So, just how do you decide between an A6, a 5 Series and an E-Class? 

Well, given these three protagonists are so closely matched in almost every area you could do worse than simply select the latest kid on the block. At this particular moment in time, that's the Audi A6. 

Granted, the exterior rendition may be a wee bit predictable, sharing many of the same design cues as the A8 and A4 but you'd be hard pressed to find a more lavishly appointed interior. 

Twin touchscreens

Perhaps the biggest wow item is the infotainment and climate control interface, which replaces the previous model's rotary dial-controlled system with twin high-definition touchscreens. 

As well as looking highly sophisticated and properly futuristic, its interactions are pin sharp, and reinforced by audible and haptic feedback. In other words, you feel a pulse and hear a click whenever you prod the on-screen icons. It's by no means perfect though, as the icons require quite a determined press and a steady hand to hit when driving.

Typically of Audi the cabin construction itself feels as if it could withstand the onset of a nuclear winter.

It's immaculately tailored throughout, crafted from exceptional quality materials and elegantly finished, using a combination of brushed and chromed metallic highlights bathed in subtle mood lighting.

It's not exactly short on space either, with enough leg, head and shoulder room to comfortably house a quartet of scrum-dwellers and an enormous boot, which is the most versatile in the class due to its unrestricted aperture and standard split-fold rear seats. 

If man's best friend plays a key role in your life then you can simply head down the Avant route, as its carpet-lined luggage compartment will provide five-star luxury for your canine companion. 

Range options

There are currently two trims to choose from; Sport, which because of its smaller wheels and lower CO₂ output will be a fleet favourite; and S line, which brings bigger alloys, some racy looking embellishment, including S line front and rear bumpers, deeper side skirts a faux rear diffuser and lowered sports suspension.