Audi A8 L W12

The good: The Bang & Olufsen audio system delivers exceptional audio quality in the 2008 Audi A8 L, and Bluetooth phone integration is excellent. The car handles superbly for its size, while pampering occupants with a very smooth ride. Innovative includes lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The refrigerator just hits it over the top.

The bad: Fuel economy is predictably poor, especially in city driving. The navigation system doesn't offer much beyond basic route guidance. A trunk-mounted DVD changer uses an awkward cartridge system.

The bottom line: The big 2008 Audi A8 L W12 combines high luxury and surprisingly sporty performance. Its tech credentials are anchored by a stellar audio system, and include some innovative driving tech. While quite nice to drive, a chauffeur makes a fine accessory.

The 2008 Audi A8 L W12 rests in a premier echelon of cars that combine extreme luxury with exceptional driving performance, cars that make it difficult rather be reclining in the back seat while a chauffeur drives or up there where the action is, with your hands on the wheel. The back seats tempt with a DVD entertainment system, power adjustment, and a refrigerator. The driver's seat offers control over the 6-liter 12-cylinder engine and superb all-wheel-drive handling for such a large car. All seats get treated to stellar sound from the Bang & Olufsen audio system.

But there are a few clouds over Audi's rolling oasis. An engine this size is thirsty, and limits the car's range. And while the car features some new and impressive tech from Audi, the navigation system is the same as in the company's lesser models, still DVD-based where many companies are going to When faced with such stiff competition as the Mercedes-Benz S63 and the Lexus LS 600h, you need to be perfect on all fronts.