As with every A8 I've driven, it is superbly well constructed. Even a few years into its life-span the interior still looks contemporary, especially when the woodwork that usually adorns the cabin is replaced by some carbon fibre-effect trim. The seats adjust every which way; there's a four-zone climate control; and the leather is dead comfy. Our S8 was even fitted with a TV, an £850 option (my six-year-old co-driver found it too low to see properly, but you can't win 'em all).
There's a colour camera that shows you where you're reversing; the boot has an electric motor so it opens and closes itself; and - what else? Ah yes, the heated seats have six warmth settings to choose from, and there are two illuminated interior mirrors, one at normal magnification and one that's electron-microscope strong for getting a real close-up of those spots. Handy.
Still, you can get all that on an A8 with any of the usual VW/Audi group engines, including their muscular V8 and W12 petrol units. Why, then, go for 10 cylinders when eight or 12 already do such a magnificent job of moving this Audi around? How can they justify yet another engine option?
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