach.
if i wanted an airport shuttle, this would do me just fine.
i really don't like maybach. and the wooden floors sold me.
the phaeton really is a GOOD CAR. but it had the wrong badge for the market.
as hyundai say, a car first, a badge second.

Rupert - 8/10/2006 7:17:05 AM

+1 Boost

i wouldn't pick it over a rolls royce though, but they are too different to be compared.

Rupert - 8/10/2006 7:18:20 AM

+1 Boost

oh and if i was a billionaire, do you think i'd care what plebs think of me?
oh he only has a vw...oh well i'm a billionaire.

BMW530i - 8/10/2006 9:23:18 AM

+1 Boost

Since when does a Phaeton limo compare with a Maybach?

That's like saying I'd take a Passat over an S-Class because it is more luxurious. :p

phaetonmeister - 8/10/2006 1:20:45 PM

+2 Boost

Most folks here(or anywhere)don't realize that the Phaeton is built in Dresden on the same line as the Bentley Flying Spur.......are they the same car...no, but they share alot of the same build.....the Phaeton has done very well in Europe and Asia as a LIMITED production Halo vehicle......the U.S. Market is full of Brand Snobs....Hell, you could put the 3 pointed star or the blue and white roundel on a steaming pile of dog dung and people would buy it as a status symbol!!

Down8 - 8/10/2006 8:48:06 PM

+1 Boost

Noone going to mention that there are numerous Escalade and Hummer limos, which are all standard 4WD vehicles? This VW ain't near the first.

-bZj

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/10/2006 9:35:52 PM

0 Boost

Down8
Limo = Stretched Sedan

sulev - 8/10/2006 10:29:21 PM

+2 Boost

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS
Just a little clarification.
Limousine is generally defined as "a large, luxurious car" (www.askoxford.com), or "Any of various large passenger vehicles, especially a luxurious automobile usually driven by a chauffeur and sometimes having a partition separating the passenger compartment from the driver's seat" (www.dictionary.com)
Not all would consider a limousine just as a stretched sedan, please check your fact before going ballistic
However, I totally agree, Phateon is a great car. One of the most understated vehicles ever sold in here..

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/11/2006 2:03:43 PM

+1 Boost

sulev
I did check the definition of Limousine before posting my last comment and i for the life of me cannot remember why i still went with the Sedan description. However, I stand corrected.
I do not see how "Limousine = Stretched Sedan" can be considered as going ballistic