THE latest Audi A8 may be overflowing with technological features and be cutting-edge in every sense of the word but the V6 3.0 TFSI quattro version I drove recently proved without doubt that modernism does not have to lose track of the pure, old-style enjoyment of being behind a big punchy petrol engine in supreme comfort.

This particular version, in SE Executive trim, was a prize example of the sort of car that results from intense competition in an area of the market where quality, image and performance still reign supreme.

Anything that drives into this sector has to be up to the competition and be ahead in as many ways as it can.

The A8 has no easy task, being pitched against some of the most potent luxury contenders ever created. Cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Jaguar XJ, XF and more are all elbowing for sales so keeping a few steps in front in some key areas is something Audi is well used to.

Majoring on technical advancement allied to pure driving joy, the A8 with this engine also takes into account environmental considerations with a respectable CO2 emissions figure of just 199g/km.

The engine is allied to Audi's eight-speed tiptronic transmission and it is an excellent marriage - a far cry from the clunky three-speed transmissions of other makes in the earlier days of boardroom motoring.

With supercharged power on tap 0-62mph is achievable in 6.1 seconds and top speed is limited to 155mph.

The engine, has an output of 290ps and delivers a silky smooth but exhilarating power flow with tremendous mid-range acceleration. And it is all kept in check by Audi's renowned quattro four-wheel-drive system.

This engine is just one of an impressive portfolio of engines featured in the A8 range but this one really does cater for the needs of the driver who still loves punchy petrol power.

It is brimming with technological advances and extra cost options on the car included Audi's night vision assistant with pedestrian detection plus an assist package which uses intelligent radar technology to warn the driver of potential hazards when undertaking lane-changing manoeuvres.

The SE specification fitted as standard to all A8 models includes DVD-based satellite navigation, light and rain sensors, the Audi Advanced Key system (enabling keyless access and start-up) and voice control technology for vocal operation of radio, CD player, car telephone and navigation system.

Additional aluminium interior trim, an enhanced ambient interior lighting system using LED technology and the latest Audi steering wheel design inspired by the single frame grille also add to the overall refinement of the widely acclaimed cabin.

The innovative aluminium body is based on a further developed version of the Audi Space Frame technology and compared with its predecessor, the car features a significantly reduced number of body components, thanks to the use of more functional large castings and extruded sections.

It is this amazingly light bodyshell - 50 per cent lower than that of an equivalent steel body - that helps to endow such agility on the road.

If the A8 has anything against it it is that its conservative styling may not be for everyone.

That is small fry compared to bucketloads of driving enjoyment on offer to anyone who wants to splash out the best part of £60,000 on an executive express par excellence.