Driven

Full-size flagship luxury sedans deliver cream-of-the-crop accommodations and performance, but if you have to ask the price…

Automakers are going to great lengths—literally and figuratively—to attract well-heeled buyers with full-size luxury sedans that deliver top levels of elegance and refinement with unparalleled performance and a wealth of advanced technology. They don’t come cheap, but you’ll be a member of a fairly exclusive club if you can afford one of these flagship four-doors:

Audi A 8L W12 quattro

The long-wheelbase version of Audi’s full-size A8 blends limousine-like comfort with sports-sedan performance. A 450-horsepower, 6.0-liter W-12 powerplant resides under the hood (think two V-6s welded together at the sides and you have the general idea) and drives all four wheels with a six-speed automatic transmission that can be taken through the gears like a manual. An adaptive air suspension affords four separate ride settings to suit various drivers, roads and conditions. And, Audi’s Multi Media Interface deftly combines the operations of various systems, including navigation, audio and climate control. www.audiusa.com, MSRP: $118,190

Jaguar XJ Super V8 Portfolio

Just added to the model line, the long-wheelbase Super V8 Portfolio is now Jaguar’s top sedan. It packs a 400-horsepower,
4.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine that’s fitted to a six-speed automatic transmission, with a Computer Active Technology independent suspension at all four wheels that delivers a comfortable and quiet ride. With a plush and handsomely styled interior, the Portfolio includes virtually every imaginable amenity— including Bluetooth wireless connectivity, surround-sound audio, power-adjustable rear seats and a DVD entertainment system that includes not one, but two color screens, each embedded into the backs of the front-seat headrests. www.jaguar.com/us, MSRP: $115,330
Mercedes-Benz S600

An all-new rendition of Mercedes-Benz’s top S-Class sedan debuts this spring as an early-2007 model, and it is a virtual test bed of technology. Its bi-turbo, V-12 engine generates a scenery-blurring 517 horsepower, while an Airmatic suspension system adapts to changing road and driving conditions in as little as 50 milliseconds to maintain a smooth ride with capable handling. Inside the S600’s posh cabin, 12-way adjustable multi-contour heated and ventilated massaging seats are fitted with 11 self-inflating/adjusting air cushions for the ultimate in comfort. An optional Night View Assist monitor displays a low-light infrared image of the road ahead on a dashboard display. Meanwhile, its laser-guided Distronic Plus proximity control system can not only maintain both a set speed and distance from the traffic ahead, it’s the first of its kind to operate in stop-and-go highway traffic, making this about the closest thing yet to a car that drives itself. www.mbusa.com, MSRP: $130,000 (est.)

BMW 760Li

BMW’s top 7 Series sedan is graced with updated styling for 2006 that includes bolder design up front and a more subtle rear-end treatment. A 6.0-liter, V-12 engine delivers an explosive 438-horsepower and comes mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with manual-shift capability. Inside the extended 760Li, a new “titanium galvanic material” trims a well-equipped cabin, while the iDrive system that manages the climate control, navigation and audio functions has been modified to make it more user-friendly. A hands-free Bluetooth wireless interface that includes your choice of compatible mobile phones is now included among the car’s myriad high-tech features. www.bmwusa.com, MSRP: $118,900