The system's primary controls are available on the console and via the high-tech MMI (multi-media interface), that also works the climate, navigation and trip computer functions. The screen is ultra-cool, popping out and up automatically from behind a wood covered lid. It's also fairly easy to operate, sourcing radio stations automatically and then displaying them on the monitor. Occasionally it would not locate the most popular AM talk show station in my city, forcing me to click over to an override system that made finding it possible. I have no complaints with the system itself, but the radio volume control knob wiggled from side-to-side disconcertingly and the plastic buttons covering the lower console were also loosely fitted giving the whole package a low rent feel.

The A8's high-tech MMI (multi-media interface) is ultra-cool, popping out and up automatically from behind a wood covered lid. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

Now that I'm on the subject of less than ideal quality, Audi could have gone the extra mile when sourcing its child seat anchors attached to the rear shelf. Not only were the cheap plastic covers extremely difficult to pry off, but they popped out of place exposing an ugly metal hook and uglier cardboard underlay - hardly the kind of attention to detail expected in a $100K luxury car. In comparison, BMW's 7-Series treats parents much better, with child seat anchors that work well and are even appealing to the eye. After all, if you have children of the child seat age, the rear shelf is something you have to look at daily.

The A8 has some quality glitches that are surprising for a $100K luxury car. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

There were other quality glitches too. One of the front overhead lamps was slightly loose causing me to have to press it up flush with its surrounding overhead console. It would slowly work its way out soon after, causing me to go through the process again and again. I hate stuff like that. Another annoyance was a driver's side floor mat that, despite being fixed in place so that it supposedly couldn't move, kept riding between my right foot and the gas pedal. I'd kick it back down and within a minute or two it was right back in the same aggravating spot. And what's with the clock? Why would Audi choose to situate it in the far left instrument binnacle, hidden from all passengers? I kept on having to tell my wife what time it was. Now that's annoying!