We are big Volkswagen Passat fans. The $22,000 1.8-turbo is a terrific car for the money, and the fast, smooth V6-powered models are an excellent step up.
Both engine choices are available in a sedan or wagon so the Passat offers something for just about everyone. But now along comes the $38,000 Passat W8 and it befuddles us a little: Is it a really, really expensive VW? Or is it the least expensive German car you can buy with all-wheel drive and an eight-cylinder engine? Is it simply former VW boss Ferdinand Piech?s ego run amok?
It is all of the above. Yes, the W8 is the most expensive VW available (as well as the first VW offered with an eight-cylinder engine), until the $65,000 Phaeton luxury car arrives in about a year. For now, the W8 is tops.
