equipped with the optional Prestige package ($6,330), which includes 19-inch alloys combined with 255/35HR19 all-season Bridgestone Potenza tires. I approached each parking opportunity with trepidation, finally choosing to park the A7 far away from beaters that might use the opportunity to use its flanks as a door stop.

Eerily silent, the A7 was surely one of the quietest vehicles I have ever driven. Combined with excellent feedback communicated through the thick steering wheel, the result is an exceptional driving experience. While tempted to try some aggressive maneuvers, I regrettably had no skid-pad time scheduled during my week behind the wheel. It probably would have been a fruitless undertaking anyway, as the electronic babysitters combined with the quattro all-wheel-drive system would have made it nearly impossible to get the A7 to break loose, unless I tried a really, really stupid stunt, of course.

Where the 2012 Audi A7 would truly excel is on a transcontinental journey, say from Los Angeles to New York City, possibly from Berlin to Rome, or maybe Paris to St. Moritz in the winter. (Yes, Audi, I'm available for this duty.)

I plan to start skiing again this winter, now that my separated shoulder has fully healed. It's 350 miles from my house to California's Mammoth Mountain. With its svelte good looks, fold-down rear seat, and almost 50 cubic feet of luggage space, I can't think of a more satisfying car to make the trip--a far better choice than the typical luxury SUV or even a high-end "crossover." I'm just hoping Audi will let me check out the A7 3.0 TFSI for a second time.