The designers and engineers behind a new Audi A8 really need to hit the mark, or they'll be hanging their heads for eight years, such is the length of time between relaunches.
Their efforts are more than evident in the cabin. Fore and aft you'll find attention to detail and high-class accents such as ambient lighting, reading lights, and beautifully finished wooden inserts that have been sanded and varnished by hand. This really is a top-notch environment for well-heeled passengers, as well as drivers, who'll find the pilot's seat superlatively adjustable. A tiny niggle is the central locking button in the back, which might be useful for security-conscious oligarchs, but is a hindrance for parents of inquisitive kids.
Big cars like the A8 are always under fire for their thirst, but Audi has taken a leap forward with the efficiency of its powertrains, without sacrificing performance. The 42.8mpg, 3.0-litre TDI would be our choice, emitting 174g/km of CO2 and producing 247bhp, but a more frugal 201bhp version will join the range in November 2010, offering CO2 emissions of just 159g/km. Top of the range for now are a pair of 4.2-litre V8s - one petrol and one diesel - both capable of 0-62mph in less than 6sec.
Toys are an essential ingredient for any ?ber-saloon, and the most exciting thing waiting under the A8's Christmas tree is the new touch-screen sat nav screen with handwriting recognition. As you scribble your destination on the screen, the system reads back each letter to help you avoid mistakes. It's a novel system that works surprisingly well, even given our doctor's-note scrawls.
Dynamically, the A8 belies its bulk, and while you couldn't call it agile, swift corners are handled admirably, and the steering scores well for feedback and feel.
It's not all credit to the A8's developers, though, as the exterior is a bit of a let down. In such a style-conscious segment, it's a disappointment that the new car resembles the old one so much, and, apart from the special strip of running lights at the front, it doesn't set itself apart from lesser Audis as it should. Yes, Audi is about understatement and conservatism, but £60,000-plus should buy you more kerbside kudos than this car offers.
While the exterior isn't exactly striking, it's certainly handsome enough and doesn't offend, and isn't enough to obscure the rest of the car's talents. After all, a high-quality, super-comfortable interior space is more important for a large executive saloon, and the A8 ticks that box with ease.