FROM most angles the Audi S6 Avant looks a large car...which is exactly what it is.
With a length nudging towards five metres and a substantial girth of two metres this is capacious family transport.
But from the driver's seat, with the V8 powerhouse throbbing gently away, the five-seater holdall shrinks around the helmsman and feels more sports car than estate car.
This is partly because of the immense power emanating from the twin turbo 4.2-litre engine - 414bhp to be precise - partly due to the clear far-reaching visibility offered by the large glass area and also thanks to a noticeable improvement in the driver-feedback now being offered by Audi's performance models.
Not so long ago, the marque's quicker cars attracted criticism for their lack of dynamism. Despite huge reserves of power there was a somewhat wooden feel that tended to isolate rather than involve the driver.
The introduction of the R8 supercar helped resolve this and Audi has gone on to tweak the platform, ride and steering in order to boost the fun factor.
Electronically limited to 155mph, the big five-door thunders to 62mph in an awesome 4.7 seconds putting it in Porsche 911 territory.
The standard seven speed, paddle-operated twin clutch automatic gearbox deals instantly and imperceptibly with ratio changes as the muted roar of the engine's revs ebb and flow.
Over sweeping, twisty country roads it's frequently necessary to check the speedo - it's too easy to get carried away and find yourself adrift of the speed limits.
With quattro four wheel drive, there are sizeable reserves of adhesion and it's rare to feel any noticeable attitude change.
Occasionally, the big low profile rubber will bite deeper into the Tarmac as electronic aids help the car maintain total adhesion. Body roll is kept a minimum.
Despite its throaty but muted V8 growl, the S6 is a quiet, civilised place to be with ultra-supportive seats and a beautifully designed and built cabin.
The quality of the chosen plastics and leather is excellent. I just wish a conventional handbrake would take the place of the electronic button.
Of course, the Avant has a sensible side too. Five can sit in comfort and stretch out their legs front and back.
It is the perfect grand tourer, too, with space for 565 litres of luggage in the rear with a full complement of passengers. Fold down the back seats and you can get in 1,680 litres - that's nearly 300 litres more than its sister, the A7 Sportback.
You don't buy a V8 for its frugal values. Nevertheless, Audi engineers have done a good job in making the S6 efficient.
Emissions work out at an acceptable 226g/km and the official combined consumption is a shade under 30mpg. Don't expect to hit that target, though - my average of 23mpg is probably more realistic.
Hugely impressive as a rapid cross-country express or a family estate, the S6 Avant is surprisingly easy to live with either around town or hammering down the motorway.