A Nimble Executive Sedan
Despite its lengthy wheelbase - 121.0 inches, stretched from the standard 115.9 inches - the A8L is a surprisingly nimble and flexible car. The turning circle is relatively tight and the car's handling benefits from the legendary quattro all-wheel drive system, combined with an air suspension system on all four corners.

Road handling is impressive regardless of weather.

While the quattro system gives the A8L the expected high levels of roadholding, grip and traction - slick roads proved no match - the suspension brings continuous damping and a ride that's smoother than the average Audi.

The A8L comes standard with 19-inch wheels with 12-spoke rims, while 20-inch wheels are an option - and a much slicker choice from both an appearance and performance standpoint. With the larger wheels, ultra-low profile 275/35 R20 Continental SportContact tires are fitted to each corner.

Aside from all-wheel drive, the Audi comes equipped with numerous technological features to make every trip behind the wheel safer. These features include anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-pressure distribution and hydraulic brake assist, and anti-slip regulation traction control. With all these systems standing guard, it would take a massive blunder to get into trouble with the A8L.

Fully Loaded... for Safety and Comfort
The Audi comes standard with adaptive bi-xenon headlights and an advanced parking system with rearview camera. (The rearview camera displayed a more accurate picture than in a number of other cars tested recently.) The safety story continues with two-stage, dual-threshold airbags and knee airbags for the front seat, as well as side airbags for both the front and rear seat.

Of course, being an executive sedan, the Audi contains a full complement of luxury amenities. These include, but are not limited to: a navigation system, the MMI system, power sunshades for the rear windows, heated power-adjustable front and rear seats, and leather upholstery on the door panels, console and dashboard. (Conspicuous by its absence, particularly in winter: a heated steering wheel, my new favourite winter-driving option.)

For the uninitiated, MMI is Audi's system for controlling everything from the audio system to the climate control and from the air suspension settings to your Bluetooth-enabled phone. The system is a bit more intuitive than BMW's i-Drive, but you still have to question the logic of needing to manipulate two buttons to set the seat heaters. (My old Audi A4: one button on the centre console.)

The interior is opulent, but it might take some time to get used to the abundance of control buttons.