Thanks very much for the reply
Yeah, that's what puzzled me too.
I owned 2 A8s prior to this (a '96 and a '97 model) and I'm sure the driver's door locks operated mechanically on those. Whereas this late 2002 D2 S8 (one of the very last D2s I believe) is almost certainly not mechanically operating the lock. It 'feels' purely switch-like ... very little mechanical resistance as you turn it, other than the spring-back tension.
I was of the understanding that it does have deadlocks though. I'd have to check to confirm, but I'm pretty sure the deadlocking features are mentioned in the vehicle's owner's manual. Also, you have to double-pull on the internal handles to get out when the doors are locked .... isn't that a deadlock thing?
The boot lock feels mechanical however, but that won't unlock the car either, only the boot itself.