Nevertheless, while I didn't have the opportunity of testing the A8 L next to its competitors, it felt more connected to the road than all but the BMW. Come rain, sleet or snow, however, its quattro all-wheel drive would no doubt play out the Audi's advantage. I took the opportunity to throw the A8 L through some extremely tight curves on a particularly twisty piece of roadway that winds its way up to a local ski resort. Its stability is uncanny. While it's always a good idea to remember gravity will eventually overcome stupidity, I at least pushed the car well beyond the speeds I would normally drive. Its grip is beyond reasonable, especially when factoring in its weight and length. Now I see why the Canadian division didn't bother with the shorter wheelbase model.

The A8's taut structure and all-wheel drive traction translates into superb handling dynamics. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

The A8 L's focus on driving dynamics is due to owners that rarely ride in the back, which is almost a shame. The rear seats are so comfortable, with the added luxury of optional heated cushions and two-way lumbar support, plus the convenience of overhead vanity mirrors and individual spot lighting, that it would be tempting to hire a driver and while away the morning commute in quiet relaxation. I was a little disappointed, however, that the back seatbacks don't recline, a feature even much less expensive cars are now offering. Privacy can be had by sliding the rear side window sun shades upward, or flicking the overhead switch that powers the rear shade into place - also controlled by a switch on the dash. The rear doors are replete with two pop out bins apiece, integrated amid one of 12 Bose stereo speakers.

The rear seats are so comfortable, with the added luxury of optional heated cushions and two-way lumbar support. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

That audio system is pretty impressive, with sensational sound no matter the volume. There's no CD changer integrated into the center stack itself, but rather Audi has chosen to follow Lexus' lead in placing it in the glovebox. But this is where I have to shake my head in dismay. Rather than situating it on the left side of the glovebox, where a driver could reach it in a stretch, it's shoved all the way to the farthest position possible. While this might work for the passenger, I had to remove my seatbelt and hike over the rather large dual armrest to reach it. Then, while contorted beyond reasonable levels of flexibility, the loading and unloading process of six possible CDs seems to take much longer than it probably does. While I'm relatively agile, I'd be curious to see someone older, larger, shorter, or with back problems attempt it. The second time around I ended up getting out, opening the passenger door, sitting in the passenger's seat and swapping discs, rather than slipping my own. What a pain.