you seem to think that going fast in a straight line makes it a performance car. it certainly does not. a mk5 golf would knock an a8 senseless the minute you introduce any kind of corner.
Actually you would be very surprised how well it takes corners. The sport model is exceptional(which i have), the non-sport isn't as good. But you wouldn't have a clue because you've never driven one

the cars are cheap because the running costs are high (insurance, fuel, maintenance.)
Correct. Its probably the maintenance costs more than anything. Parts don't usually fail, but worn out or failed parts can cost a fortune, and its not easy to repair.
there is no denying it's a big pimpin car, but don't try to argue that it's something it's not.
Its a great car. The A8 certainly is a performance car, but i would probably only count the sport model as the true all rounder. Forget the 2.8 and 3.7, the 4.2 is a must.
I've been out in one a friend of mine has a couple of times (very rarely admittedly) but he hardly drives the thing due to the petrol it uses.
Was that a sport model or a normal model? It does make alot of difference. The non sport bounces all over the place. The sport is very firm and has endless grip.
I have driven an a6 but not an a8
So how can you really comment at all? That would be like me saying bmw's are crap, but i've never driven one
