IN the German manufacturers' race for maximum power from larger engines, one of the combatants has shown that size isn't everything.
The A8 is a huge car, particularly in long wheelbase format, so you would naturally expect it to be powered by a four, five or even six-litre monster, with bhp to match.
Not so the luxury thoroughbred tested here. Under the gleaming black bonnet sits an engine that punches well above its weight, a three-litre diesel powerplant developing 233bhp.
I tested this engine in the A4 which was lightning quick, and performance only suffers slightly in the much bigger executive limo. It still sprints from 0-60mph in a smidge under eight seconds and on to a top speed of 150mph, thanks largely to the aluminium panels which keep the bodyweight down and the aerodynamic design.
Powerful, very rapid and also frugal. Combined fuel economy is claimed at 33.6mpg, a totally believable figure and mightily impressive for such a large car.
The performance is matched by the four-wheel drive quattro system which keeps the car stable and quick-changing six-speed auto gearbox where driver also has the choice of Tiprtonic or paddle selectors behind the steering wheel. Steering is light but direct and the ride is superb.
The air suspension can set the ride to three preferences, auto, to take account of driving conditions, comfort, to whisked along on a magic carpet ride, or dynamic, to match the sport button which sharpens the gearchange and handling.
Plenty of performance, but this limo is all about space and luxury. The A8 has always been slightly understated against some of it competitors, but the latest design gives a sleeker cat-like like grace, particularly in black livery. Shod with huge 18-inch alloys the car gives every impression of comfort and luxury.
If the outside looks a shade understated the same cannot be said about the interior, which is a riot of leather and thick, plush carpeting plus a host of electronic gizmos.
The thick carpets and sound insulation make the outside world almost silent, particularly when cruising on the motorway.
The car naturally features first class build quality, at least on a par with the best in its class with chrome and wood insets and bright trim.
The car has all the extras you would expect from a £50,000 plus motor car and includes satellite navigation, a superb sound system and climate control.
Once inside, occupants are cossetted in luxury in the thick leather seats while the extra length means rear passengers can stretch out in comfort.
The A8 has a large boot to match the large exterior so four or five suitcases should prove no problem at all.
Audi are one of the success stories of the motoring world at the moment. It is easy to see why.
FAST FACTS
Audi A8 3.0 TDI quattro Sport LWB 4dr
Price: £58,515
Mechanical: 233bhp, 2,967cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 151mph
0-62mph: 7.9 secs
Combined mpg: 33.2
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 224g/km
BiK rating: 31%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust