Models tested:
Audi A8 3.0 TDI Quattro SE 8-speed tiptronic
Audi A8 4.2 FSI Quattro SE Executive 8-speed tiptronic
Audi A8 4.2 TDI Quattro SE Executive 8-speed tiptronic
Price: £54,760, £64,190, £66,240
Date tested: February 2010
Road tester: Stuart Milne

Every eight years or so, a new Audi A8 is launched. This flagship model has consistently represented a technological tour-de-force, packing features that will eventually filter down to the rest of its models.

Audi's designers have a blueprint for success. They have a style all their own, and an understanding of what their buyers want - and that's technology.

From its LED headlights to a new MMI Touch infotainment system, the A8 is bristling with kit. But a luxury car like this will stand and fall by its dynamics and ride comfort.

First impressions are excellent. The interior is the finest yet in an Audi, combining handsome design, logical layouts and the finest materials - including woodwork sanded by hand - all built with the solidity we've come to expect.

The 4.2-litre FSI petrol engine is supremely refined and its 372bhp and 328lb/ft of pulling power means the A8 is rapid too. It'll reach 62mph in 5.7 seconds before running into a 155mph speed limiter.

Incredibly it still plays second fiddle to the 4.2-litre diesel - as far as performance is concerned. The oil-burner is 0.2 seconds faster to 62mph, thanks to a massive 590lb/ft of pulling power.

Both impressive engines, but the real winner is the all-new 250bhp 3-litre V6 TDI. Audi claims it averages 42.8mpg - making it the most frugal car in its class - and will emit just 174g/km of CO2, also best in class. It'll still reach 62mph in 6.6 seconds before hitting a 155mph maximum.

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Later in 2010 a front-wheel drive version of this 3-litre A8 will be offered - complete with 47mpg and 159g/km. By far the easiest on the wallet of any car in its class.

Also coming is an all-new 204bhp 3-litre V6 diesel, in two- and four-wheel drive guises. The two-wheel drive will return a best-in-class 47.1mpg with barely-believable emissions of just 159g/km.

Equipment levels are impressive too. An optional GPRS module can be added at extra cost, which can pull news and weather information from Google, allowing drivers to create routes on a home computer and download them to the nav. An additional module is planned to beam Google Earth images into the MMI, and eventually Audi says the A8 will become a mobile internet hotspot for full internet connection.

The base SE features adaptive air suspension, 18-inch alloys, tyre pressure monitoring, Bluetooth, MMI, park sensors, leather trim, heated memory front seats, cruise control, four-zone climate control, double glazing and LED 'mood' lighting. The SE Executive trim adds 19-inch alloys, electric boot lid, rear park camera and extra aluminium trim.

Audi is once again showcasing tomorrow's technology today. The new A8 marks a huge advance over its predecessor, which is why it deserves to be on any luxury car buyer's shortlist.