SOME buyers are becoming obsessed with the automotive equivalent of small portions.
Well, thank goodness for a three course main meal as dished up with the Audi S8.
It lacks nothing in painstaking preparation, full service delivery and leaves you with a distinct feeling of satisfaction and well being. It's a wholesome, hearty car for a driver hungry to enjoy driving in any conditions.
There is no doubt that when you have to cover long distances a big car is best and there are times when the additional room and refinement is vital, even for shorter trips.
Audi cannot let its luxury car rivals get away with making large models and it has cleverly kept one step ahead by fitting the sporting S8 with its acclaimed quattro all-wheel-drive so you have automatic and continuous safety benefits in any conditions.
There is a more expensive 8 in the series, the 6.0 W12 at £8,000 more, but the S8 is the sportiest of the line and developed for the driver who wants a more dynamic driving experience and trim.
The 5.2 engine is a powerhouse in a silk glove, delivering instant punch but very smoothly and quietly and it never sounded strained or under pressure. Matched to the instant changing six-speed automatic, although it can be used as a clutchless manual, the ratios made it rapid from rest, brisk when overtaking and very long legged on the motorway.
The overall economy is not exceptional but I did see it edging towards 26mpg at times on longer journeys. Having said that, you do not necessarily buy an S8 to save on fuel.
The refinement of the powertrain is matched by that of the secondary controls, but it may take some time to master the multi-function in-dash system. Stalks are plentiful and operate slickly while switches come close to hand to operate the usual essential features.
Instrumentation is big and clear, comprehensive and well placed with a lot of warning lights to raise your eyebrows every time the ignition is fired up.
Climate control is similarly effective but comparatively simple to set through the dash-board controls and it works very well. Powered windows can be augmented with a £900 electric sunroof for maximum choice, but the climate control is so good I cannot think why you'd want a hole over your head.
Oddments provision is very generous throughout the cabin and the boot holds 500 litres and has a comparatively low lip over which to lift items.
The doors open wide for ease of access and once inside it is an extremely roomy four seater and will take a third in the back if necessary. Head and legroom is exceptionally good and while all the seats offer excellent support the front pair have a huge range of adjustment for any desired settings.
Ride quality is on the firm but not uncomfortable side and you can electronically fine tune the suspension to optimise it for a particularly purpose, style or surface, the changes being instantly made and felt.
The Audi S8 traction system ensures maximum grip at all times and without the driver having to select any drive modes so it corners with confidence and without drama on any surface. As an all weather super saloon it takes some beating.
Despite weighing nearly two tonnes, the S8 behaves like a sporting hatchback with its agility and responses, its standing start acceleration is matched by its overtaking ability, it turns sharply and has massive brakes to haul down speed in an undramatic fashion.
Visibility is good for a big car but it comes with standard parking sensors for additional assurance as well as the powerful, long range lights and very large wipers.
The Audi S8 is a car you'd never tire of driving and, in fact, could be your antidote to a bad day where you had to endure some very small portions at lunch or dinner.
FAST FACTS
Audi S8 quattro 4dr
Price: £72,100
Mechanical: 450ps, 5,204cc, 10-cyl petrol engine driving four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 5.1 secs
Combined mpg: 21.4mpg
Insurance group: 20
C02 emissions: 314g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust