Audi A8 Saloon (2003 - 2011) practicality

As you'd expect from Audi, safety is paramount - eight airbags and several electronic driving aids line up alongside a complete alarm and immobiliser system. Sensible buyers will fit a tracking system. There's no Euro NCAP crash test rating (cars this expensive don't seemed to be crash tested for some reason...), but it ticks every box on the safety gadget list.

It's a long car and the interior reflects this with more than adequate room in the cabin, and a deep, accommodating boot for luggage. The bootlid opens wide, making it easy to load luggage and there's a big glovebox too. There's also the option of automated boot opening and closing which is useful if you have hands full, but the cargo net comes as standard and is great for stopping smaller bags from sliding around in the boot.