Servotronic steering is an Audi hallmark, giving these German sport sedans light, effortless steering at low speeds and firm, responsive steering on the highway. The system strikes a perfect balance and offers good road feel, to boot. The brake pedal isn't quite as pleasing, taking a moment to respond to pressure. Ride quality is programmable thanks to an adaptive air suspension with comfortable, automatic, and firm settings. Typically, pushing the A8 on back roads isn't as pleasurable as its chief competitors, the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class, but in this case blame could lie with the 255/40R19 Pirelli Sotozero winter tires mounted to our test car.