The Audi feels firmer than the Jag (in a Germanic way), yet is equally polished in every aspect. The ride is upscale, yet body motions are well managed. There might be a bit of extra driveline noise from the additional drive hardware up front, but you have to be listening for it. Steering response is about midway between the Maserati's and the Jag's, and all driver inputs are well matched. As you'd expect of a brand that lives its life in autobahnland, the A8's high-speed stability is superb. The six-speed automatic is ideal, giving a choice between full-automatic, sport-automatic, and manually controlled modes. The chassis and drivetrain can easily handle another 150 horses and more aggressive rolling stock; we hope an S8 is in the works.
All three are quiet, as a luxury sedan should be. The Jag is the most silent under cruise, the Audi more so under acceleration. The Maserati boasts more engine and exhaust noise--and trust us, you wouldn't want it any different.
Each cabin reflects its maker's country of origin. The Quattroporte's cockpit is sporty yet elegant and nicely stitched; natural-feeling leather covers nearly everything. The wood is real and the chrome lustrous, but all the black plastic buttons and the mouse-fur headliner don't match up to the rest. There's less legroom in back than in the Audi or Jaguar, although no less so than in their standard wheelbase versions. Maserati has filled the car with lots of electronics, including a nav system, a sophisticated trip computer, tire-pressure monitors, and plenty of power controls.
Jaguar still does a nice job with its timber and hide, too, but it's no longer better than everyone else's. A central touch screen controls many system and nav functions; conventional buttons manage the rest. The rear-area DVD system with dual screens is a step beyond, and even if nobody ever enjoys a picnic or signs a record deal on those cute walnut pulldown tray tables, they're a wonderful, old-world touch. Like the rest of the car, the Super V8's interior design and execution set no trends, but the interior is well done in every respect.
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